Non-Discrimination & Harassment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to promote a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity.

The organisation does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, or other inappropriate conduct.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all board members, directors, committee members, officers, employees, members, volunteers, contractors, consultants, and representatives of the organisation.

It applies to conduct occurring in the workplace, at organisational meetings and events, online, through electronic communications, and in other circumstances connected to the organisation.

3. Non-Discrimination

The organisation prohibits unfair discrimination based on characteristics protected by applicable law, which may include:

• Race, colour, or ethnic or social origin.

• Gender, sex, or sexual orientation.

• Pregnancy or family responsibilities.

• Age.

• Disability.

• Religion, belief, or conscience.

• Nationality or citizenship.

• Marital or family status.

• Political or other legally protected status.

• Any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

All individuals should have fair and equal opportunities to participate in organisational activities and access applicable services and benefits.

4. Harassment

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that violates a person’s dignity, creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment, or otherwise interferes with their participation in the organisation.

Harassment may include:

• Verbal or written abuse.

• Offensive comments, jokes, or gestures.

• Unwanted sexual conduct or advances.

• Threats or intimidation.

• Repeated unwanted contact or behaviour.

• Sharing offensive or inappropriate material.

• Unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic.

5. Bullying and Intimidation

Bullying, intimidation, threats, or repeated unreasonable conduct that causes or may cause harm, fear, humiliation, or distress are not acceptable.

Individuals are expected to communicate and interact respectfully, even where disagreements or conflicts arise.

6. Reporting Concerns

Individuals who experience or witness discrimination, harassment, bullying, or other prohibited conduct are encouraged to report the matter through the organisation’s appropriate reporting channel.

Reports may be made under the Grievance Policy, Whistleblower Policy, or other applicable procedures.

Where possible, reports should include relevant details such as the nature of the conduct, individuals involved, dates, locations, and supporting information.

7. Confidentiality

Complaints and reports will be handled as confidentially as reasonably possible.

Information will only be shared with individuals who require it to assess, investigate, or resolve the matter, subject to applicable legal and organisational requirements.

8. Investigation and Response

Reported concerns will be assessed and, where appropriate, investigated fairly and objectively.

The organisation may take appropriate action based on the circumstances, which may include corrective measures, mediation, disciplinary action, or other appropriate steps.

9. Protection from Retaliation

The organisation does not tolerate retaliation against an individual who raises a genuine concern or participates in an investigation in good faith.

Retaliation may include threats, intimidation, victimisation, harassment, unfair treatment, or other adverse action because an individual made or supported a complaint.

10. False or Malicious Complaints

Individuals are expected to make complaints honestly and in good faith.

Knowingly making false, deliberately misleading, or malicious allegations may result in appropriate action. A complaint will not be considered malicious simply because it is not substantiated.

11. Responsibilities

All individuals covered by this policy are expected to:

• Treat others with dignity and respect.

• Avoid discriminatory, harassing, or bullying behaviour.

• Follow the organisation’s policies and procedures.

• Report serious concerns appropriately.

• Cooperate with investigations.

• Maintain confidentiality where required.

The organisation is responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent prohibited conduct, respond to concerns, and maintain a respectful environment.

12. Non-Compliance

A breach of this policy may result in corrective or disciplinary action, including removal from organisational activities, suspension or termination of membership or involvement, or other appropriate action in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

13. Related Policies

This policy should be read together with the organisation’s:

• Constitution and/or Bylaws

• Code of Conduct

• Ethics Policy

• Grievance Policy

• Whistleblower Policy

• Confidentiality Policy

• Disciplinary Policy

• Conflict of Interest & Disclosure Policy

• Member in Good Standing Policy