Workplace bullying

Principals and school staff must follow the Workplace Bullying Policy, Workplace Bullying Procedure and Resource section which are available in the Policy and Advisory Library (PAL).

Corporate and regional should refer to the following information.

Overview

The department is committed to providing safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces, which are free from bullying. Bullying will not be tolerated in any of the Department's workplaces.

The department's Workplace Bullying Policy sets out the responsibilities of the department employees in relation to workplace bullying. All Department employees are required to comply with the department's Workplace Bullying Policy.

Bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards or from an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety. Bullying may be either direct or indirect and can be carried out verbally, physically or in writing (e.g., via email, social media, instant messaging and text messaging).

To report workplace bullying or seek support, employees can speak with their workplace manager and/or management OHS nominee or the Employee Conduct Branch. Workplace Contact Officers (WCOs) and health and safety representatives (HSRs) are good points of contact to find out who is best to talk to for your situation. 

Further information is available using the links below.

Support is available to department employees involved in reporting and managing a workplace bullying complaint, even after the matter has been resolved.

Employees can also access four free and confidential counselling sessions through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) on 1300 361 008. 

The EAP also has a dedicated Manager Assist telephone advisory service to support workplace managers to access management support and coaching. 

Further information about Employee Safety and Support Services is available using the link below.

Relevant sections of the OHS Management System

Other Resources

Further/additional information:

•  Addressing Workplace Bullying LearnED training module (Login to eduPay is required)
• LearnED information and help documents
  
• Inclusive Workplaces Guide (PDF) (WORD)

Legislation

• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
• Crime Amendment (Bullying) Act 2011
• Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• Fair Work Act 2009
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

Related Topics

• Complaints - information for employees
• Code of Conduct
• Corporate/Regional Offices Employee Health, Safety and Wellbeing Services
• Diversity and inclusion
• Employee Conduct Branch
• Family violence
• Respectful workplaces
• Sexual harassment
• Workplace Contact Officer Network

Useful Links

• Fair Work Commission

Contact us

OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715, or email: safety@education.vic.gov.au.