UK Space Agency Respectful Behaviour Policy
Information on our respectful behaviour policy.
Introduction from UK Space Agency CEO
“The UK Space Agency inspires and leads the UK in space to benefit our planet and its people.
“The Agency provides technical advice on the government’s space strategy, supporting the UK space sector to deliver the government’s space agenda, in addition to partnering with institutions across the world, including the European Space Agency.
“Achieving our priorities is only possible when we act with integrity, work in an environment that is psychologically safe and treat each other with dignity and respect.
“I firmly believe that this expectation applies not only to how we treat each other within the Agency. What our stakeholders and partners can expect when they deal with us is equally important, as are our expectations of how they will deal with people in the Agency in return.
“All of us have the right to feel safe whilst undertaking our roles. In recognition of this, we have created our Respectful Behaviour Policy.
“The vast majority of interactions with my colleagues are exactly as we would expect, even at times when conversation becomes robust and challenges to the work we do are posed. However, if the proverbial “line is crossed”, our policy exists to demonstrate how we will act, and that all my colleagues have the backing of myself, the Senior Leadership Team and our Executive Committee.
“The existence of this policy underlines the value we place on our people, and their right to work in a safe environment.”
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency
About the Respectful Behaviour Policy
Our role in leading major space programmes, both nationally and internationally, and working collaboratively with a range of partners is challenging. Sometimes difficult decisions will have to be made and robust conversations had. However, we do ask that all interactions with our staff are conducted in a respectful manner.
We do not consider behaviour as unacceptable just because someone is assertive or determined. We also understand that people who deal with us may sometimes not receive the outcome they were expecting – we will always do our best to help in line with our commitment to providing a high standard of service to everyone we deal with.
We have a duty of care to our employees and a desire to provide a safe working environment. We will not tolerate abuse and will act to protect our people. This applies to everyone our colleagues encounter during the course of our work, including members of the public.
What the UK Space Agency means by unacceptable behaviour
We appreciate that individuals may find themselves in challenging situations and feel frustrated. However, it is unacceptable if this frustration turns into behaviour that makes a staff member feel offended, afraid, threatened, or abused. This includes, but is not limited to:
- offensive language
- aggressive or threatening behaviour
- racist, sexist, homophobic and other discriminatory language
- any form of unjust or prejudicial treatment
- unwarranted criticism of staff about their competency
- unreasonable refusal to accept limitations and procedures in place
- unsubstantiated or malicious allegations
The UK Space Agency will respond when unacceptable behaviour occurs, although we will do so in a way that first allows for the problem to be resolved informally, if this is the most appropriate route.
We are aware that holding someone’s behaviour as unacceptable or unreasonable could have consequences for that individual. Therefore, any action taken in response will be proportionate to the nature and frequency of the person’s contact with us. We will notify an individual about our concerns and what actions may be taken if that behaviour continues.
Dealing with unacceptable behaviour
As soon as our staff consider the conduct of one of our stakeholders is unacceptable, they will tell the individual(s) how their conduct is considered unacceptable and give them the chance both to respond and consider changing their behaviour. Should the staff concerned feel unable to have this conversation, they will highlight the matter to appropriate personnel in the Agency.
If the individual(s) chooses to carry on acting in a way considered unacceptable, our staff will advise them that the conversation will end if they do not change their behaviour. This applies whether the conversation is being conducted on the phone, in person, over email or on social media.
If the conversation is conducted by phone and the caller still does not change their behaviour, our staff can terminate the call having told the caller that that is what they are about to do.
If the conversation is in person, our colleague will leave the area or, if in UK Space Agency premises, ask the individual(s) to leave. If the conversation is over email or on social media, our staff will disengage from the conversation. Further action may be taken for any content we believe to be abusive, which may include contacting the author or the organisation they represent and/or reporting posts to the relevant social media company.
If an individual(s) behaviour is thought to be extreme, for example if they make threats of violence or physical abuse, our colleague can either end a phone call or remove themselves from the situation, whether in person or online, as quickly as possible and without warning. All incidents of unacceptable behaviour are recorded and may be referred to the police, if appropriate.