Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate CIT’s commitment to an environment where all people are treated fairly with dignity and respect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all CIT staff and students.

3. Principles

3.1 CIT is committed to providing a working environment that is free from harassment, bullying and violence of any kind.

3.2 All staff and students are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect and therefore bullying, all types of discrimination and harassment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at CIT.

3.3 All staff and students must take personal responsibility to create a positive working and learning environment and to ensure that their conduct does not include behaviours which could constitute discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying, or increase the risk to another person’s physical or psychological health or safety.

3.4 All students must abide by the CIT Student Code of Conduct (PDF, 569.26 KB).

3.5 All staff must abide by ACTPS Code of Conduct.

3.6 Staff, students, and/or visitors who experience or witness harassment or bullying behaviour should report the incident as soon as possible. All incidents of bullying and harassment will be managed according to:

• 3.6.1 Student and Community Members Complaints Policy for students.
• 3.6.2 Resolving Staff Workplace Issues Policy and Procedures (PDF, 274.2 KB) for staff.

3.7 A single incident of unreasonable behaviour may have the potential to escalate into bullying and therefore should not be ignored.

3.8 All reports of alleged bullying, harassment or violence will be treated in a fair, timely, sensitive manner and procedural fairness/natural justice will apply to the complainant and respondent for all matters raised.

3.9 Reported circumstances may result in disciplinary actions.

3.10 Where criminal laws may apply, CIT will refer such matters to ACT Policing.

3.11 Supervisors and managers have a leadership role and are responsible for preventing incidents and taking prompt action if breaches do occur.

• 3.11.1 In line with the Fair Work Act 2009 an employee experiencing bullying may make an application to the Fair Work Commission for a stop order.

3.12 CIT will ensure support and assistance is available to any student or staff member in cases of discrimination, bullying or harassment.

3.13 Suspected risk of harm to a child or young person will be dealt with in accordance with the
mandatory reporting requirements in the Children and Young People Act 2008.

4. Documentation

• Fair Work Act 2009
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Public Sector Management Act 1994
• Discrimination Act 1991
• Human Rights Act 2004
• Ombudsman Act 1989
• Children and Young People Act 2008
• Information Privacy Act 2014

5. Definitions

All terminology used in this policy is consistent with definitions in the CIT Definitions of Terms.

6. Policy Contact Officer

For more information about this policy contact PeopleandCulture@cit.edu.au.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au for further information.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the associated procedures. Authority to make changes to the procedures rests with the policy owner.