60. Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
60.1. Architecture North is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment where all employees are treated with dignity and can work free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation. 
60.1.1. This policy outlines our zero-tolerance approach to such behaviours and explains how concerns will be addressed.
60.2. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, interns, agency staff, and others who interact with Architecture North, whether in the studio, on-site, at client meetings, or in digital communications.
60.3. Bullying is unwanted, offensive, intimidating, or insulting behaviour that makes an individual feel upset, threatened, humiliated, or vulnerable. It can be verbal, physical, social, or psychological.
60.3.1. Harassment is any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (e.g., age, sex, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation) that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment.
60.3.2. Examples include:
60.3.2.1. Spreading malicious rumours or gossip.
60.3.2.2. Insults, name-calling, or persistent criticism.
60.3.2.3. Exclusion from meetings or team communications.
60.3.2.4. Sexual harassment or inappropriate advances.
60.3.2.5. Offensive jokes, gestures, or images
60.3.2.6. Online harassment or cyberbullying
60.4. All employees are expected to:
60.4.1. Treat each other with respect and professionalism at all times.
60.4.2. Avoid any behaviour that could reasonably be perceived as bullying or harassment.
60.4.3. Report any concerns promptly and appropriately
60.4.4. Cooperate fully with any investigation
60.5. Managers have an additional responsibility to:
60.5.1. Lead by example in fostering a respectful culture
60.5.2. Address inappropriate behaviour swiftly
60.5.3. Ensure team members feel safe reporting concerns
60.6. If you experience or witness bullying or harassment, you are encouraged to:
60.6.1. Speak to the individual involved (if you feel safe doing so) to explain that their behaviour is unwelcome.
60.6.2. Report the incident to your line manager in confidence.
60.6.3. You may also complete a formal Grievance Form if the issue is serious or unresolved.
60.6.4. All reports will be treated sensitively and investigated thoroughly. Retaliation or victimisation of those who raise concerns will not be tolerated.
60.7. Concerns will be handled promptly, fairly, and confidentially.
60.7.1. All parties will be given the opportunity to share their account.
60.7.2. Where inappropriate behaviour is confirmed, corrective or disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including dismissal.
60.8. Employees involved in a bullying or harassment situation, whether as a complainant or respondent, may access confidential support through management or external support services if offered.
60.9. This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any significant incident. Feedback is encouraged to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
60.10. Architecture North does not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form. Together, we are responsible for creating a workplace culture built on trust, respect, and professional integrity.