This survey is being organised by Centre for Mental Health in partnership with ACEVO, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations to understand the conditions in which bullying can take place in the charity sector, its effects on individuals and how and why bullying might continue unchecked in organisations.
It is open to employees and volunteers working in registered charities in England and Wales, who have experienced bullying in their organisation in the last 5 years.
Findings and data from the survey will be collated by researchers to help identify what should be the role of leaders in the sector to create safer working cultures, both for staff and for the users of services.
Defining Bullying
We are inviting participation from anyone working in the charity sector in England and Wales who considers themselves to have been bullied in their role. There are various definitions of bullying – here are two which may be helpful:
The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.
Anti-Bullying Alliance
“Persistent offensive, intimidating, humiliating behaviour, which attempts to undermine an individual or group”
Unison
Confidentiality
The survey is anonymous. Data held will be treated by researchers from Centre for Mental Health in strict confidence in line with the organisation’s confidentiality policy. No individual or organisation will be named in the resulting report.
Completing the survey
This online survey consists of a number of sections containing drop-down responses which should take a maximum of 10 minutes to complete. This is followed by four open questions where you can respond in your own words.
Information about bullying
We recognise that participating in the survey may raise difficult memories or emotions. Therefore, we have identified a number of freely available sources of information:
Leading with Values: Creating a Safe Organisational Culture – A report from ACEVO highlighting key elements of leadership for the Charity Sector for addressing unacceptable, abusive or bullying behaviour
The Charity Commission’s work to prevent wrongdoing and harm in charities:
The Anti-Bullying Alliance Umbrella group providing resources for bullying in both school and adult settings
Information and resources from the Tim Field Foundation about workplace bullying
ACAS Information and advice on employment rights and bullying at work.
Equality and Human Rights Commission information relating to rights and dignity at work
TUC online Support, advice for anyone being bullied at work
Protect (Formerly Public Concern at Work) Independent authority and advice line on whistle blowing.
Information about safety in the workplace, with links to articles covering bullying, discrimination and employment law.
Complete the survey on workplace bullying in the charity sector
