The Department of Materials strives to be a positive and supportive environment in which people are treated fairly and with respect. We all benefit when people around us can be their natural selves, or as close to that as they feel comfortable being, without spending energy on masking or covering to hide aspects of their identity. This will only ever happen if we ALL act in a tolerant, welcoming and respectful way.
Over the last decade there have been multiple reports of harassment and bullying in academia and it would be naive and arrogant to pretend that there have not been cases in Oxford. The department is clear that any form of harassment or victimisation is unacceptable, and we will implement the University's Harassment Policy if and when needed.
Anyone experiencing harassment or bullying is encouraged to seek confidential support and guidance as soon as possible. We have a number of departmental Harassment Advisors (listed below) who can listen non-judgementally to your situation and talk you through the strategies, options and support available to you. They have good knowledge of policies, procedures and agencies and can help signpost the correct support. If it is easier to speak to an advisor from outside the department that is possible too through the Harassment Advisor Network (email harassment.line@admin.ox.ac.uk, phone 01865 270760).
It is the responsibility of all members of the department to ensure that the rights and dignity of others are respected. This includes taking some responsibility if we witness inappropriate behaviour. Many of us will find the prospect of intervening a difficult or uncomfortable one, but training and guidance is available to help us understand the four main tactics to be employed (Direct, Distract, Delegate and Delay).
The department’s Harassment Advisers are:
The department's policy for Harassment Advisors is here. (or email hr@materials.ox.ac.uk, who can provide different format if needed).
The MPLS ED&I Team provide training on 'Being an effective bystander' and 'Intersectional allyship'.
The University guidance on being a responsible bystander is here.