If you think someone you know is being bullied there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority, but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation.
Bullying is contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and MRCG at LSHTM’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Understanding the behaviours associated with bullying is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
THINK
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can either call our EDI Helpline on +220 7460692 or 2333, or contact the MRCG at LSHTM security team on extension 1505 for emergency help.
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, you can try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful you can call security on 1505.
- What is bullying? It might be useful to think about what bullying is and how some of the behaviours are described.
TALK
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them (Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening).
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
- HR Department. A member of the team can talk through MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
REPORT
- Report and Support. Staff and students can report an incident using MRCG at LSHTM’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details, a member of the EDI Team or Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisers will be able to talk through the options and support available to you.
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy. This document provides further information.
- Grievance Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to MRCG at LSHTM about a member of staff or student there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Whistleblowing Policy. Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. This policy should not be used for complaints relating to your own personal circumstances, such as the way you have been treated at work. In those cases you should use the Grievance Procedure or Anti-harassment and Bullying Policy as appropriate.
SUPPORT
If you know someone who you think is being bullied, there are a variety of support options available for them. It's important you take care of yourself too - you can also access student and/or staff wellbeing services for support.
MRCG at LSHTM Support for Staff and Students
- Only connect staff counselling service. A trained counsellor can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially.
- HR Department. If you are a member of staff or manager, your HR department will be able to identify the support that’s available to you.
- Trade Union. The MRCG Workers’ Union represents staff at MRCG at LSHTM.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
Other sources of support
- Citizens Advice provides some information on bullying and harassment.
- Family Lives provides some information and advice on bullying at University.