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The code of behaviour was drawn up by a working group of staff following wide consultation in the department. It is intended to set clear principles and guidance, in the area of dealing with colleagues, which:

• let everyone know what is expected of them

• set benchmarks to which staff can point if they feel ill treated

The code is a short free standing statement. But the code of behaviour working group also drew on the experiences they heard about to produce longer guidance offering best practice tips to illustrate what the code means in practice.

In line with the recommendations of the working group, the code of behaviour Bulletin Board is being kept open and further comments and shared experience are welcomed. The code will be reviewed from time to time, taking into account the views of staff and drawing on the staff attitude survey and comments on the Bulletin Board.

You have the right to:

• be spoken to politely

• be treated with respect

• have your life and commitments outside the office respected

• be assertive

• expect colleagues to treat you as a fellow professional

• speak out if you are the victim of bullying, vindictiveness, verbal or physical aggression and to expect your complaint to be take seriously.

• treat all colleagues as individuals and show sensitivity to their needs

• be assertive and not aggressive

• listen to what others say and respect their point of view

• take actions swiftly if you are a witness or are made aware of unreasonable behaviour. You should not assume it is someone elses problem

• try to learn from your mistakes in handling relations with others

• take every complaint or disagreement seriously and work to find common ground.

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