This policy outlines the commitment of the Diocese of Carlisle to encourage and sustain healthy and enriching relationships between office holders, their fellow clergy and colleagues and those they serve in their parishes and communities. The policy and our commitment to ensuring that complaints of bullying and harassment are dealt with promptly, fairly, confidentially and sensitively. Together we are working to build a culture in which such behaviour is less likely to occur.

It also describes the rights and responsibilities of office holders to do all they can to prevent bullying and harassment during the fulfilling of their duties of office.

This policy should only be used if the matter is not safeguarding related. The DSO should first determine whether it falls within safeguarding jurisdiction. If it does, safeguarding policies and procedures will apply.