East Suffolk Council has become the first local authority in the east of England to sign a landmark charter to end violence at work at a ceremony this week at Riverside in Lowestoft, UNISON and the council say today.
Council-owned trading company East Suffolk Services Limited (ESSL) also signed UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter, which aims to encourage organisations to protect employees working in public services from acts of abuse, assault, and threatening or intimidating behaviour.
By signing the charter, the council and ESSL are demonstrating that they have robust procedures in place to support staff should violent incidents occur, sending a strong message of reassurance to their workforces.
To qualify for the charter, organisations must meet 10 key standards, providing evidence of measures such as clear reporting and investigation procedures, ongoing data monitoring of violent incidents, and training for staff to handle threatening situations effectively.
UNISON East Suffolk branch secretary Kerry Rayden said: “No-one should be subjected to violence at work so it’s fantastic that East Suffolk Council and East Suffolk Services are showing this commitment to employees to keep them safe.
“This means staff know their employer is holding itself to high standards of policy, accountability and support when it comes to violence at work. Hopefully other local employers will follow suit.”
Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “It is with regret that this charter is even needed. Nobody should go to work and be subject to violence. I wholeheartedly support UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter.
“At East Suffolk Council we have a range of policies and procedures in place designed to protect our staff and their wellbeing and hope that by signing this charter it sends a clear message to them and service-users that abuse, threats and violence will not be tolerated and we take their wellbeing very seriously.
“Let us not forget, our staff are serving their communities and I thank them for their service.”
East Suffolk Services Ltd managing director Cassandra Clements said: “It’s important that staff are safe as they provide services for the people who live and work in East Suffolk.
“We’re pleased to sign this charter to really show our commitment to making sure that everyone providing those services goes home safe and well at the end of the day.”
