Dignity & behaviour policy & guidance

Introduction

As the PM Society (the “Company”) we pride on ourselves on our mission of “Advancing Standards”. This policy acts as guidance regarding dignity and inappropriate behaviour.

The Company seeks to ensure an environment in which all “people” are treated with respect and dignity and that is free from harassment and bullying based on age, disability, gender, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, and sexual orientation. In this policy, these are known as the “protected characteristics”.

“People” are defined as Company employees, volunteers, and any individual or organisation connected with or in attendance at any PM Society Interest Group, meeting (in person or online), awards, or event.

Although we cannot directly control all of these People’s behaviour, we aspire to ensure that this policy is effective in preventing harassment or bullying. People must not harass, bully, or intimidate other people for reasons related to one or more of the protected characteristics. Such harassment not only contravenes the Company’s policy, but it may also constitute unlawful discrimination. People should bear in mind that they can be held personally liable for any act of unlawful harassment. People who commit serious acts of harassment may also be guilty of a criminal offence.

All People are responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with this policy and the Company will not condone or tolerate any form of harassment, bullying or intimidation, whether engaged in by employees or by outside third parties who do business with the Company.

The Company will take appropriate action against any People who are found to have committed an act of improper or unlawful harassment.

If any of this type of behaviour is presented to the Company Board and validated, the Company reserves the right to ban any individual from any or all future Company activities or events.

This decision may be communicated to senior leadership at the business that employs the individual concerned.

Reporting inappropriate behaviour and investigation of complaints

All allegations will be dealt with seriously and respectfully. They will also be dealt with in confidence to the extent that this is practical and appropriate in the circumstances. The Company encourages People who are either subjected to sexual harassment or victimisation, or who witness sexual harassment or victimisation, to report it in accordance with this policy.

Please contact Carwyn Jones, Director, carwynjones@pmsociety.org.uk for further information.

v1.1 June 2025