Heighington Parish Council has signed up to the Civility and Respect Pledge.
By signing the pledge, the council has agreed that it will treat councillors, clerks, employees, members of the public, and representatives of parner ogranisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their roles and that it:
- Has put in place a training programme for councillors and staff
- Has signed up to the Code of Conduct for councillors
- Has good governance arrangements in place including staff contracts and a dignity at work policy
- Will seek professional help at the early stages should civility and respect issues arise
- Will commit to calling out bullying and harassment if and when it happens
- Will continue to learn from best practice in the sector and aspire to be a role model/champion council through for example the Local Council Award Scheme
- Supports the continued lobbying for change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge including sanctions for elected members where appropriate
Bullying and Harassment 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 behavious 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 througout all council meetings, but it also applies to any councillors or council staff away from council meetings.