Anti-Harassment and Bullying

Introduction
The Wild Pause is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, volunteers, and staff. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing harassment and bullying in all its forms and ensures that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

1. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all participants, volunteers, and staff involved in activities organized by The Wild Pause. It covers behaviour occurring during sessions, meetings, training, online communications, and any other interactions related to the business, whether in person or through digital platforms.

2. Definition of Harassment and Bullying
Harassment: Harassment is any unwelcome behaviour or conduct that causes distress, humiliation, or intimidation. It can include verbal abuse, offensive jokes, derogatory comments, unwanted physical contact, or any behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, or degrading environment.
Bullying: Bullying involves repeated, offensive, and unreasonable behaviour that undermines an individual's dignity and creates a harmful or unsafe environment. It can involve verbal, physical, or emotional harm and can be directed towards individuals or groups.

Types of Harassment and Bullying Include:
- Verbal abuse or insults
- Offensive jokes or comments
- Intimidation, threats, or coercion
- Unwanted physical contact or gestures
- Cyberbullying or inappropriate online communications
- Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic

3. Commitment to Preventing Harassment and Bullying
The Wild Pause is dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers, and staff. We will:
Promote awareness and understanding of harassment and bullying behaviours.
Provide training for volunteers and staff on how to identify and address inappropriate behaviour.
Foster open communication where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.
Act promptly to investigate and address any complaints of harassment or bullying.

4. Reporting Harassment or Bullying
If you feel that you have been subjected to harassment or bullying, or have witnessed such behaviour, we encourage you to report it immediately.
Reports can be made directly to Sally Brown, the business owner, who will handle all complaints confidentially and professionally.
Complaints can be submitted via email or in writing, and any reports made will be treated with seriousness and respect.
Volunteers, participants, or staff may also request assistance from a trusted person in reporting any issue.

5. Investigation of Complaints
All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Sally Brown will investigate the matter promptly, ensuring confidentiality and fairness throughout the process.
Individuals involved in the complaint will be given the opportunity to provide their account of events.
If harassment or bullying is confirmed, appropriate actions will be taken, which may include mediation, removal from the session, or other corrective measures.

6. Consequences of Harassment or Bullying
Any individual found to be engaging in harassment or bullying will face disciplinary action.
Depending on the severity of the incident, the consequences may range from a verbal warning to exclusion from future sessions or volunteering opportunities.
In cases of serious harassment or bullying, the matter may be referred to external authorities if necessary.

7. Protection from Retaliation
We will not tolerate any retaliation against anyone who reports harassment or bullying in good faith. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, discrimination, exclusion, or negative treatment.
Anyone who experiences retaliation should report it immediately to Sally Brown, and the matter will be addressed accordingly.

8. Support for Affected Individuals
Individuals who experience harassment or bullying will be offered support throughout the process. This may include providing access to external support services, such as counselling or mental health services, if needed.
We will assist individuals in understanding their options and provide a safe environment for them to express concerns without fear of further harm.

9. Confidentiality
All complaints, investigations, and actions taken will be handled with confidentiality. The details of the complaint will only be shared with those directly involved in the investigation or resolution of the issue.
We aim to protect the privacy of all parties involved while ensuring that any inappropriate behaviour is addressed appropriately.

10. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness in preventing and addressing harassment and bullying.
Feedback from participants, volunteers, and staff will be used to improve the policy and its implementation.

11. Contact Information
If you have any concerns or questions regarding harassment or bullying, please contact:
Sally Brown, Business Owner
Email: TheWildPause@gmail.com
Phone: +44 (0)7 39 54 83 26 5 (UK) / +33 (0)7 67 97 97 35 (France)