> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://policies.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://policies.aic.io/anti-harassment-and-bullying-policy.md). # Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy ### Purpose AIC is committed to maintaining a working environment where people are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying, harassment, intimidation, abuse and victimisation are not tolerated. ### Policy Statement AIC has zero tolerance for bullying and harassment. This applies to employees, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, partners, customers and anyone working with or representing AIC. ### Scope This policy applies to conduct that occurs: * in the workplace * remotely * on customer sites * in meetings * through email * through messaging platforms * through collaboration tools * at work-related events * during supplier or customer interactions * through social media where connected to work ### Harassment Harassment is unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Harassment may be connected to a protected characteristic, but unacceptable conduct does not need to relate to a protected characteristic to breach this policy. ### Bullying Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power, influence or position. Bullying may be obvious or subtle. It may happen once or repeatedly. ### Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour Unacceptable behaviour includes: * shouting, aggression or threats * humiliating or belittling someone * discriminatory jokes or comments * sexual comments or unwanted attention * persistent undermining * deliberate exclusion * spreading malicious rumours * unreasonable criticism * misuse of seniority or authority * intimidation or coercion * offensive images, messages or materials * retaliation after a concern is raised ### Management Action Fair, reasonable and evidence-based management action is not bullying. Managers may: * set expectations * give feedback * manage performance * allocate work * raise concerns * enforce standards However, this must be done professionally and respectfully. ### Responsibilities Everyone working with AIC must: * behave professionally * treat others with respect * avoid abusive or discriminatory conduct * challenge unacceptable behaviour where safe to do so * report serious concerns * cooperate with investigations Managers and delivery leads must: * act when concerns are raised * avoid minimising complaints * protect individuals from retaliation * escalate serious matters * document issues appropriately ### Raising a Concern Concerns may be raised with: * a line manager * a delivery lead * an account lead * a commercial lead * a company director * another appropriate senior person Concerns will be handled seriously, fairly and confidentially as far as reasonably possible. ### Action Where this policy is breached, AIC may take action including: * informal intervention * formal warning * removal from a project * suspension of access * supplier escalation * contract termination * disciplinary action * referral to authorities where required ### No Retaliation Retaliation against someone who raises a concern or supports an investigation is treated as a serious breach of this policy. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://policies.aic.io/anti-harassment-and-bullying-policy.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.