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.
The intimidation, abuse, bullying and harassment of councillors and council staff, in person or online, is unacceptable. It can discourage people from standing for election, and undermine public confidence and trust in local democracy.
Councillors and council staff have the right to carry out their civic duties and work without fear of being attacked or abused. There is a huge difference between scrutinising and holding people to account and harassing or intimidating them. Any behaviour whether that be verbal, physical or in writing, which causes either councillors or council staff to feel uncomfortable, embarassed, or threatened, is totally unacceptable.
Biddulph Town Council signed up to the ‘Civility and Respect Pledge’ on the 18 October 2022, a project led by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).
What Does It Mean?
Civility means politeness and courtesy in behaviour, speech, and in the written word. Examples of ways in which you can show respect are by listening and paying attention to others, having consideration for other people’s feelings, following protocols and rules, showing appreciation and thanks, and being kind.
By signing the pledge, Biddulph Town Council has agreed:
- To treat all councillors, clerk and all employees, members of the public, representatives of partner organisations, and volunteers with civility and respect in their role.
- A commitment to training councillors and staff.
- To sign up to the Code of Conduct for councillors.
- To have in place good governance arrangements including staff contracts, and a Dignity at Work Policy.
- To commit to seek professional help in the early stages should civility and respect issues arise.
- To commit to calling out bullying and harassment if and when it happens.
- To continue to learn from best practice in the sector and aspire to being a role model / champion council, eg via the Local Council Award Scheme.
- To support the continued lobbying for the change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge including sanctions for elected members where appropriate.
The council will record and report abuse directed at the council, and may, for example, take screenshots of comments on social media and may take further action as appropriate.
The council will reaffirm this pledge following local elections going forward.
Where you see this logo, the council have signed up to the pledge.
