Anti-bullying and harassment policy

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone who engages with us. We take a zero‑tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and victimisation and will act to address any behaviour that falls below this standard.

This commitment applies to all interactions connected to us, whether in person, online or at Trust‑related activities and events.

Our commitment

We are dedicated to:

• treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect
• promoting equality and inclusivity in all that we do
• taking all concerns seriously and addressing them appropriately
• ensuring people can raise concerns without fear of retaliation
• ensuring that bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour is never acceptable. 

Who this applies to

This applies to anyone who interacts with us, including:

• volunteers and employees
• contractors, consultants and agency workers
• partners, suppliers and landowners
• visitors, donors and members of the public.

What we mean by bullying and harassment

Harassment is unwanted behaviour linked to a personal characteristic (such as age, disability, race, sex, religion or sexual orientation) that makes someone feel intimidated, offended or humiliated.

Sexual harassment includes unwanted physical contact, sexual comments or jokes, intrusive questions, sexual imagery or inappropriate messages.

Bullying may include intimidation, abuse of power, threats, exclusion, humiliation or persistent unfair criticism.

Victimisation is treating someone unfairly because they have raised, or are believed to have raised, a concern.

These behaviours may be a one‑off serious incident or repeated over time. 

Behaviour from third parties 

We do not tolerate bullying or harassment by third parties, including visitors, contractors or members of the public. Where necessary, action may be taken to prevent further interaction and serious incidents may be reported to the relevant authorities. 

Raising a concern

If you experience or witness bullying or harassment connected to us, we encourage you to speak up. Concerns will be handled sensitively, fairly and as confidentially as possible. 

You can contact our People Team for advice or to raise a concern at people@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Support and advice

Independent support and guidance are also available from:

• Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) – 0808 800 0082
• ACAS – 0300 123 1100
• Protect (whistleblowing charity) – 020 3117 2520
• Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) – 0808 500 2222.

Confidentiality and fairness

All concerns are managed in line with data protection requirements. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern is not tolerated.