Full Text Download
Informal Resolution
01

Informal Resolution

(a)Staff members or students who believe that they have been subject to any form of discrimination, harassment or vilification should act promptly. They should approach their immediate supervisor, unit head, departmental administrator or an advisor/resource person for help in achieving an informal resolution of the matter as soon as reasonably practicable.
(b)If it is not possible to resolve the matter informally to their satisfaction, the staff members or students concerned may contact the responsible officer at the Diversity and Inclusion Office (DIO), i.e. Committee Secretary (CS) of the Committee Against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (CADSH), for advice and assistance. The CS of CADSH shall make an initial assessment of the situation, based on the information provided, to determine whether it is a possible discrimination or harassment case. At this stage, the staff members or students concerned do not need to submit a written complaint. A flow chart on handling enquiries and complaints on discrimination, harassment and vilification is at the Attachment.
(c)If it is determined that the situation is not a possible discrimination, harassment or vilification case, the case will be dismissed under these Procedures. The CS shall inform the staff or students concerned of the decision and the reason behind. If it is determined that there is a possible discrimination, harassment or vilification case under the scope as set out in paragraph B1, the CS shall inform the staff and students concerned of the available options. If the case is not under the scope of these Procedures, the CS shall, in consultation with the Director of DIO, refer the case to relevant departments/units for handling, depending on categories of the matter. Wherever deemed appropriate, the CS shall act as a coordinator to inform the staff or students concerned of the progress of the case. Requests from staff members or students will normally be handled within 10 working days.
(d)For cases to be handled under these Procedures, the CS shall attempt, and if appropriate, to resolve the complaint informally with the consent of the complainant. The CS shall address the complainant’s concern, understand the facts and nature of the complaint and offer proper assistance, including counselling to the individual concerned. The CS, where appropriate, shall provide the complainant with information about the Policy and the complaint procedures as well as options for dealing with the complaint and shall communicate with the respondent the allegations made in the complaint and, where appropriate, take appropriate preventive or remedial measures to address the situation.
Back to top