Frequently Asked Questions
Examples of bullying include but are not limited to:
- Insulting or mocking someone by word or behaviour
- Derogatory name-calling
- Spreading malicious rumours
- Exclusion or victimisation
- Unfair treatment
- Misuse of power or position
- Unwelcome sexual advances
- Threatening
- Undermining and overloading someone with constant criticism
- Physical threats or actions- hitting, shoving, destroying someone's property
- Cyberbullying- using technology to harass or bully another person
If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured:
- Please call 999
- Find a place nearby where you feel safe
You should report the incident as soon as you feel safe, comfortable and ready to do so. If you have grave concerns, such as for the safety of a patient or colleague, you have a professional duty to report the incident straight away.
You could talk to someone informally about the incident so that you can make sure you have the care and support you need during this time. You can tell someone whichever details you feel comfortable to let them know about. You can contact anybody who you trust and feel comfortable talking about the incident with. We have suggested some people who would like to support you in the section labelled 'Where can I find support?' By talking to someone, you could seek a range of outcomes, such as arranging your timetable so that you can avoid interacting with the people involved.
A hate crime could be reported to the police if you choose to do so. An investigation then ensues in order to decide whether there is enough evidence to take the case ahead.
Reporting involves making an official complaint in a documented process.
IT IS ALWAYS YOUR CHOICE TO REPORT. You should not be pressured by another person into reporting. You can use the central reporting system to report something.
There are two ways you can report: anonymously or non-anonymously, and either way is acceptable. Reporting can result in several outcomes, depending on how you would like to report. For example, there could be a formal investigation, or the report could provide statistical information to help us monitor these issues at the medical school.
There are lots of people in the medical school, hospital and in Oxford who want to support you, if an incident ever occurs. Examples of people you could contact for support include:
- Close friends, family members or housemates who you trust
- Your personal tutor or educational supervisor
- Osler House Welfare Officers
- Osler Peer Supporters
- The Medical School: Lois Brand; Catherine Swales; David McCartney
- Your course lead
- A member of the team at your placement who you trust
- Freedom to Speak Up Guardian - employed by the OUH trust to give independent support and advice to staff who want to raise concerns: Jane Herve
- Raising Concerns page
- University resources
- Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service
- Harassment Line
- Oxford SU student advice
- Harassment and conflict page
- National resources
Zero tolerance to bullying and harassment is an essential requirement for a happy, healthy and diverse learning environment.
The Medical School is dedicated to maintaining a culture in which we all treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration, and challenge unacceptable behaviour. This is a responsibility that we all must share, and extends into every area in which students learn. We are committed to supporting anyone who feels they have witnessed or experienced bullying and harassment, so please contact us if you need to talk things through or raise any concerns.