Whistle blowing at work - stressed out and scared

[Stressmode]

Obviously got to be non-identifying… I am stressed out my mind. I work in a school. Just after the Christmas holidays a I reported massively inappropriate public social media posts of another worker (who works directly with children, not a teacher but a support staff). It is Far right extremism rather than anything sexual. It has now gone way above my level as a Prevent referral. It was hate for certain religions, trans people. Lots of posts going back over a year. He has worked at the school for just less than a year.

He has always been sexist and opinionated, but low level stuff. Just before Christmas he showed his stronger opinions during a meeting with me and another manager when discussing inclusion. The other manager made the safeguarding referral about this.

This person stresses me out with his unpleasantness. Yesterday I contacted HR in the academy chain about his continued misogynistic treatment of me. I was assured that they are addressing the situation and things would be happening very quickly. I am so stressed out by just having him around. How long is ‘very quickly’ in these circumstances. Anyone know? I am struggling with lasting the week. I am also worried about how they will handle the situation. Has anyone got experience of anything similar or work in this field?

No experience in this, thank god, but I really hope it goes well for you and he is kicked out. It doesn't sound as though he would be very pleasant if he just went through a disciplinary.

It sounds like gross misconduct and any decent employer would get rid.

Whistleblowing is stressful, so well done you.

I feel your stress and anxiety - and it's a horrible atmosphere to have to work in.

You say there's another manager who agrees with you, so you're not on your own.
HR are also in agreement with you. They have been informed and they are taking action - it may be too slow for your liking, but there are procedures that have to be followed,

If you feel you need more, are here others in your immediate work environment who can also give you a bit more support / backup, because I would imagine others will also have picked up on his behaviour?

At the minute, the only thing you have any control over is how you react to his behaviour.
And for your own sanity, don't let his behaviour define you and make you feel a victim - why should you feel a victim?!

I'm not sure what form his misogynistic treatment of you takes but, from experience, the best (only?) way to deal with it is:

a) breathe ...... and remember that this will not carry on (even though it seems to be taking ages to resolve)

b) breathe ...... and remember that you are in the right and that he will reap his just desserts (even tho it seems to be taking ages)

c) This person stresses me out with his unpleasantness. Yesterday I contacted HR in the academy chain about his continued misogynistic treatment of me.

breathe ....... stand up to / question each and every time he does this.
I've found that people are far less willing to' freely express themselves' when others question their behaviour.

They only seem to bully when people don't question what they say and what they do.

He's one person - and there are several / many? others who've picked up on his behaviour,

Don't let one person like this and their opinions have such an effect on your life.

The issue is being dealt with via the proper channels and if you can't stand up to him in the meantime and defend yourself, the only other option is to wait for it to be dealt with in the fullness of time by others through official procedures

Thank you so much, the misogyny is Andrew Tate type comments. The whole staff team sees it, but largely says nothing as no one comment really stands out and he is quite intimidating/strong presence. It is a very toxic situation. Hopefully now he has been ‘seen’ by HR and senior management it will all be over soon. Thank you for your support.

@Stressmode I hope it all gets resolved soon! :)

Keep logging and reporting any new comments made. I'm surprised they haven't been put on suspension pending investigation.

I think that he is under investigation, but not deemed to be a physical risk to the children. If I was the one handling the situation I would wait until Friday after the children finish for half term. Or, during the half term itself. I think they want to avoid drama at the school when other people are around.

This sounds like a very unpleasant situation that you're having to deal with. Try to concentrate on your own work, perhaps go outside at lunchtime and take a walk. Buy yourself a small treat.

I complained about a co-worker who was intimidating one of my student social workers. She said "people like him shouldn't be foisted on people like us". He was a young Black man. I reported her to a senior colleague. She denied it, but other colleagues supported me and him. She was reprimanded and moved to another team in another building.
Many years later, this man is now in a senior position and thriving.

Good luck.

Thank you, I am so hoping that everyone holds it together until it is dealt with. It would be a lovely place to work if it was t for this one storm cloud.