§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his Department's policy on sexual harassment at work; whether a guidance on reporting complaints has been issued to all staff; how many complaints have been reported in the past five years; and what disciplinary action has been taken.
§ Mr. MaudeThe Civil Service policy on sexual harassment, followed by my Department, is set out in the programme of action to achieve equal opportunities for women in the Civil Service which was published by the Cabinet Office (Management and Personnel Office) in 1984. Sexual harassment at work is not tolerated and is dealt with as a disciplinary matter through the usual Civil Service procedures. A notice to all departmental staff has been issued informing them of the Department's policy and of the procedures for making a formal complaint; and a reference to the notice is included in the Department's personnel management policy statement, an individual copy of which is held by every member of staff.
There have been three complaints reported in this Department in the past five years. In two of the cases, inquiries uncovered insufficient evidence to support the bringing of disciplinary charges. In the third case, charges were brought, and the officer was found guilty, reprimanded and posted to another office.