10% of Council staff surveyed said bullying is an issue

A staff survey conducted by Cheshire East Council has revealed that 10% of respondents felt bullying was an issue within the organisation.

The survey was undertaken during June and July 2016 to enable the Council to gain feedback on staff perceptions in relation to bullying and harassment across the organisation. 3750 members of staff were invited to take part and the response rate was 59%.

Whilst the survey results showed that the majority of staff considered themselves to be treated with respect, one in ten of those who completed the survey said bullying was an issue and 9% felt that the Council does not value the diversity of its employers.

Fairness, Respect and Negative Behaviours Agree Neither Disagree
Q57. Where I work Bullying is not an issue 81% 9% 10%
Q58. Where I work Discrimination is not an issue 87% 8% 5%
Q59 I am treated with respect by my manager 88% 7% 5%
Q59 I am treated with respect by the people I work with 90% 7% 3%
Q60 I feel the Council values and celebrates the diversity of its employees 58% 33% 9%

In order to address the findings from the staff survey employee forums, to enable staff to raise issues of concern, are being introduced along with training for all staff to reinforce fairness "to reduce negative behaviours in the workplace".

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "Bullying is never acceptable and will not be tolerated if it is found within Cheshire East Council. We take the issue very seriously.

"The council has established a 'reassurance working group', which has commissioned further work to ensure that issues are understood and actions taken.

"The work of staffing committee also provides re-assurance that the wellbeing of staff is aligned to best practice and values and has increased confidence that appropriate HR processes are in place for staff to speak out on matters of concern.

"Both corporate and local actions plans have been agreed to address findings from the staff survey and are being implemented to address areas for improvement. This includes initiatives such as the introduction of employee forums to enable staff to raise issues of concern.

"Progress against delivery of all staff survey action plans will continue to be tracked by the recently formed 'staff survey governance group', which is chaired by the chief operating officer. Membership includes officers, members and trade union representation.

"Further work is taking place through the staff survey governance group to promote the council's responsibilities to ensure all staff and members are aware of reporting procedures should they wish to raise a matter of concern or a complaint.

"The appropriate policies and procedures will be updated as a priority and appropriate training and development will be made available for all staff to reinforce fairness and respect to reduce negative behaviours in the workplace."

Tags:
Cheshire East Council
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Simon Worthington
Thursday 26th January 2017 at 2:51 pm
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "Bullying is never acceptable and will not be tolerated if it is found within Cheshire East Council. We take the issue very seriously.

Unless, of course, it is the ratepayers being bullied!!!!!