East Suffolk Council has become the first local authority in the east of England to sign a landmark charter to end violence at work at a ceremony held today (Tuesday) at Riverside in Lowestoft.

Council-owned trading company East Suffolk Services also signed UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter, which aims to encourage organisations to protect employees working in public services from acts of abuse, assault, and threatening or intimidating behaviour.

By signing the charter, the council and East Suffolk Services are demonstrating that they have robust procedures in place to support staff should violent incidents occur, sending a strong message of reassurance to their workforce.

To qualify for the charter, organisations must meet 10 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 East Suffolk branch secretary Kerry Rayden said: “No one should expect to be subjected to violence at work, so it’s fantastic that East Suffolk Council and East Suffolk Services are showing this commitment to employees to keep them safe.

“This means staff know their employer is holding itself to high standards of policy, accountability and support when it comes to violence at work. Hopefully, other local employers will follow suit.”

East Suffolk Council … said: “I’m delighted to sign UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter. We already have a range of policies and procedures designed to protect staff and their well-being, but we hope this sends a clear message to staff and service users that abuse, threats, and violence will not be tolerated.

Managing Director East Suffolk Services, Cassandra Clements… said: “It’s important that staff are safe as they provide services for the people who live and work in East Suffolk.  We’re pleased to sign this charter to really show our commitment to making sure that everyone providing those services goes home safe and well at the end of the day.”