Supportive Bystander Policy Template

Did you know these facts about a Supportive Bystander?

• Workplace violence, harassment, discrimination, and bullying are increasingly affecting employee productivity and the physical and mental well-being of society at large.
• A supportive bystander takes safe action to stop the bully, find help, or support the victim.
• A supportive bystander policy is an official document that clearly defines how a company’s employees should behave when witnessing incidents of harassment, bullying, and violence in the workplace.

Supportive Bystander Policy overview

This supportive bystander policy covers what a supportive bystander is and provides guidelines for the professional standards required within your organisation. It also guides people to take safe and helpful action when someone else is being bullied or harassed by helping them report the incident.

This supportive bystander policy template can be adapted to meet the specific needs of your organisation. You can change as little or as much of the content as you like. Some sections may be governed by state and federal legislation. It is important that you seek your HR or legal advice, maintain this policy as legislation changes and adjust it to meet your requirements.

Target audience

This supportive bystander workplace policy template is suitable for all your employees, contractors, and volunteers. Once you have adjusted the supportive bystander policy template to meet the specific requirements of your organisation, you can deliver it to new starters at induction and as refresher training on a regular basis.

Topics covered

The following topics are covered in this supportive bystander policy:

• Defining harassment, bullying, and discrimination
• Supportive bystanders
• Responsibility of HR
• Responsibility of managers
• Supportive bystander training
• Reporting incidences

Duration

This supportive bystander policy will take approximately five minutes to complete.

Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes will be achieved upon completion of this supportive bystander policy:

• Understand the professional standards of behaviour that are expected.
• Recognise the types of behaviour that constitute acting with safety and caution to help others.
• Understand that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Recognise personal responsibility to comply with this supportive bystander policy.
• Know how to report known or suspected breaches of this supportive bystander policy.
• Acknowledge that the supportive bystander policy does not cover every possible event or action and that caution and common sense are required.

Business outcomes

Once all employees, contractors and volunteers have completed your supportive bystander policy, the following business outcomes will be achieved for your organisation:

• Reduce the incidents of unprofessional conduct in your workplace.
• Mitigate the risk of legal liability associated with unlawful workplace behaviour.
• Protect your reputation from the damage caused by incidents of misconduct in the workplace.
• Present a vision for professional standards and helpful behaviour in your workplace.
• Increase engagement by supporting a workplace culture that treats people fairly, respectfully, and helps those in need.

How to use this supportive bystander policy template