Council staff abuse remains ‘major concern’

Gisborne District Council building

Abuse of Gisborne District Council staff remains at “unacceptable” levels, a new report says.

“Staff abuse continues following the regrettable incident when a dog in the pound was mistakenly put down in September contributing to increased abuse on social media and a spike in reports across council teams,” chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann said in a report to the council this week.

“While we understand our community’s frustration in the face of uncertainty and loss, the level of abuse towards our staff remains a major concern and is unacceptable.

“We continue supporting our public-facing staff following the Our People Are People campaign, with webinars in progress, ongoing monthly meetings with police and other initiatives.”

The report said other councils were also experiencing similar trends.

“While we understand our communities are still facing uncertainty and loss, the increase and level of abuse to staff is not  acceptable.

“Supporting our staff remains crucial and we are working through the following.” —

Online training has been deployed to all public-facing staff as part of an increased staff support programme. Stage two webinars in progress.

Monthly meetings between the council’s enforcement and public facing teams with police, increasing the ability to share intelligence and trends and improve its overall communication and support.

Supporting the large wood debris (LWD) project team with specific site safety plan (SSSP) reviews and contractor re-approvals by independent third parties SHE Assure and Tōtika.

Successful recruitment of a health and safety adviser with strengths in supporting staff wellbeing.

WorkSafe’s facilitation wānanga Te Kawa a Tane concluded, resulting in an improved coordinated approach to kaimahi health and safety and collaborative working.