Saltfleet Haven Boat Club

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On reading the following policy, it could be possible to form the opinion that the author was writing on behalf of the committee, or represented the views of the committee. This is not the case. Mr Derner is not currently a committee member and the policy proposal is entirely his own work. The standing committee cannot recommend this policy to the members.Mandy Peters'is the RYA legal  adviser and her comments appear below the policy .

 

Mr Derner's proposal for an anti bullying policy

 

The Saltfleet Haven Boat Club Management Committee is obliged in law to look after the interests of all club members and put in place robust procedures and rules to protect the interests and rights of all members. The following policy statement has been drawn up with a view to providing fair and clear guidance to all club members as to what to do in the event of being exposed to, or witness to, antisocial behaviour in any form.

The Management Committee recognises that bullying does occur and that bullying can also be associated with other types of unacceptable behaviour. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. The Management Committee has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to any instance of bullying or antisocial behaviour

 

Statement of Intent

All members have the right to enjoy a caring, secure environment free from any form of harassment from fellow members. The management committee of Saltfleet Haven Boat Club is committed to providing a safe environment for al members so that they can participate in boating within a secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club and if bullying does occur, all members should be able to identify such behaviour, or the symptoms resulting from such behaviour and alert the Committee and be assured that incidents will be dealt with promptly, effectively and in the interests of all concerned.

 

Permission to tell Approach

The club thus promotes the reporting by anyone who becomes aware that bullying has happened and indeed, expects its members to report such behaviour as a matter of urgency, to a Committee member.

 

Aims of this Policy

This policy will aim to both promote an understanding of what bullying is, how its effects manifest themselves in its victims and to provide a framework and process whereby incidents of bullying can be dealt with promptly, fairly and without prejudice to any member.

 

 

 

Definition of Bullying

 

Bullying may be broadly defined as “the repeated use of power by one or more persons intentionally to harm or adversely affect the rights and needs of another” Thus it is any repeated verbal, psychological or physical aggression conducted by an individual or group against another individual or group. Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.

 

Bullying can be:

Social/Emotional; being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically), threatening gestures, unacceptable pranks etc.· Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence intimidation; playing dirty tricks,defacing/damaging property, physical gestures or stances. Damaging property or possessions or hiding or taking belongings Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments homophobic because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality· Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing, insulting negative comments.

 

Procedures

Within 14 days, of reporting an incidence of bullying a designated committee member will provide an opportunity for both parties to separately present their point of view, interview any witnesses and attempt to ascertain the facts or within 14 days each party will be given the opportunity to provide a written report detailing their point of view and/or, an apology. The Club’ designated committee member will then report their findings to the Management Committee.

 

 

Outcome.

If the reported incident is proven to have taken place and has not subsequently been resolved to the mutual and total satisfaction of all parties the Management Committee will consider all the information provided to it, without prejudice and determine what action, if any, is to be taken. Such decision by the Management Committee will be final and will not be subject to appeal.

 

The Management Committee is not duty bound to consider that an apology for antisocial or bullying behaviour is acceptable as a defence in all cases.

 

Bullying or antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated at any time and any member found to be practising such behaviour will be expelled from the club with immediate effect.