Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has become the second council in the South West to sign UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter, reaffirming its commitment to protecting employees from abuse, assault, and threatening behaviour.
By signing the charter, BCP Council is demonstrating that it has robust procedures in place to support staff should violent incidents occur, sending a strong message of reassurance to its workforce.
To qualify for the charter, organisations must meet ten 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 South West regional organiser Janine Miller said:
“No one should go to work and expect to be subjected to violence. Violence at work can be a harder health and safety issue to tackle than others, that’s why I’m pleased to see Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council sign up to UNISON’s charter.”
UNISON BCP branch secretary Jon Hartley added:
“I am delighted that Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council staff know their employer upholds high standards of policy, procedure, accountability, and support when it comes to violence at work. Other employers in the South West should follow the Council’s example.”
BCP Council’s chief executive Graham Farrant said:
“As a council, we have a wide range of Health and Safety responsibilities, reflecting our role as an employer, commissioner of services and a public body delivering a wide range of services across the conurbation.
“It is important that we set high standards, and we are pleased to have been able to demonstrate our commitment to our staff in this way.
“We would encourage other employers who may be thinking about taking this step to do so. It is a positive opportunity to test and ensure that what we say we do is embedded in our organisation and is actively supporting the safety and wellbeing of employees.”
