A new Citizen Interaction Policy, aimed at promoting positive engagement between the Council and citizens, has been 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.”