Smoke Free (Premises & Vehicles) Policy 2026-2029
Responsibilities
4.1 Directors, Heads of Service and Senior Managers
Directors, Heads of Service and senior managers have overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively across their services. They must:
Ensure the policy and associated guidance are clearly communicated and understood.
Ensure managers have adequate training, support and supervision to fulfil their responsibilities.
Commission additional support or resources where this is reasonably practicable and necessary to support compliance.
4.2 Line Managers and Supervisors
All line managers and supervisors are responsible for maintaining a smoke free workplace in line with this policy. In particular, they must:
Ensure that this policy is effectively implemented within their areas of responsibility.
Lead by example and challenge non compliance appropriately and proportionately.
Ensure employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors are aware of the requirements of the policy.
Take reasonable steps to prevent smoking and vaping in prohibited areas, including during working time and in work vehicles.
Address breaches of the policy promptly, using informal or formal management action as appropriate.
Support employees who wish to stop smoking or vaping by signposting them to available support services.
Seek advice from People, Digital and Policy, Occupational Health, or the Health and Safety Team where additional support or guidance is required.
4.3 Employees (including Agency and Casuals)
All employees have a personal responsibility to comply with this policy. Employees must:
Not smoke or vape in any premises, grounds or vehicles where smoking is prohibited under this policy.
Not smoke or vape during working time except in accordance with this policy and any local arrangements.
Not charge E-cigarettes or vapes in any Council premises or vehicles.
Ensure that their behaviour does not expose others to second-hand smoke or vapour, or cause nuisance to colleagues, service users, members of the public or neighbouring premises.
Co operate with managers and the Council in the implementation of this policy.
Raise any concerns about the application of this policy with their line manager.
4.4 People, Digital and Policy
People, Digital and Policy have responsibility for the promotion, monitoring and review of this policy. This includes:
Providing advice and guidance to managers and employees on the application of the policy.
Supporting a proactive approach through timely input from Occupational Health, the Health and Safety Team, and Learning and Development.
Supporting managers in addressing breaches of the policy, including where formal procedures may be required.
Monitoring the effectiveness of the policy and recommending improvements where necessary.
4.5 Elected Members
Elected Members have a personal responsibility to all staff and members of the public to uphold the values set out in this policy, promote good relations and challenge inappropriate behaviour where required. Elected Members are responsible for ensuring that they support positively, the principle of equality and diversity, in undertaking their public duties and follow the Code of Conduct for Elected Members and associated policies and procedures.
4.6 Contractors, Volunteers and Visitors
Contractors, volunteers, visitors and others accessing Council premises or vehicles are expected to comply with this policy. Managers responsible for engaging contractors or volunteers must take reasonable steps to ensure they are made aware of the smoke free requirements.