5 Responding to reports of bullying
A complaint of bullying behaviour is to be managed in accordance with the Department’s Guidelines for Managing Conduct and Unsatisfactory Performance in the Teaching Service.
These guidelines set out the Department’s complaints resolution process and processes for managing misconduct including in relation to bullying.
A principal and/or their delegate who receives a complaint of bullying can seek advice from the Conduct and Integrity Division as to the appropriate procedure to manage it.
Bullying is misconduct and allegations of bullying will generally warrant the commencement of disciplinary proceedings. In some instances it may be appropriate to manage allegations through complaint resolution procedures but advice should be sought from the Conduct and Integrity Division in order to make that judgement.