Anti Bullying & Harrassment Policy

Anti Bullying & Harrassment Policy
  Version Number  IBS/ABHP/2026Apr/V001
  Member of Staff Responsible  Ibrahim Sirkeci
  Record of Revisions to Policy
  Date  Details  Approved by
Apr 2026PublishedBoard of Directors
Apr 2026ReviewedBoard of Directors
   
  Date of Current Policy  April 2026
  
  Next Review Date  April 2027
  Review to be approved by  Board of Directors

Anti Bullying & Harrassment Policy

1. Purpose

IBS is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students, staff, applicants, and visitors.

Bullying, harassment, and victimisation are not tolerated. This policy explains:

  • What IBS means by bullying and harassment
  • What behaviour is unacceptable
  • How concerns can be reported
  • How IBS will respond

This policy applies to all students and prospective students, and operates alongside IBS’s Complaints, Disciplinary, and Equality policies.

2. Scope

This policy applies to behaviour that occurs:

  • On IBS premises;
  • During IBS‑related activities (including placements, trips, and events);
  • Online or via social media, where behaviour affects the IBS academic or learning environment.

3. Definitions

Bullying

Bullying is unwanted, offensive, intimidating, or hostile behaviour that may be persistent or serious, and which has the effect of:

  • Violating a person’s dignity; or
  • Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Bullying may be carried out by an individual or group and can include verbal, physical, written, or online conduct.

Harassment

Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, including (but not limited to):

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Race, nationality, or ethnicity
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex or sexual orientation

Harassment may involve words, behaviour, or actions that a reasonable person would consider offensive, humiliating, or intimidating.

Victimisation

Victimisation occurs when someone is treated unfairly because they:

  • Have made a complaint under this policy; or
  • Have supported another individual making a complaint.

4. What This Policy Does Not Cover

This policy does not normally apply to:

  • Legitimate academic or administrative decisions;
  • Academic assessment or academic judgement (these are covered under separate procedures);
  • Reasonable management, academic supervision, or feedback when carried out appropriately.

5. IBS Expectations

All members of the IBS community are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect and dignity;
  • Behave professionally and responsibly;
  • Not engage in bullying, harassment, or victimisation;
  • Cooperate with investigations when concerns are raised.

6. Reporting Bullying or Harassment

Students or applicants who experience or witness bullying or harassment are encouraged to report it as early as possible.

Reports can be made to:

  • A member of academic or professional staff; or
  • The Admissions Officer (for applicants); or
  • Through IBS’s formal Complaints Procedure.

IBS understands that reporting can be difficult and will handle concerns:

  • Sensitively;
  • Confidentially (as far as possible);
  • Without disadvantaging the person raising the concern.

Anonymous reports will be considered where feasible, but they may limit IBS’s ability to investigate.

7. How IBS Will Respond

IBS will:

  • Take all reports seriously;
  • Consider whether informal resolution is appropriate;
  • Investigate concerns fairly and impartially where needed;
  • Take proportionate action where bullying or harassment is found.

Possible outcomes may include:

  • Informal resolution or mediation;
  • Formal action under disciplinary or complaints procedures;
  • Support or adjustments for affected individuals.

8. Protection from Disadvantage

No student or applicant will be treated unfairly, victimised, or disadvantaged for raising a concern in good faith under this policy.

Victimisation itself will be treated as a serious matter.

9. Support and Reasonable Adjustments

IBS will consider reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities or other support needs during any reporting or investigation process.

Students may also seek independent advice or support while a concern is being considered.

10. Monitoring and Review

IBS will monitor reports of bullying and harassment to:

  • Identify any patterns or systemic issues;
  • Support continuous improvement;
  • Meet regulatory and equality obligations.

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required.

Any issues related to the monitoring and review of this policy, please contact the Directorate at admin@theibs.uk.