As a part of our programme of work to raise awareness of workplace bullying and harassment within the NHS, we want to improve the support that doctors receive.
We provide a number of services to help and advise doctors who are experiencing bullying at work, but also to those who may have witnessed examples of bullying and wish to raise concerns.
Find out more about the services and resources available.
BMA services
BMA employment advisers
We support BMA members in a variety of ways. Often the first port of call is to contact our expert team of employment advisers who can ask the right questions to determine the correct route for your concerns.
Wellbeing support services
Our counselling service is staffed by professional telephone counsellors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The peer support service runs alongside counselling, giving doctors and medical students in distress or difficulty the choice of speaking in confidence to another doctor. It's confidential peer support with an emotional focus.
Find out more about our services
In Scotland
We are launching a new service for BMA members across Scotland to help you respond to these difficulties. You can access a local adviser to confidentially discuss any issues around bullying, harassment, discrimination or dignity at work.
Our trained advisers are experts at dealing with and advising on all these areas and other relationship difficulties at work. As they are local, they know your area well and can quickly get you the help you need.
So, if you think you need someone to talk to, please get in touch and get the best possible advice about how to take the first step to getting back the respect you deserve at work.
The service is entirely confidential and advisers will not act until they have discussed all your options with you and agreed a path that suits your own situation.
If you choose to email us, please provide as much information as possible.
Contact us when you are ready [email protected]
BMA resources
How to address bullying and harassment at work
We have produced practical guidance on what constitutes bullying and harassment, what to do if you are being bullied and what to do if you witness it. You can also find specific advice on sexual harassment or read about our joint report on LGBT equality in the workplace.
BMJ e-learning modules
The modules below provide insight and strategies to help doctors address bullying and harassment.
- Preventing bullying and harassment
- Assertiveness in the workplace
- The art of effective feedback
- Understanding resilience in the workplace
- Dealing with conflict
Bullying and harassment posters
We have designed two posters to display in your workplace.
One highlights the issues, the extent of the problem and what the BMA is doing about bullying and harassment.
One highlights the sources of support available to BMA members.
GMC guidance
Read further information from the General Medical Council: