I wish to confirm to the Deputy that no formal complaints of bullying and sexual harassment were received in my Department in the years from 2016 to date under the “Dignity at Work – An Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for the Civil Service”.
In terms of addressing complaints of bullying and sexual harassment, my Department is strongly committed to implementing the Civil Service Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy - Dignity at Work. Each staff member is made aware that all forms of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment are unacceptable standards of behaviour.
On appointment, all staff receive a copy of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, which sets the expected standards for their behaviour at work and towards colleagues. The Code also includes a commitment for staff to observe and support the Dignity at Work Policy.