HCR Bullying and Harassment Policy

Humanity Care Relief (HCR) is committed to ensuring that all individuals within our organization are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all employees, trustees, members, volunteers, and contractors, regardless of whether they are on or off the premises, including those working remotely or on-site.

Harassment is unwanted conduct that affects the dignity of individuals in the workplace. It can be related to age, gender, race, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, nationality, or any personal characteristic. Harassment may be a single incident or a series of incidents and can be physical, verbal, or non-verbal.

Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour. It involves an abuse or misuse of power, often meant to undermine, humiliate, denigrate, or injure the recipient. Bullying can be carried out by an individual or a group and can occur in person or through electronic means, such as emails or phone calls.

Reporting Complaints: Complaints of bullying and/or harassment can be made to any line manager or, if the line manager is involved, to another appropriate senior manager. All complaints will be handled confidentially and sensitively, following HCR’s grievance procedures.

Investigation: Complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, objectively, and independently. An impartial investigation will determine the necessary actions.

Informal Resolution: Where appropriate, an informal resolution may be sought. This might involve discussions facilitated by a manager or a mediator, where the aim is to reach a mutual understanding and agreement to cease the behaviour.

Formal Action: More serious cases will be handled under HCR’s disciplinary procedures. If bullying or harassment constitutes gross misconduct, it may lead to dismissal without notice.

Support and Counseling: Counseling or mediation may be offered to both the complainant and the accused, particularly if the investigation does not result in disciplinary action. This support aims to resolve the issue and support those involved.

Unfounded Allegations: Employees making complaints in good faith will not face disciplinary action. However, if a complaint is found to be malicious or unfounded, it will be dealt with under HCR’s disciplinary procedures.

Bullying and harassment can be subtle and not always obvious to others. Individuals may fear they are overreacting or worry about retaliation. It is crucial for all HCR members to be vigilant and supportive of those who come forward with concerns.

Bullying and harassment may not only violate HCR’s policy but also UK laws regarding discrimination and health and safety. Employers have a duty of care to protect employees from such behaviors, and failure to do so can result in legal consequences, including claims of constructive dismissal or breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Managers and supervisors must set a good example and ensure all employees understand their responsibilities. They must be prepared to take immediate action when allegations of bullying or harassment arise.

Humanity Care Relief is committed to maintaining a respectful and supportive work environment. Any behaviour that undermines this will not be tolerated and will be dealt with promptly and effectively.

For further information, consult the following resources:

We are a UK-based international relief and development charity. Inspired by Islamic teachings of empathy, generosity, and selflessness, we focus on alleviating poverty and suffering across the world. We operate a 100% Zakat Policy, which means every single penny of your Zakat will go to the victims of poverty, wars, and natural disasters.

Before you support our Food Appeal, Water Appeal, Gaza Emergency Appeal, Syria Emergency Appeal, Pakistan Floods Appeal, or any Emergency Appeal, remember to make the intention that you are donating for the sake of Allah first and helping your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters second. This is very important because as Muslims, whatever act of worship we do, we do it for the sake of Allah.

Along with our emergency appeals, we are working on some amazing projects which will, Insha’Allah, bring prosperity to many Muslim homes from around the world. Donate your Sadaqah and Zakat to our projects like Build a Masjid, Livelihoods for the Poor, Sponsor a Widow, Sponsor an Orphan, Sponsor a Nikah, Donate a Sewing Machine, or help educate the Ummah by donating towards education projects, Sponsoring a Hafiz, Sponsoring a Child in Education, or supporting young people in university and Islamic education. Donate with confidence, Insha’Allah, every penny of your donation is your Amanah, and we will try our best to spend it on people who are in need.

Every year, we as Muslims celebrate two seasons the most: one, Ramadan, and two, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. During these blessed days, we put all our efforts into pleasing Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى by performing good deeds. Here at HCR, we provide you with the platform to perform an important act of worship: charity. In Ramadan, you can donate to the Ramadan Food Appeal, and Ramadan Zakat Appeal, Donate Your Fidyah, Donate Your Fitrana, and Pay Your Kaffarah for Breaking Oath or Breaking Fast, especially during the blessed nights of Laylatul Qadr. In Dhul Hijjah, we are here to help fulfil your duty of performing Qurbani. Whichever cause you choose, choose it with confidence. Insha’Allah.