Abingdon Concert Band (hereafter referred to as “the Band”) is committed to providing a safe space for all Band Members free from bullying and harassment. This policy sets out how bullying and harassment will be prevented and, if a concern is raised, the procedures we will follow. 

The expectations in this policy apply to the treatment by Band Members of each other and of any Deps joining the band on a short-term basis. 

Definitions 

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply: 

Bullying is repeated or one‑off behaviour that is unwanted, offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting, and which undermines, humiliates, or harms another person. It can be verbal, physical, written, or online, and can be carried out by individuals or groups.

Harassment is unwanted behaviour that has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Prevention

Abingdon Concert Band aims to prevent bullying and harassment by setting clear expectations for behaviour and ensuring concerns are addressed promptly. Prevention is supported by the following responsibilities:

• The Committee will set clear standards for respectful behaviour, both during rehearsals and events, and online. They will model positive conduct, including fairness, inclusion, and constructive communication.
• The Committee will remain mindful of power dynamics and take reasonable steps to ensure that all members can participate confidently.
• All Band Members are expected to treat others with respect and to avoid behaviour that could cause offence, intimidation, or harm.
• Anyone who witnesses or experiences inappropriate behaviour is encouraged to raise concerns early, using the procedures below. 

No individual shall be excluded from membership of the Band, or debarred from any official capacity on the Committee on the grounds of sex, race, religion, colour, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or political affiliation. 

Procedures for raising concerns

Any Band Member who experiences or witnesses treatment that may constitute bullying or harassment should raise any concern to a Committee Member, in whichever way they feel most comfortable. 

If a concern is raised, the Committee will ensure that concerns are taken seriously, and responded to sensitively. Concerns raised will be treated with confidence, using the following procedure: 

• The Committee Member that the concern is reported to will make a note of the concerns, and raise the concerns with the Chair.  
• The Chair will take responsibility for deciding who is involved in the subsequent investigation, excluding any Committee Members who are involved. If the Chair has a conflict of interest in the case, this responsibility will pass to the Treasurer and then the Secretary. Other Committee Members may be called on to support. 
• When an internal investigation is initiated the Committee will:
  • Inform all parties involved of the reported concern as soon as possible.
  • Arrange separate meetings with all parties within 10 days of the concern being raised. A joint meeting may be arranged if appropriate.
    • All parties should be given the chance to bring a friend or representative to the meeting.
    • Meetings will be attended by at least one other Committee Member.
    • All parties will also be invited to submit a written statement in advance of the meeting.
  • Once meetings have taken place the Committee will communicate to all parties, in writing and within 5 days the following:
    • A decision that an incidence of bullying or harassment has taken place and a timeline for identifying disciplinary action
    • A decision that an incidence of bullying or harassment did not take place
    • A notification that a decision could not be reached and further investigation will take place, identifying a timeline and procedures
• If the concern involves a criminal act, or a suspected criminal act, the Committee must alert the police:
  • The Committee will cooperate with the police in their investigations into the reported incident
  • The Committee will continue to support the person who raised the concern, or on whose behalf the concern was raised, as appropriate in line with any police investigation

Disciplinary action

If bullying or harassment is found to have taken place the Chair and Committee will decide and implement the appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Band’s Constitution and the guidance of any authority involved. All parties involved will be notified in writing of the disciplinary action. 

Documentation

All records relating to the incident including the original concern, minutes of all meetings, any statements taken, the decision and the disciplinary action to be taken will be kept securely with access restricted to those involved in the investigation and the parties involved.  

Lessons learned

• Regardless of the decision reached, following a reported incident of bullying or harassment the Committee will review this policy to ensure it was fit for purpose and implement any improvements or modifications identified. 

Version History

Author	Version	Effective date	Changes from previous version
Abingdon Concert Band Committee	1.0	31 May 2026	n/a