Equality & Diversity Policy - August 2026

8. Enforcement of the Policy

Minor breaches of this policy will normally be dealt with through education and counselling.

Serious concerns will be investigated in line with the appropriate policies and procedures as follows:

8.1 Breach of the Policy by Employees

To be treated as a disciplinary issue and as described in the Council’s Disciplinary Procedure.

8.2 Breach of the Policy by Elected Members

To be treated as a breach of the Code of Conduct and dealt with by the Standards Committee.

8.3 Breaches of the Policy by Service Users and Members of the public

We have a zero-tolerance policy in relation to bullying, harassment, victimisation, violence, aggression or lack of dignity and respect towards our staff. We have a duty of care to ensure that as far as is practically possible we reduce the risk of unacceptable behaviour towards our staff during the course of undertaking their work.

In circumstances where the safety and/or dignity of our staff is compromised we reserve the right to limit or withdraw access to services as appropriate.

8.4 Breach of the Policy by Contractors

Any breach of policy by a contractor delivering a service jointly with us or on our behalf will be addressed in accordance with the terms of that contract.