If you think someone you know is being bullied there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority, but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation.
Bullying is contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and LSHTM’s Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy.
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority, but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation.
Bullying is contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and LSHTM’s Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy.
Understanding the behaviours associated with bullying is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
THINK
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can either contact the LSHTM security team on 0207 927 2555 if you are on site or the emergency services on 999 if you are offsite
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful you can suggest they call security on 0207 927 2383.
- What is bullying? It might be useful to think about what bullying is and how some of the behaviours are described.
TALK
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them (Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening).
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
- Student Support Services. A member of the team can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available.
- Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
REPORT
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the LSHTM’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details, a member of the Student Support and Welfare Team will be able to talk through the options and support available to you.
- Bullying and Harassment Policy. This document provides further information.
- School Complaints Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to LSHTM about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Staff Grievance Policy for Academic Staff. If you choose to make a formal complaint to LSHTM about a member of academic staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Staff Grievance Policy for Professional Services Staff. If you choose to make a formal complaint to LSHTM about a member of professional services staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Whistleblowing Policy. Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. This policy should not be used for complaints relating to your own personal circumstances, such as the way you have been treated at work. In those cases you should use the Grievance Procedure or Anti-harassment and Bullying Policy as appropriate.
SUPPORT
If you know someone who you think is being bullied, there are a variety of support options available for them. It's important you take care of yourself too - you can also access student and/or staff wellbeing services for support.
LSHTM Support for Students
- Student Support Services. The team offer confidential and non-judgemental space for students to discuss any issues that may be affecting their ability to study including adjustment to study/and or LSHTM accommodation; special exam arrangements and signposting or direct referrals to further support. SSS can refer students directly to Rape Crisis and Survivors UK for therapeutic support. In addition, they can provide short term counselling, CBT, psychiatric support and group therapy to deal with a range of personal, emotional and psychological concerns. To book an appointment with either team click here
- Student Representatives of Council (SRC) Executive. The SRC Executive provide a key link between students and the governing body of LSHTM. They are available to speak to you if you are having any issues. Please contact them on srcexec@lshtm.ac.uk
- Your tutor. If you are a student you can talk to your tutor.
- Extenuating Circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for extenuating circumstances. Your tutor or Teaching Support Office will be able to provide more information.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
LSHTM Support for Staff
- Only connect staff counselling service. A trained counsellor can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially.
- HR Business Partner. If you are a member of staff or manager your HR business partner will be able to identify the support that’s available to you.
- Trade Unions. There are there trade unions that represent staff at LSHTM which are Unison, Unite and UCU.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
Other sources of support
- Citizens Advice provides some information on bullying and harassment.
- Family Lives provides some information and advice on bullying at University.