uring the summer period, service use figures for CUSN showed a 57 per cent increase in those contacting us about ‘People and relationships’ compared to spring.
Contact within this category includes issues such as difficulties with relationships with colleagues, bullying and harassment.
Between May and August in 2009, there were 643 ‘interactions’ on such issues compared with 428 in spring (January and April) and 500 between May and August 2008 (an increase of 35 per cent). Enquiries can come in the form of telephone support, online support or use of our InfoCentre.
At CUSN we are constantly looking at the changing nature of the contact we have with staff in universities and colleges. By looking at these figures, we can track what issues are affecting our users. This information then informs our services, for example writing new advice for use in the InfoCentre, and also our policy work, where we raise these issues with decision makers at a local and national level to improve the wellbeing of staff in adult, further and higher education.
We know from talking with hundreds of callers every year that bullying and problems with colleagues can have a destructive affect on the wellbeing of those experiencing such issues.
Real life example
Earlier this year a lecturer contacted us to say he had been working at the same college for fifteen years and recently, a new line manager had been appointed to his department. He felt that he was being bullied by this person.
The bullying was adversely affecting his health; and he felt powerless to do anything about the situation. His colleagues, while sympathetic, appeared worried about being seen to help him in case the line manager “turned his attention on them.”
When the lecturer called, we encouraged him to consider the nature of the treatment he was receiving, in terms of being bullied and the many forms this can take.
He was able to validate how he felt and the impact that this was having on him – both professionally and personally. Through the therapeutic process of addressing his feelings of hopelessness, he decided to take some practical action. With the guidance from his coach, he was able to:
- Contact his union for advice, guidance and support.
- Look at the college’s policy on harassment and bullying.
- Speak to his line manager in relation to how he was feeling.
- Speak to his colleagues.
- Speak to his wife.
Being able to speak of his concerns enabled him to do something practical about his situation. In identifying possible actions to take, and people he could speak to, he was able to regain a sense of control over his situation.
What can I do if I am experiencing similar problems?
If you work within the adult, higher or further education sectors in any capacity, you can contact us via a range of routes.
To speak to someone on the telephone, including one of our fully qualified counsellors, call 08000 32 99 52.
To contact one of our trained advisors online, click here and fill in a few simple details, including what you would like support with.
We would always recommend that you contact your union for support and advice, particularly if there are legal issues involved. Contact UCU by clicking here, or if you are a member of another union, click here to find their contact details.
You can also search our free database of factsheets in the InfoCentre accessible via our website, here.
