Unacceptable behaviour by third parties

This policy specifically relates to conduct by people outside of the organisation, including but not limited to staff at publishers and organisations that IPSO interacts with as part of our external engagement work. (IPSO maintains separate policies that apply to people who work for IPSO.)

IPSO encourages all staff to report any third-party harassment or other unacceptable harassment they are a victim of or witness to. When necessary, we will take appropriate steps to address any such behaviour and prevent any recurrence.

We do not expect our staff to tolerate unacceptable behaviour including:

• using abusive, offensive, aggressive, racist or foul language in conversation or correspondence with staff;
• harassing, verbally abusing or seeking to intimidate staff;
• any unwelcome or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature (which the harasser may perceive as harmless) including, but not limited to:
  • unwanted physical conduct, including touching, pinching, pushing and grabbing;
  • sending or displaying material that is pornographic or that some people may find offensive without justification (for example, because it is being supplied as part of a response to a complaint);
  •  unwelcome sexual advances or suggestive behaviour;
  • unwelcome flirtatious communications (whether on personal or work devices, and inside or outside of a work context);
  • continued suggestions for sexual activity after it has been made clear that such suggestions are unwelcome; or
  • offensive emails, text messages or social media content.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment or victimisation of any worker, or anyone they come into contact with during the course of their work, is unlawful and will not be tolerated. IPSO will take active steps to help prevent sexual harassment and victimisation, whether perpetrated by another individual within our workforce or by a third party, including those working on the behalf of publishers.

How we handle reports of unacceptable behaviour by third parties

As noted above, IPSO encourages all staff to report unacceptable behaviour by third parties that they are a victim of or witness to. When it is made aware of such concerns, IPSO will take appropriate steps to address any such behaviour and prevent any recurrence.

Complaints and concerns under this policy can be raised by contacting IPSO’s Chief Executive or Chair via inquiries@ipso.co.uk. IPSO staff are also invited to use internal channels for raising concerns confidentially.