Respect at work and on campus

Who this protects

Everyone on the campus: students, teachers, wardens, kitchen, security and housekeeping staff, contractors and visitors. It follows the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the same standard applies whatever a person’s gender.

What is not allowed

Unwelcome touch, remarks, messages, images, looks or jokes of a sexual kind; asking for any favour in return for a grade, a role or any benefit; and any behaviour that makes a person feel unsafe because of who they are. Once is enough.

The Internal Committee

An Internal Committee, chaired by a senior woman member of staff and including a member from outside the Academy, receives and hears complaints. The members’ names and contact details are displayed on the campus notice boards and given to every family at joining. Where the person concerned is a student, the child protection policy applies alongside this one, and the student’s parents are involved from the start.

How to complain

In writing to the Internal Committee, by hand or by email, within three months of the incident; the Committee may extend this for good reason. A student may complain through a parent, a warden or the counsellor.

What happens next

The complaint is acknowledged within two working days. The Committee hears both sides, keeps the process confidential, and completes its enquiry within ninety days. During the enquiry, the person complained against is kept away from the person who complained. The outcome is given to both in writing, and action — from a written warning to dismissal or a police complaint — follows the Committee’s recommendation.

No retaliation

No one is penalised for making a complaint in good faith or for giving evidence. Retaliation is a separate offence under this policy.