Introduction:
At the Surrey Rifle and Pistol Club, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all our members, visitors, and participants. We believe in promoting positive relationships and ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing and addressing bullying and harassment within our club.

Policy Statement:

1. The Surrey Rifle and Pistol Club is dedicated to maintaining a culture that is free from bullying and harassment. We will not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior towards any individual associated with the club, including members, visitors, volunteers, and employees.
2. We acknowledge that bullying and harassment can take various forms, including but not limited to verbal, physical, written, electronic, and psychological abuse. Such behavior is unacceptable and will be dealt with seriously.
3. This policy applies to all club activities, both on and off the club premises, including online platforms and social media channels associated with the club.
   

Key Principles:

1. Definition of Bullying and Harassment: Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted, and offensive behavior that undermines, humiliates, or intimidates an individual. Harassment refers to unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (e.g., age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability) that violates an individual's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment.
2. Reporting Procedure: We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying or harassment to report the incident promptly. Reports can be made to a designated club representative or the appointed Bullying and Harassment Officer, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate action.
3. Support and Confidentiality: We will provide support and assistance to individuals who have been subjected to bullying or harassment. All reports will be treated confidentially, and information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis, adhering to relevant data protection regulations.
4. Investigation and Disciplinary Action: All reported incidents will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, impartially, and confidentially. If the complaint is substantiated, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the perpetrator, following club guidelines and procedures.
5. Awareness and Training: We will provide regular training and awareness programs to ensure all club members, employees, volunteers, and participants understand what constitutes bullying and harassment, their rights and responsibilities, and how to prevent and address such behavior.
6. Anti-Retaliation: The club will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who report incidents of bullying or harassment in good faith. Retaliation is a separate violation of club policy and will be treated with the same seriousness.
   

Implementation and Review:

1. This bullying and harassment policy will be communicated to all club members, employees, volunteers, and visitors, who will be expected to read, understand, and comply with its principles.
2. The policy will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary, reflecting changes in legislation, best practices, and club requirements.
3. The designated Bullying and Harassment Officer will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of this policy, ensuring compliance, and making recommendations for improvements when necessary.
4. The policy will be made available on the club's website, notice boards, and other appropriate communication channels.
   

This bullying and harassment policy represents the commitment of the Surrey Rifle and Pistol Club to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals associated with the club. Any concerns or queries regarding bullying and harassment matters should be directed to the designated Bullying and Harassment Officer.

Signed:
Mike Arrow - Chairman
22/06/2023