Swindon Borough Council signs UNISON’s Violence at Work Charter

Swindon Borough Council has become the latest employer to sign UNISON’s Violence at Work Charter, showing its commitment to protecting all staff from abuse, assault and threatening behaviour, says the union today (Thursday).

By signing the charter, the council is pledging to have strong policies and procedures in place to safeguard colleagues and support them if they experience violence while working, says UNISON.

Employers must work to show they meet the charter’s standards in several key areas. These include having clear systems to report and investigate incidents, collecting and monitoring data, involving trade union safety reps in developing solutions and ensuring staff receive appropriate training.

UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “Council workers deliver vital local services every single day, from social care to refuse collection. They deserve to feel safe while doing so.

“By signing the charter, Swindon Borough Council is sending a clear message to all its staff that violence and abuse will never be tolerated. This is a positive step that puts workers’ safety and wellbeing first.”

UNISON Swindon branch secretary Karla Bradford said: “No one should ever have to worry about being threatened or assaulted just for doing their job. By signing UNISON’s Violence at Work Charter, Swindon Borough Council is showing real care for its staff and a commitment to keeping them safe.

“The council is continuing work to make sure proper systems are in place to report incidents, support those affected and ensure lessons are learned. This is a really positive step, and I hope other employers in the South West will follow.”

Swindon Borough Council chief executive Sam Mowbray said: “Signing UNISON’s Violence at Work Charter is an important step in reaffirming our commitment to creating a safer and more supportive working environment for all colleagues, along with our commitment to strengthening the culture and values of the council.

“Our colleagues deliver vital work every day and they deserve to feel safe and supported while doing so. We’ve been able to show good progress in meeting the majority of the requirements in UNISON’s 10-point charter, with further work taking place over the coming year as we look to obtain the UNISON Violence at Work Charter mark.”

Leader of Swindon Borough Council Councillor Jim Robbins said: “I’m pleased that we’re taking action to protect colleagues across the council, many of whom are also our residents. This is a council that listens and is committed to engaging with people across the borough to resolve the issues they face.

“By reaffirming our commitment through the Violence at Work Charter, our colleagues can continue providing vital support, safe in the knowledge that violence will never be accepted as ‘part of the job’.”