HARASSMENT & INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR POLICY

OUR COMMITMENT


At Fitness First, we believe everybody should feel safe, respected, and welcome. This principle is central to our culture and underpins our commitment to creating a positive environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of fitness and wellbeing.
Safety is the foundation of a positive experience in our Clubs and workplaces. Everyone has the right to feel safe at all times. Harassment and inappropriate behaviour are unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.


We expect all colleagues, members, Personal Trainers (PTs), contractors, and visitors to treat one another with dignity, professionalism, and respect at all times.

 

SCOPE OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to all individuals interacting within Fitness First environments, including:

  • Employees and colleagues
  • Personal Trainers (employed or self-employed)
  • Members
  • Visitors and contractors

It applies across all settings, including:

  • Clubs and studios
  • Offices
  • Events and social functions
  • Digital platforms and social media

WHAT IS HARASSMENT?

Harassment is any unwanted behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for an individual.

This may include:

  • Aggressive behaviour or intimidation
  • Unwelcome attention based on personal characteristics
  • Behaviour that causes someone to feel unsafe or distressed
  • Threats (direct or implied), including sexual threats
  • Verbal abuse, offensive language, or inappropriate behaviour

Harassment can be:

  • Direct – aimed at an individual
  • Indirect – witnessed or experienced within the environment

HARASSMENT EXAMPLES

Examples may include (but are not limited to):

  • Offensive or derogatory comments about race, ethnicity, or background
  • Sexual jokes, comments, or stories that offend or humiliate
  • Negative or inappropriate comments about appearance, body, age, or gender
  • Comments relating to sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Derogatory comments about disability or ability
  • Intimidating behaviour, threats, or bullying

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an offensive environment.

Examples include:

  • Unwanted physical contact (e.g. touching, hugging, or kissing)
  • Sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
  • Repeated unwanted advances or flirting
  • Leering, staring, or inappropriate gestures
  • Sharing or displaying sexual images or messages
  • Sexual assault (as defined by law)

A single incident can be enough to constitute sexual harassment.

IN-CLUB EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

In a Club environment, harassment may take specific forms, including:

  • Taking photographs or videos without consent
  • Persistently watching or following another Club user
  • Exercising unnecessarily close to someone
  • Making uninvited comments about someone’s body, appearance or technique
  • Unwanted flirting or advances

REPORTING CONCERNS

If you experience or witness harassment or inappropriate behaviour:

  • Speak to a member of the Fitness First management team
  • For employees - Contact your line manager or refer to the company handbook
  • Use formal reporting channels where appropriate, including Safecall

All concerns will be taken seriously, handled confidentially, and investigated fairly and sensitively.

INVESTIGATION PROCESS

When a concern is raised, Fitness First will:

  1. Record and review the allegation
  2. Take a detailed account from the individual raising the concern
  3. Speak to relevant parties and witnesses
  4. Review supporting evidence (e.g. CCTV, written communications where appropriate)
  5. Conduct a fair and impartial investigation

OUTCOMES

Fitness First takes a zero‑tolerance approach to harassment and inappropriate behaviour. Where concerns are substantiated following investigation, appropriate action will be taken based on the severity, intent, and impact of the behaviour.

Possible outcomes may include:

For employees:

  • Coaching, education, or informal management guidance (for minor concerns)
  • Formal disciplinary action, including:
    • First or final written warning
    • Dismissal
    • Summary dismissal in cases of gross misconduct

For members and Personal Trainers (PTs):

  • Education, warning, and/or required behavioural change (for minor incidents)
  • Suspension from the Club during investigation
  • Termination of membership or licence agreement
  • Permanent exclusion from one or all Fitness First locations

For contractors, suppliers, agency workers, and third parties:

  • Immediate removal from the premises
  • Suspension of access to Fitness First sites during investigation
  • Termination of contract or service agreement
  • Permanent exclusion from all Fitness First locations
  • Notification to their employing organisation or agency
  • Review and potential termination of the commercial relationship

Additional actions (where appropriate across all groups):

  • Evidence such as CCTV, witness statements, or written communications may be used
  • Mediation may be offered where appropriate
  • Matters may be referred to external authorities, including the Police
  • Fitness First will fully cooperate with any external investigations

Key principle

All actions taken will prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of our members, colleagues, and everyone who uses our facilities. Outcomes will always be proportionate, fair, and consistent with Fitness First policies and legal obligations.

SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED

Fitness First is committed to supporting anyone affected by harassment or inappropriate behaviour. Support is available regardless of whether you have experienced, witnessed, or raised a concern.

This includes:

  • Access to your Line Manager, Club Management Team, or the People Team
  • Escalation of concerns to a more senior manager where required
  • Mediation support where appropriate
  • Support with returning to the Club or workplace
  • Option to transfer to another location where feasible

In addition, colleagues can access confidential, independent support through the company handbook.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-RETALIATION

  • All cases will be treated confidentially
  • Victimisation or retaliation will not be tolerated
  • Individuals raising concerns in good faith will be protected  

OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Everyone at Fitness First has a role to play in maintaining a safe, inclusive environment:

  • Treat others with dignity and respect
  • Challenge and report inappropriate behaviour
  • Support a culture where people feel safe to speak up

QUESTIONS OR SUPPORT

If you have any questions about this policy or need support, please contact:

Your local Club Management Team and for employees, please see the Company Handbook.