RECTOR, Sir Richard Sykes and Frank Leppington, chair of the equal opportunities and diversity committee, welcomed 50 staff to orientation meetings this summer which highlighted the role of Harassment Support Contacts (HSCs), a support mechanism within the new harassment and bullying policy.

Staff learn about Harrassment Support Contacts, a support mechanism within the new harassment and bullying policy

The rector acknowledged the findings that came out of the staff audit - Imperial College - A Good Place to Work? - undertaken in August 2002.

He reinforced the message that harassment or bullying would not be tolerated in the College, and promised commitment from Council members and the Executive Committee for their continuing support to equal opportunities.

Human resources colleagues, union representatives, and occupational health staff attended policy training workshops in September.

The first day of HSC training took place earlier this month, and follow-up training is scheduled for November and December, leading to full implementation of the completed policy from next January.

Anyone wanting to be trained with a view to providing unconditional, informal, and strictly confidential support to those feeling harassed or bullied, should contact Christine Yates on 020 7594 5558 or email: c.yates@imperial.ac.uk.