[jonbxx]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

What are you on about? I've quoted chapter and verse from the published part of the report on Patel.

.....

Outright bullying would indeed be shameful. But that isn't so in this case.

You seem to have missed out this part of the report;

The definition of bullying adopted by the Civil Service accepts that legitimate, reasonable and constructive criticism of a worker’s performance will not amount to bullying. It defines bullying as intimidating or insulting behaviour that makes an individual feel uncomfortable, frightened, less respected or put down. Instances of the behaviour reported to the Cabinet Office would meet such a definition

If, as a manager, you are unable to give 'legitimate, reasonable and constructive criticism' without making 'an individual feel uncomfortable, frightened, less respected or put down', then you shouldn't be a manager.