Anti Harassment and Anti Discrimination Policy

1. Scope

This policy covers learners, staff, facilitators, mentors, volunteers, partners, employers hosting our learners and visitors, on campus, at partner centres, at events and online.

2. Protected characteristics

Nobody may be treated less favourably because of their sex, gender, ethnicity, tribe, state of origin, religion or belief, disability, age, marital or pregnancy status, social background or economic circumstances.

3. What counts as harassment

• Unwanted conduct that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating environment.
• Sexual harassment, including unwelcome comments, advances, touching, messages or requests for favours.
• Bullying, name calling, mocking accents or beliefs, and exclusion from group work.
• Online harassment through messages, social media, images or group chats.
• Victimising anyone because they raised a concern or supported someone who did.

4. Sexual exploitation and abuse of power

Staff, facilitators and mentors must never use their position to seek any personal, romantic or sexual relationship with a learner, or offer grades, places, certificates or opportunities in exchange for favours of any kind. Any such conduct will lead to dismissal and, where appropriate, referral to the police.

5. How to report

You can report to any facilitator, your programme coordinator or confidentially to info@meristemveii.org. You can also ask someone you trust to report on your behalf. Reports can be made in person, by phone or in writing.

6. How we respond

• We acknowledge every report within two working days.
• We agree immediate support and safety measures with the person affected.
• A trained person, independent of the matter, investigates promptly and fairly.
• Both sides are heard and may be accompanied by a person of their choice.
• Outcomes can include training, warnings, suspension, removal or dismissal, and referral to the authorities.

7. Confidentiality and protection from retaliation

Information is shared only with those who need it to act. Anyone who retaliates against a person for reporting will face disciplinary action. Deliberately false reports made in bad faith are also a breach of this policy.