Dumfries & Galloway Council backs zero tolerance approach to abuse
Councillors unanimously approved bringing in a clear zero tolerance policy that will protect staff from verbal, physical, sexual, or mental abuse
Every councillor in Dumfries and Galloway stood united at a recent meeting to clamp down on abuse towards council staff.
They unanimously approved bringing in a clear zero tolerance policy that will protect the 6,500 workforce, contractors, and elected members themselves from verbal, physical, sexual, or mental abuse.
The issue was discussed at the full meeting of Dumfries and Galloway Council last week where Archie Dryburgh highlighted an increase in the abuse local authority workers endure from members of the public.
The Annandale East and Eskdale Councillor tabled a motion for the introduction of a formal strict policy around staff abuse.
Abuse of council staff becoming a growing problem
He said: “This issue has come to our attention more and more. This motion is about having a zero tolerance of any form of abuse – whether it’s physical, sexual, verbal, or mental – on our staff and contractors in Dumfries and Galloway.
“And of course ourselves as elected members aswell because we do tend to get some emails, which saying things like, I think the right words are ‘not right in the head’. There’s a whole range of things that are unacceptable standards of behaviour.”
He asked his colleagues to combat this problem by supporting the introduction of a zero tolerance policy on abuse towards council staff, contractors, and elected members.
Councillor Dryburgh also called for the council to implement an advertising campaign to spread the word about this new policy.
"Everyone deserves an environment free from abuse"
Lochar Councillor Linda Dorward seconded the motion, and said: “Everyone deserves and expects to work in an environment free from physical, psychological, and verbal abuse.
“Unfortunately, despite these expectations, reported incidents are on the increase.”
Stewart Clanachan, the council’s human resources manager, said: “What we’re really looking for is a model for prevention and that’s about understanding the risks and priorities building that compassionate, trauma-informed leadership culture.
“And it’s reporting, and actively encouraging people to report incidents. The new digital portal will certainly help significantly with that.
“And then the last couple of areas which are very important are around supporting our staff when situations happen because we can’t eliminate it completely.”
Council to work closely with staff and trade unions on the issue
Mr Clanachan stressed the importance of working closely with the workforce and trade unions around this issue.
Council leader Gail Macgregor said: “I welcome the motion. It very much builds on the work that we’ve been doing with the joint consultative group, and the commitments we’ve made to trade union colleagues to protect our members and staff in the workplace.
“I look forward to working with comms (communications department) to ensure that elected members have a role in promoting a safe place of work for every member of staff and contractor.”