Bullying & Harassment Policy (in any form)

Who and what this covers

Britannia Elite is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment in which every learner, instructor, member of staff, contractor and visitor is treated with dignity. This policy sets out the standard of behaviour we require, the conduct we prohibit, how concerns are reported, and the action we take when the standard is breached.

It applies to all learners, instructors, employees, delivery partners, contractors and visitors connected to any Britannia Elite course or activity. It applies on-site, off-site and online; during training hours and outside them; and to conduct on any messaging platform or social media where that conduct affects the safety, wellbeing or dignity of learners or instructors.

The standards we align with

This policy is written to align with the principles of UK and Ugandan law and with international human-rights standards. In the United Kingdom this includes the Equality Act 2010 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. In Uganda it includes the protections set out in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and applicable employment and anti-discrimination law. It is also guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

This policy should be read alongside our Safeguarding Policy, Zero Tolerance Policy, Code of Conduct, Human Rights statement and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy.

What we mean by bullying and harassment

So that the standard is clear and applied consistently, we define the terms as follows:

We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic, including age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, ethnicity or national origin, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

What is not acceptable

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Verbal abuse, insults or degrading comments
• Threats, intimidation or coercive behaviour
• Online harassment, including messages, posts or digital content
• Spreading rumours or malicious information
• Group targeting, exclusion or coordinated hostility
• Any behaviour intended to humiliate, embarrass or undermine another person

A neutral, respectful environment

Britannia Elite maintains a strictly neutral, respectful and inclusive training environment. Any behaviour that incites, encourages or promotes hatred toward individuals or groups on the basis of religion, belief, political views or political affiliation is strictly forbidden. This includes:

• Verbal or written statements intended to provoke hostility
• Online posts, messages or digital content shared during the training period
• Attempts to influence, pressure or coerce others into political or religious conflict
• Discriminatory comments, slurs or targeted hostility
• Group-based intimidation or attempts to radicalise others
• Any behaviour that undermines dignity, safety or cohesion

Such conduct is incompatible with our training environment and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This includes conduct on-site, off-site and online — whether during training hours or outside them — if it affects the safety, wellbeing or dignity of learners or instructors.

How to raise it

Anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying or harassment is encouraged to report it. Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing to your instructor, course director, or directly to Britannia Elite at info@britannia-elite.co.uk. Where a concern relates to safeguarding or welfare, it should be raised under our Safeguarding Policy. Formal complaints can be made through our Complaints, Appeals & Malpractice Policy.

Reports are taken seriously and handled as promptly and sensitively as the circumstances allow. Information is treated as confidential and shared only with those who need to know in order to investigate and act, or where disclosure is required by law.

No one is penalised for speaking up

Anyone who reports a concern in good faith, or who supports or gives evidence in an investigation, will be protected from victimisation, retaliation or detriment. Retaliation against a person who has raised a genuine concern is itself a breach of this policy and will be treated as misconduct.

We will offer appropriate support to anyone affected by bullying or harassment, including welfare support during the course and, where relevant, signposting to external assistance. Malicious or knowingly false allegations, however, may themselves be treated as misconduct.

Immediate action taken

Any instance of bullying or harassment results in:

Investigations are conducted fairly and impartially. The person accused will be told the nature of the concern and given a fair opportunity to respond before any final decision on permanent removal is made. Where misconduct is upheld, sanctions are applied proportionately and recorded.

Challenging a decision

Any individual subject to a sanction under this policy has the right to appeal. Appeals are handled under our Complaints, Appeals & Malpractice Policy and are considered by someone not involved in the original decision.

Keeping this policy current

This policy is owned by Britannia Elite and forms part of our wider Governance & Oversight framework. It is reviewed regularly, and following any significant incident or change in law, to ensure it remains effective and compliant.