Skip to content

Home Visits

Councillors may sometimes visit residents in their homes, either by appointment for a specific reason or get invited into homes when working out in their community.

Before arranging a home visit, councillors should always consider if contact can be made by telephone or email, or if meetings can be held in a public place or ward surgery.  If a home visit is undertaken, the following personal safety issues should be considered and planned before the visit:

  1. Always avoid visiting alone wherever possible – can a ward / group colleague or officer accompany you?
  2. Where possible arrange the visit during normal working hours and in daylight.
  3. If you have not visited the address before check with colleagues or council officers to gain information on potentially volatile situations.
  4. Let somebody know who you are visiting, providing details of address, date and time of visit and expected duration.
  5. Familiarise yourself with the area and local environment, so you know your way there, where to park, and which is your best exit strategy, etc.
  6. Consider calling the person beforehand to establish their mood/state of mind.
  7. During a home visit, the following personal safety measures should be followed:
    • Stay alert when approaching the property. After knocking, stand well back and to the side of the door, with your ID ready.
    • Where necessary, ask for any dogs or other pets to be secured (if possible establish if there are any pets and agree arrangements before you visit).
    • Where possible, sit in an upright chair. These are easier to stand up from and can be used as a defensive barrier. If you have to sit in an armchair or settee, sit on the edge near the arm to enable you stand up more easily.
    • Ensure you are aware of all of the available exit routes in case you need to leave quickly.
    • Ask residents to refrain from smoking whilst in home.

If before or during a visit you feel uncomfortable, you feel threatened or a situation is escalating, make an excuse and leave.

There is guidance and safety tips available about Lone working, Violence & Aggression, Personal Safety and Security.