Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy

Our Commitment
WEA Sydney is committed to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning and working environments for all students, staff, tutors, volunteers and visitors. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation in any part of our organisation. Everyone involved in WEA Sydney programs has the right to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

This policy supports WEA Sydney’s obligations under Australian law and the ASQA Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

Equal Opportunity
WEA Sydney is committed to equal opportunity for all. We aim to ensure that no person is disadvantaged or treated unfairly because of personal characteristics such as:

race, ethnicity or nationality
gender or gender identity
sexual orientation
disability or health condition
age
religion or cultural background
marital or family status
caring responsibilities
political beliefs or employment status

WEA Sydney will work to ensure fair access to learning opportunities, employment and participation in adult education. All communication and behaviour within the WEA community should support mutual respect and inclusion.

Scope
This policy applies to:

students and learners
staff and managers
tutors and trainers
volunteers and contractors
Council and Board members
visitors and members of the public interacting with WEA Sydney

The policy applies in:

classrooms and learning environments
offices and workplaces
online learning environments
WEA events or activities
communications related to WEA Sydney

Unacceptable Behaviour
The following behaviour is not tolerated at WEA Sydney:

Discrimination - Treating someone unfairly because of a personal characteristic protected by law (for example race, disability, gender or age).
Harassment - Unwelcome behaviour that intimidates, humiliates or offends another person.
Bullying - Repeated unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to health or safety. This may include verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, or persistent criticism.
Sexual Harassment - Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. A single incident may constitute sexual harassment.
Victimisation - Treating someone unfairly because they have made a complaint or supported another person making a complaint.

Responsibilities
Everyone involved with WEA Sydney is expected to:

treat others with dignity and respect
behave in ways that support an inclusive learning environment
avoid discriminatory, bullying or harassing behaviour
respect confidentiality when concerns are raised

Staff, tutors and managers have an additional responsibility to promote respectful behaviour and respond appropriately to concerns.

Reporting Concerns
If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment or bullying, you are encouraged to raise the issue as soon as possible. Concerns may be raised with:

a WEA Sydney staff member or manager
the Executive Director
the President of WEA Sydney Council (if the concern involves senior staff)

Complaints will be handled fairly, confidentially and without victimisation. Further information is available in the WEA Sydney Complaints Handling Policy.

Legislative Framework
This policy is informed by relevant Australian legislation, including:

Sex Discrimination Act 1984
Racial Discrimination Act 1975
Disability Discrimination Act 1992
Age Discrimination Act 2004
Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)

Policy Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with ASQA Standards, legislation and best practice in adult education.

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