Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy

Everyone who works, trains or learns with DOREA Educational Institute has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, in a safe and inclusive environment. We operate a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, bullying, discrimination and abuse in all our activities, in person and online.

This page summarises our Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, adopted on 9 September 2025. The full policy is available below.

Who it applies to

The policy applies to everyone involved in our activities, in any location and in any format: our staff and management; internal and external trainers, facilitators, researchers and consultants; participants in our training courses, workshops, study visits and online programmes; and representatives of partner organisations, volunteers and interns during joint activities. It covers courses, project meetings, events, cultural visits and social activities, travel for these activities, and all online communication, including email, messaging apps, social media and our e-learning platform.

What we expect

Everyone covered by the policy is expected to:

• show respect and value differences in culture, language, background, opinion and ability;
• promote inclusion and support those with fewer opportunities or additional needs;
• communicate professionally, in person and online;
• respect personal boundaries, privacy and the right of others to say no;
• act with integrity and follow our rules and the law;
• protect personal data, including consent for photographs and recordings;
• respect host communities at course venues and during cultural activities;
• speak up about behaviour that breaches the policy and support those who raise concerns.

Managers, trainers and group leaders must model these standards and act promptly when they see or are told of inappropriate behaviour.

What is not acceptable

Harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, victimisation and online harassment are prohibited. This includes offensive or demeaning comments, jokes or images; unwanted physical contact or sexual advances; intimidation, threats or aggression; stalking or persistent unwanted contact; exclusion or mocking of a person because of who they are; sharing private information, photographs or recordings without consent; abuse of authority; and retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith. What matters is the effect of the behaviour on the person receiving it, not the intention behind it.

How to report a concern

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this policy, report it to the designated contact:

Jolanta Banelyte, Director, DOREA Educational Institute
Email: jb@dorea.org
Telephone: +357 25 256606
In person: at our office in Limassol, or during any course or event

You can report verbally or in writing, as soon as possible after the incident. A trainer or group leader can report on your behalf. You may be accompanied by a colleague or another support person at any meeting.

What happens next

• We acknowledge your report within 2 working days.
• We assess the concern and arrange any immediate support or safety measures, such as a change of group or room.
• We resolve the matter informally or formally, depending on its seriousness and your wishes.
• We communicate the outcome to the parties concerned, normally within 20 working days.

All reports are handled promptly, fairly, impartially and in confidence. Information is shared only with those who need it, and records are kept securely in line with the GDPR. No one will be disadvantaged for raising a concern in good faith. Where behaviour may be a criminal offence, we will support you to contact the police. If you are not satisfied with how your concern was handled, you may ask for a review and remain free to contact external bodies, such as the Cyprus Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman) or the relevant Erasmus+ National Agency.

Documents

[Button] Download the Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy (PDF)
[Button] Download the Staff Code of Ethics (PDF)

Approved by Jolanta Banelyte, Director, on 9 September 2025. Next review: September 2027. The policy is shared with all staff and trainers on appointment, included in course information and welcome packs for participants, and made available to project partners.