3.

TYPES OF COMPLAINT

This procedure applies to four types of complaint:-

3.1

Grievance

The Grievance Procedure is for dealing with complaints relating to:

• conditions of service
• educational matters within the school
• any matters not covered by the harassment, bullying and discrimination procedures

3.2

Complaint of Harassment

Harassment is uninvited and unwanted action or behaviour by one person or group against another, or others, which may cause offence and/or embarrassment and which creates fear, stress or tension in the workplace. It could be an isolated act such as a comment or gesture or it could take the form of repeated behaviour.

3.3

Complaint of Bullying

Bullying is the misuse of power, position or situation which has the effect of intimidating, humiliating or undermining an employee.

3.4

Complaint of Discrimination

Unlawful discrimination is any action or inaction in relation to any employee, which is unlawful under the Race Relations Act 1976, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 or the Di sability Discrimination Act 1995.

Discrimination also includes the treatment of an employee less favourably or the victimisation of an employee by reason of their religious or political convictions; being lesbian or gay; gender assignment; membership or non-membership of a trade union or involvement in trade union activities; status as an ex-offender; age (or youth) or medical status.

More than one person submitting the same grievance/complaint

If there is more than one person submitting broadly the same grievance/complaint the case may be led by the trade union representative/s and the complainants will attend as witnesses (this will entail giving evidence individually and withdrawing until the decision is made). However an employee still has the right to have the matter dealt with on an individual basis if s/he so wishes.