Bullying in the Workplace Policy - Policies

Asset Publisher

1. Policy statement

The Department of Education is committed to providing all employees with a work environment that is safe, equitable and free of discrimination and harassment. This includes the prevention and effective management of bullying behaviour in the workplace.

2. Policy rules

Employees must demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour and comply with the Bullying in the Workplace Procedures

3. Responsibility for implementation and compliance

Principals and line managers are responsible for implementing the policy.

Directors of Education, Executive Directors and Directors are responsible for compliance monitoring.

4. Scope

This policy applies to all employees

Guidance

This policy applies to all worksites, including examination centres, off-site and after-hours work-related activities such as training courses, conferences, telephone calls, emails, social media and social functions.

5. Supporting procedures

Bullying in the Workplace Procedures

6. Definitions

Workplace bullying

Bullying is repeated unreasonable or inappropriate behaviour directed towards an employee, or group of employees, that creates a risk to health and safety.

7. Related documents

Relevant legislation or authority

Commissioner’s Instruction No. 7: Code of Ethics

Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 (WA)

Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)

Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA)

Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA)

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA)

Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (WA)

Public Interest Disclosure Act 1986 (WA)

Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA)

Public Sector Standards in Human Resource Management

8. Contact information

Policy manager:

Director, Workforce Policy and Coordination

Policy contact officer:

Manager, Workforce Policy

T: 9264 5081

Other:

Standards and Integrity

T: 1800 655 985

9. History of changes

Effective date	Last update date	Policy version no.
8 February 2013		1.6
Changes to policy resulting from publication of Grievance Framework guideline. Changes approved by Corporate Executive 16 November 2012. D12/0812988
8 February 2013	11 July 2013	1.6
Amendments of references to documents as per D13/0222254.
8 February 2013	18 December 2014	1.7
Contact details updated D14/0555685.
10 March 2015		2.0
Major review. Policy endorsed for publishing by Director General at Corporate Executive on 1 December 2014.
10 March 2015	9 March 2017	2.1
Minor changes to replace references to Substantive Equality Policy with Substantive Equality Guidelines and updated links D17/0104478.
16 October 2018		3.0
Major review of Workplace Bullying Policy and Procedures, renamed Bullying in the Workplace. Endorsed by the Director General at Corporate Executive on 19 September 2018.
16 October 2018	22 April 2020	3.1
Minor changes to update links, related documents and include additional guidance information. D20/0201954
16 October 2018	13 January 2021	3.2
Minor changes to replace the Regional Executive Director position title with Director of Education D20/0647278.