The University of Cambridge is set to launch the first phase of its Dignity@Work policy with the introduction of a network of workplace contacts and departmental advisors.

Dignity@Work was unveiled back in May as the University’s mission to promote an environment in which all members of the University could feel respected and valued for their contribution to work and study.

Since then much effort has gone into recruiting and training volunteers from all levels of staff to act as the first port of call for anyone suffering from, or accused of, bullying or harassment. Contacts and advisors will be on hand to chat over problems informally and are trained to provide support and guidance about what steps to take next.

With the network of Dignity@Work contacts now in place and available from the beginning of October, the next stage is to recruit volunteers willing to train as conciliators to help with the informal resolution of problems.

The idea is that with a variety of people to speak to, and with a wider range of options than just the formal complaints procedure, solutions might be found more quickly and agreeably.

Jenny Woodhouse, Equality and Diversity Policy Officer at the University, explains: “Many of us in Personnel, Counselling, Occupational Health and Welfare realised that there were very few places members of staff could go for support if they felt they were being bullied or harassed. This meant that often situations dragged on until they became intolerable, rather than being resolved by early intervention.”

“Bullying and harassment are mercifully rare in the University, but when they happen the impact on those concerned can be devastating.”

In the longer term it is proposed that volunteer staff be trained for an investigative role as well. One advantage of a scheme dependent on so many volunteers from among the staff is the sense of ownership it encourages.

The Dignity@Work contacts network goes live from 1 October. Details of how to get in touch will be placed on the web link.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you use this content on your site please link back to this page.