FIGURES OBTAINED by York Vision suggest that bullying and harassment incidents involving university staff members are increasing.
During the academic year 2011-12, ten staff members left the university citing bullying or harassment as one of the reasons behind their decision. The respective figures for 2009-10 and 2010-11 were six and seven.
In addition, a total of 14 staff members asked for support or advice as a result of such incidences, which also represents the highest level for three years. It is not known which departments the staff were from, or the exact working relationship between the staff members.
However, the University say that no formal investigations were carried out last academic year despite the apparent increase in bullying and harassment.
A University spokesperson said: “Issues of conflict – including allegations of bullying and harassment, when they occur – are usually resolved before they cause major difficulties for the individuals involved.
“We have well-established procedures in place – staff are invited to raise concerns with their line managers or with alternative managers where this is not possible. We also have trained contacts across the institution, as well as a full-time team in the Equality and Diversity Office whom people can speak to. I am not aware of any implications for students.”
Back in 2004, bullying and intimidation incidents were exposed in the University of York’s management team, as a survey revealed 75 per cent of staff felt they were no longer valued by the institution. Meanwhile a third of security staff experienced “a high incidence of bullying” with a further 44 per cent suffering from violence and aggression.