Bullying and Harassment Policy Template
Bullying & Harassment Policy Template (UK)
Approx. 8 pages · 13 sectionsBranded PDF + editable WordLast reviewed:
What is a bullying & harassment policy and who needs one?
A bullying and harassment policy defines unacceptable behaviour, explains how staff can report it and how complaints are investigated, and sets out the steps you take to prevent it. Since 26 October 2024, employers have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees.
Defines bullying and harassment, sets out the preventative duty on sexual harassment, reporting routes, investigation and support.
Why buyers ask for this
Since October 2024, employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers, and buyers commonly ask about bullying and harassment as part of EDI and fair work questions.
Who needs it
All employers. Since 26 October 2024 employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
Where it comes up in a PQQ, SQ or PSQ
Under the Procurement Act 2023, supplier selection uses the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) plus each buyer's own conditions of participation and quality questions. Typical questions this policy supports:
- EDI questions on preventing harassment and discrimination
- Fair work questions on workplace culture and reporting routes
- Questions on findings of unlawful harassment by a tribunal or court
- – Supports EDI and fair work questions
What's inside
The full bullying & harassment policy runs to about 8 pages (including the branded cover and document control page) across 13 sections:
- Introduction
- Bullying and Harassment
- Scope
- Harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Less favourable treatment for rejecting or submitting to unwanted conduct
- Bullying
- Standards of work behaviour
- Circumstances which are covered
- Informal complaint
- Formal complaint
- Disciplinary Action
- Third party Harassment
Key points covered
- Definitions and examples
- Preventative steps
- Reporting routes
- Investigation
- Support for those affected
- Monitoring
Every document carries your logo, company name, version number, approval signatory and next review date, in branded PDF plus editable Word.
UK legislation, standards and guidance it references
- Equality Act 2010 (incl. s.40A preventative duty, from 26 Oct 2024)
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Excerpt preview
All members of staff are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect in their place of work. This means freedom from behaviour by colleagues that can be interpreted as bullying or harassment or that causes offence, and access to redress if such behaviour does arise. It also means standards of everyday behaviour that contribute to a working environment in which mutual respect and individual dignity are maintained.
Get your bullying & harassment policy in minutes
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. One-off payment.
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How to adapt it
- Read every section and remove anything that doesn’t reflect how your organisation actually works.
- Complete the bracketed [ADAPT] prompts with your own arrangements, people and data.
- Have the policy approved and signed by a director or equivalent, and communicate it to staff.
- Keep evidence that you follow it, and review it by the date shown.
Bullying & Harassment Policy FAQs
What are 'reasonable steps' to prevent sexual harassment?
Examples include a clear policy, training, accessible reporting routes, risk assessment and acting on complaints. The policy sets out the preventative steps you commit to.
Is bullying unlawful?
Bullying is not defined in legislation, but harassment related to a protected characteristic is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010, and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 covers a course of harassing conduct.
Does the policy cover harassment by customers or third parties?
Yes. It covers harassment of staff by clients, customers and members of the public, and the steps you take to protect employees when working on client sites.
How much does the Bullying & Harassment Policy template cost?
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. It is a one-off payment with no subscription, and you download branded PDF and editable Word files straight away.
Free guides
General information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between buyers and change over time; always check the tender documents.