Anti-Harassment Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out Towerblock Radio CIC's commitment to preventing and responding to harassment, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.

Scope

This policy applies to all directors, staff, volunteers, contractors, DJs, presenters, workshop participants, visitors and anyone connected to Towerblock Radio CIC activity.

Definitions

• Harassment means unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
• Sexual harassment means unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect described above.
• Protected characteristics are defined in the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Responsibilities

The board ensures a culture that does not tolerate harassment. All managers respond to concerns. Everyone is responsible for their own behaviour and for challenging harassment.

Policy Statement

Towerblock Radio CIC has a zero-tolerance approach to harassment. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We will take all reports of harassment seriously and act to prevent and address it.

Detailed Procedures

What constitutes harassment

Harassment may include:

• Offensive jokes, comments or name-calling.
• Physical assault or threats.
• Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
• Displaying or sharing offensive images or material.
• Excluding or isolating someone.
• Intrusive questions about personal life.
• Unwanted contact or messaging.
• Demeaning or disparaging remarks about protected characteristics.

Reporting

Anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment should report it to:

• Their line manager or a director.
• The board chair.
• The safeguarding lead if it involves a child or adult at risk.
• Via the Whistleblowing Policy for serious concerns.

Reports may be made verbally or in writing. Anonymous reports will be considered.

Investigation

• All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly.
• The person reporting will be listened to and supported.
• The person accused will be given the opportunity to respond.
• Investigations will be conducted by an appropriate person, who may be independent.
• Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible.

Outcomes

Outcomes may include:

• Mediation.
• Formal warning.
• Training.
• Suspension or removal from activity.
• Termination of employment or volunteer arrangement.
• Referral to external authorities where appropriate.

Support

Towerblock Radio CIC will support anyone affected by harassment, including the person reporting, the person accused (pending investigation), and any witnesses.

Prevention

Towerblock Radio CIC will provide training on anti-harassment, promote a culture of respect, and challenge inappropriate behaviour.

Reporting Process

All harassment reports are reported to the board (with identities protected). Serious incidents are reported immediately.

Compliance Requirements

• Equality Act 2010.
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
• Employment Rights Act 1996.
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

Monitoring

The board reviews harassment reports and outcomes annually.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed annually.

Version Number

Version 1.0

Approval Section

Approved by: Towerblock Radio CIC Board Date: July 2026 Next review: July 2027

Related Policies

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Bullying Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy

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/policies/anti-harassment-policy

Meta Title

Anti-Harassment Policy | Towerblock Radio

Meta Description

Towerblock Radio CIC's anti-harassment policy covering prevention, reporting, investigation and response to harassment, with a zero-tolerance approach.

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