Middle East College expects all staff members to contribute to a respectful, fair and professional working environment. This information explains the standards we expect from our employees and how staff can raise a workplace concern or grievance. It applies to all full-time, part-time and short-term staff.

How staff are expected to behave

MEC staff are expected to:

• Treat colleagues, students, visitors and partners with respect
• Act honestly, fairly and professionally
• Follow College policies and the laws of the Sultanate of Oman
• Protect confidential information and College property
• Avoid discrimination, harassment, intimidation and unfair treatment
• Declare any actual or potential conflict of interest
• Avoid accepting gifts or favours that could influence a decision
• Maintain appropriate standards of attendance, conduct and workplace behaviour
• Help create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment

Any behaviour that seriously breaches these expectations may be reviewed through the College’s disciplinary process.

Staff grievance

A grievance is a workplace concern or complaint raised by a staff member who believes that they have been treated unfairly.

This may include concerns about:

• Treatment by a colleague, line manager or department
• Workplace facilities or employment benefits
• Disputes between staff members or departments
• The way a College policy has been applied
• Situations in which a staff member feels threatened, unsafe or unfairly treated

How to raise a grievance

Step 1: Speak to your line manager
Raise the concern with your line manager, who should respond within two working days.

Step 2: Contact Human Resources
If you do not receive a response within two working days, or you are dissatisfied with the response, you may refer the grievance to the Human Resources Department.

Step 3: Review of the grievance
Where required, a Staff Grievance Committee will review the matter. The Committee may consider supporting evidence and speak with the people involved before making its recommendation.

Step 4: Decision
The Deputy Dean and Registrar will consider the recommendation and issue a decision.

Step 5: Appeal
If you remain dissatisfied, you may appeal to the Dean. The Dean’s decision will be final.
MEC aims to complete the grievance process within seven working days from the date on which the concern is first raised.

Fairness and confidentiality
All grievances and disciplinary matters are handled as fairly and confidentially as possible. Staff members may provide relevant evidence, and everyone involved in the process is expected to respect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

Contact
For support or guidance, please contact the Human Resources Department.