PURPOSE:
To outline Council’s commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for staff, volunteers, and visitors. The Council demonstrates commitment through the creation of this policy that clearly indicates a zero tolerance for workplace violence, verbal and nonverbal threats and related actions. Disrespectful behavior experienced during interactions involving registrants and the public which impacts any College staff or volunteers (committee or Council members) will not be condoned or tolerated.
DEFINITION:
For the purpose of this policy, harassment is defined as any vexatious comment or conduct against a staff or volunteer members which is known, or ought to reasonably be known, to be unwelcome. These types of behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Written abuse, threats, or outbursts;
- Persistent unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendos, or taunts;
- Condescending or patronizing behavior which is intended to undermine self-esteem, diminish performance, or adversely affect working conditions;
- Unwanted physical contact;
- Physical or sexual assault.
POLICY:
The College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba affirms its commitment to maintain a safe and respectful working environment that is free from harassment. Anyone delivering abusive or aggressive language to members of staff or volunteers in person, over the phone or in writing will be advised by the Registrar or the Chair of Council that this behavior will not be tolerated.
1. Registrants
APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY
This policy applies to any registrant or person contacting the College.
The Council will not tolerate any form of harassment towards staff or representatives of the College from a member of the profession. Registrants should be aware of these expectations and are expected to display behavior consistent with the core values of the profession and the Code of Ethics.
Violations of this policy by a registrant may be subject to a formal review process.
REVIEW PROCESS FOR REGISTRANTS
A staff member or volunteer who feels they have been harassed by a registrant of the College as outlined in this policy should report the instance to the Registrar. In the instance where the Registrar feels they have also been harassed, they will report the instance to the Chair of Council.
The Registrar/Chair of Council will endeavor to resolve this matter and in doing so shall:
- Confidentially review the details of the complaint.
- If needed, take steps to ensure no recurrence of the situation while being reviewed.
- Inform both parties of the outcome of the review.
- Refer to the Complaints Committee if not resolved following the review and communication with the parties involved.
Consequences of the Review
Where it is found that a violation of the policy has occurred, the Registrar/Council may take action including, but not limited to, the following:
- Written contact outlining the issue and expected behavior moving forward. This may include any limitations the registrant has when contacting/working with College staff or volunteers.
- Formal Complaint may be filed against the registrant depending on the outcome of the review.
Confidentiality
All records, notes and transcripts of the review shall remain confidential. Parties to a complaint are advised to refrain from discussing the complaint with anyone.
2. Members of the Public
Members of the public will be made aware that abusive or harassing behavior will not be tolerated.
If a staff member or volunteer reports harassment from a member of the public, this issue will be redirected to the Registrar to manage. The College will not tolerate any form of harassment towards staff or representatives of the College from a member of the public. If the issue cannot be resolved, expected behavior moving forward will be communicated and may include any limitations the member of the public has when contacting/working with College staff or volunteers.