Charities have been encouraged to strengthen their bullying policies to deal with unacceptable behaviour in the voluntary sector.
In a statement today, the Charity Commission said it expected trustees to handle issues arising in their charities, but warned it would “intervene where there are concerns that trustees are not complying with their responsibilities”.
The regulator has been working with bodies across civil society, including the charity leaders body Acevo, the Association of Chairs and officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to clarify responsibilities across the sector when dealing with bullying.
The Charity Commission said: “Trustees have a central role to play to ensure their charity has clear policies [on bullying] and that allegations are handled appropriately and in line with employment and other laws.
“Those concerned about bullying or harassment are encouraged to take their concerns directly to the charity or its trustees whenever this is appropriate, and trustees are responsible for ensuring they have processes in place to hear those concerns and address the matter.”
The commission said it does not have a role in resolving “individual employment issues”, adding that it “prioritises involvement to address the highest risk of harm, for example where there are concerns that trustees have not addressed reported bullying or harassment that is widespread and systemic within a charity, or there are concerns about governance issues or potential mismanagement”.
Paul Latham, director of policy at the Charity Commission, said: “There is no place for bullying and harassment in society, and there is certainly no place for it in the charitable sector.
“In a sector grounded on kindness and generosity, this kind of culture is unacceptable.”
He said: “We are clear that we expect charities to take action to prevent and deal with incidents, but that we will intervene where there are concerns that trustees are not complying with their responsibilities, including in relation to safeguarding, to protect charities and the wider charitable sector.”
Jane Ide, chief executive of Acevo, said: “Bullying and harassment is unacceptable in any part of our sector and at any level of it.
“It is essential that we work collaboratively to establish a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment and to ensure that everyone working in civil society, whether paid staff or volunteer, feels safe and respected in their work.”
Hear more on this subject from the Charity Commission and the conciliation service Acas on the Third Sector podcast published on 12 August.