Civility & Respect

NALC & the SLCC (National Association of Local Councils + Society of Local Council Clerks) - issued a Civility and Respect Newsletter to all parish councils recently, in it, it recommends in the promotion of civility and respect, councils may wish to add a statement to their websites stating that bullying, harassment and intimidation will not be tolerated. The Parish Council is proud to join other Councils in adopting the following statement -

We treat everyone with courtesy and respect and ask for the same in return. We ask that you treat your councillors and council staff courteously without violence, abuse or harassment.

Councillors and council staff have the right to carry out their civic duties and work without fear of being attacked or abused. Any behaviour whether that be verbal, physical or in writing, which causes either councillors or council staff to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or threatened, is totally unacceptable.

The zero-tolerance policy includes abuse, aggression or threats made in person, over the telephone or in written communication, including on social media.

The council considers threatening behaviour to be:

• Attempted or actual aggressive, or physical actions made towards any councillor or member of staff.
• The use of aggressive, or abusive language, (including raising of the voice, swearing, shouting or in writing) which threatens or intimidates councillors or council staff.

This policy applies throughout all council meetings, but it also applies to any councillor or council staff away from council meetings.”