A new Citizen Interaction Policy, aimed at promoting positive engagement between the Council and citizens, was approved this week.
Councillors from the Staff Governance Committee approved the Citizen Interaction Policy, which reinforces the Council’s commitment to providing accessible services to all members of the community, while supporting the safety and wellbeing of employees and elected members.
In addition to promoting positive engagement, the policy includes a zero tolerance pledge against violence, aggression and abuse towards employees and elected members.
Committee Convener Councillor Neil Copeland said: “We are here to help and support citizens and we ask them to work with us to make this possible.
“The policy provides safeguards for Council employees and elected members – while also providing a single point of reference to understand the standards of behaviours expected from all involved parties.”
Vice Convener, Councillor Gill Al-Samarai said, “The safety of our employees and the citizens we serve is of paramount importance. By creating a single policy we aim to tackle unacceptable behaviours for the benefit of everyone.”
“We will publish the policy on the council website and will seek to raise public awareness of our zero tolerance approach through signage in all of our public facing buildings.”