#It'sNeverOK is our commitment to stand firmly against all forms of discrimination, harassment, and harmful behaviour. Everyone has the right to study and work in a safe and supportive environment free from harm and prejudice.
HARTS and RESPECT are our joint initiatives to promote positive, inclusive, and empowering behaviours which strengthen our college community. #It'sNeverOK highlights the behaviours which the college does not tolerate, alongside our Code of Conduct.
| Respect staff, students, and visitors at all times | Arrive on time and attend all your sessions | Follow all health and safety guidelines |
| Don’t drop litter or damage the facilities | Stick to areas of the college you’re authorised to enter | No drugs, alcohol, or weapons |
| Don’t disrupt the learning or work of others | Comply with all policies, including our Prevent duty | No eating, smoking, or vaping outside designated areas |
| Look after College equipment and resources | ||
Downloadable 'Code of Conduct' available in the Student Handbook below in Associated Documents.
Hartlepool College supports all victims of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. We have robust policies and procedures in place to protect our students and wider community.
General Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Prejudice | A preconceived negative opinion or feeling about someone based on who they are. |
| Discrimination | Treating someone less favourably or unjustly based on who they are. Prejudice is about beliefs and attitude, discrimination is about actions. |
| Bullying | Harming, coercing, or intimidating someone, especially someone perceived as vulnerable. |
| Harassment | Behaving in a way which makes someone feel scared, distressed, or threatened. Includes stalking, sexual harassment, or unwanted threatening behaviour. Repeated actions may be a criminal offence. |
| Abuse | Cruel or violent language and behaviour. |
Specific Forms of Targeted Behaviour
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Racism | Prejudice, discrimination, or hostility based on ethnic origin or skin colour. |
| Sexism | Prejudice, discrimination, or contempt based on sex or gender. Hatred or prejudice against women is called misogyny. |
| Homophobia & Transphobia | Prejudice, fear, or hatred directed toward people because of sexuality (homophobia) or gender identity (transphobia). |
| Ableism | Discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities or those perceived to have disabilities. |
| Ageism | Prejudice or discrimination based on age. |
| Sexual Harassment & Violence | Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment. Can happen in person, online, or over text. |
Hate and discrimination have a huge variety of consequences, and not just for the perpetrator, who risks their place on their course or apprenticeship, their future career, and even legal action. Racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and ageism have a deep and lasting impact on individuals and our college as a whole. Bullying can impact student mental health, and creates a hostile and unwelcoming environment for people to work and study in.
Being an active bystander means spotting when someone's behavior is inappropriate or threatening, and choosing to take action by telling us. Help us keep our college safe and welcoming by reporting anything you see that concerns you.
If you are a witness to bullying or harassment, report the incident to us using any of the channels below. You can also intervene 'in the moment' by checking if the victim is OK and if they need support.
We all play an important role in calling out inappropriate behaviour when we see it, including 'jokes' or 'banter'.
We understand that many incidents go unreported for various reasons. We want you to know that harassment and discrimination are never your fault, and there is support available to help you.
How to Report an Incident:
- Speak to a member of staff – Any staff member can help direct you to the appropriate support.
- Use our online reporting system – You can report anonymously if you prefer by completing this form.
- Contact the Safeguarding Team at 07931360807 or visit our office in G11 – Our dedicated team will provide guidance and support. Read more about the Safeguarding team here.
- Police – In cases of serious harassment, hate crimes, or violence, you can report directly to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Remember: Reporting an incident helps us take action to prevent it happening to others and ensures you can access the support you need.
In addition to college support, the following external organisations provide additional resources:
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111
- Galop (LGBT+ anti-violence charity): 0800 999 5428
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Mind: 0300 123 3393
- Stop Hate UK: 0800 138 1625
Hartlepool College takes all reports of discrimination, harassment, and harmful behavior seriously. We are committed to:
- Providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff
- Taking appropriate action when incidents occur
- Supporting those affected by discrimination or harassment
- Educating our community on discrimination and equality
- Continually improving our policies and procedures
Together, we can create a college community where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to achieve their full potential.
