The definition of a complaint is \u2018an expression of dissatisfaction\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst a student is on placement they are encouraged to use the staged processes outlined above for dealing with any complaints informally in the first instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where this is not possible it will be generally be the case that the agency complaints policy is used unless the complaint involves a member of staff of the university. The university has a complaints procedure<\/a> with regard to academic and administrative matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where the complaint involves another student of the university there may be a need to consider the best policy (university or agency) to apply depending on the nature on the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notwithstanding that placements are generally rewarding with supportive practice educators, there are times when bullying or harassment may occur. Students may be unsure whether the way they are being treated is acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Arbitration and Conciliation Service (ACAS) (2014, p.1) state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018These terms are used interchangeably by most people, and many definitions include bullying as a form of harassment\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harassment, according to the Equality Act 2010, is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual\u2019s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bullying or harassment may be by an individual against an individual (perhaps by someone in a position of authority such as a manager or supervisor) or involve groups of people. It may be obvious or it may be insidious. Whatever form it takes, it is unwarranted and unwelcome to the individual.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n University support is in place for students who feel that they are not being treated in an equitable way through the student policy for Bullying and Harassment within the Student Charter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The University strongly encourage students to raise their concerns formally, however, some students may choose not to do so. In order that such students receive support a confidential source of support is available at the National Bullying Helpline<\/a> Tel: 0845 22 55 787<\/a>. Hours of opening are Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm; Saturdays 10am – 2pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, due to the nature of professional placements the following guidance and process will also apply. All placements are expected to have bullying and harassment policies in place and the programme considers that students are entitled to have similar access to internal processes as any employee facing the same circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst a student is on placement it will be generally be the case that the agency policy is used unless the allegations involves a member of staff of the University. Where the allegation involves another student of the University there may be a need to consider the best policy (University or agency) to apply depending on the nature on the allegation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some examples of placement related bullying scenarios include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any behaviour of this nature can have a significant impact on the student\u2019s academic achievement, social, physical and mental well-being. However, it is recognised that taking action to resolve the bullying is dependent on the individual; some may be able to cope with the level of self-doubt, anxiety and stress that results from such behaviours. Others may not but find it difficult to decide when their situation is bad enough to take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If any event if a student considers that they are being bullied or are a witness to someone being bullied they should keep a record of the event(s). This should include what happened, the date and time, the names of any witnesses and how they felt. Any relevant evidence should be collated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This should be discussed with the LT in the first instance. All conversations will be treated as confidential and the LT will adopt empowerment approaches to encourage the student to take personal action in the first instance. This will generally be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Personal Tutor will also be available for pastoral support e.g. to support you to access other resources within the University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where the student feels unable to address the matter themselves and the situation is sufficiently concerning the Link Tutor should seek the student\u2019s permission to raise the matter with the Module Tutor including use of the evidence provided by the student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whistleblowing is the name used when someone raises genuine and legitimate concerns about something which may fall below established standards of practice, be contrary to agency policy, amount to unethical or improper conduct or be unlawful and raises this with someone who has the ability to influence or authority to take action about the concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) provides a framework for the promotion and protection of public interest whistleblowing. The act of whistleblowing is officially called \u201cmaking a disclosure in the public interest\u201d. According to www.gov.uk \u201cin the public interest\u201d indicates that someone\u2019s health and safety is in danger, there may be damage to the environment, a criminal offence is taking place, a company is not obeying the law or there is a covering up of a wrongdoing. These are called \u2018qualifying disclosures\u2019. Those making a qualifying disclosure are eligible for protection if they truly think that what they are reporting is true, they are telling the right person and they believe the disclosure is in the public interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The University has in place formal whistleblowing policies and procedures:<\/p>\n\n\n\nHarassment and bullying whilst on placement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Whistleblowing whilst on placement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n