Bullying and harassment policy template
Our Bullying and Harassment Policy Template combats workplace mistreatment, fostering a safe and respectful environment for all employees.
- 2 pages / 649 words.
- Last updated 25/09/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Bullying and harassment policy
1 Overview
1.1 [Company Name] is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment in which all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and harassment of any form are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The company aims to prevent all forms of inappropriate behaviour and to act promptly and effectively in response to any complaints or incidents.
1.2 This policy outlines the organisation’s position on bullying and harassment, defines the types of behaviours that are considered unacceptable, and provides guidance on how issues will be addressed to maintain a safe and inclusive workplace. All employees must adhere to this policy to help foster a positive and respectful environment for everyone.
2 Scope
2.1 This policy applies to all employees, workers, contractors, and job applicants at [Company Name], regardless of position, role, or length of employment.
2.2 The policy covers all forms of bullying and harassment in the workplace, including behaviour that occurs in the office, during business trips, at work-related events, and through digital communication channels such as email and social media.
3 General Principles
3.1 Commitment to respectful behaviour
[Company Name] is committed to a workplace where individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Bullying and harassment, whether
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A bullying and harassment policy outlines an organisation's commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, detailing steps to prevent and address bullying and harassment. It defines unacceptable behaviours such as verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and physical assault, and specifies potential consequences, including disciplinary action or termination.
The policy also highlights the role of managers and supervisors in preventing incidents, ensuring training, and creating a supportive environment for reporting concerns. Overall, it is essential for fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all employees.
Send to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc. and request confirmation that is has been read and understood.
Issue during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher.
Compliance
Compliance
This Bullying and harassment policy template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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Equality Act 2010: Prohibits harassment, discrimination, and victimization based on protected characteristics such as age, race, gender, disability, religion, etc.
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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, including protecting them from bullying and harassment.
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Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Provides legal protection against harassment and includes provisions for both civil and criminal proceedings.
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Employment Rights Act 1996: Protects employees from unfair treatment, including constructive dismissal, resulting from bullying and harassment.
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ACAS Code of Practice on Bullying and Harassment: Offers guidelines for employers on handling and preventing workplace bullying and harassment.
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Data Protection Act 2018: Ensures that employee data related to bullying and harassment complaints is handled securely and confidentially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Bullying and harassment policy template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
