University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust has signed up to UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter.
The charter aims to protect employees working in public services from acts of abuse, assault and threatening behaviour. By signing up, the Trust is not only showing their commitment to supporting their workforce, but actively reassuring employees they have the necessary procedures in place to support staff should violent incidents occur.
To sign the charter, organisations must explain and provide evidence for how they meet ten important standards for protecting against violent incidents. These include a clear incident-reporting and investigation procedure, continually collecting and monitoring data on violent incidents, and providing training to ensure staff know how to deal with threatening situations appropriately.
UNISON South West regional organiser Christina Cook 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 University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust sign up to UNISON’s charter.”
Lead UNISON rep Stuart Robinson said: “I am delighted that staff know that their employer has a high standard of policy, procedure, accountability, and support when it comes to issues of violence at work. Other employers should follow the Trust’s example.”
