Managing Risk

The law requires employers to undertake risk assessments for workplace activities so that risks are known, appropriate control measures are identified and safe working practices put into daily use. Our elected members are not employees of the council, but you are considered "persons affected by the council’s activities" under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

This means the council has a duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, your health, safety and welfare while engaged in council-related activities.

Councillors have a personal responsibility for their own safety and should proactively consider and be aware of changing risks, based on a variety of factors. These might include:

• Participation in contentious or high-profile decisions, that could attract hostility.
• Attendance at protests, public demonstrations or high profile events that could escalate into volatile situations and attract hostility.
• Use of digital platforms and social media exposing you to cyber threats and online abuse.
• Threats to councillors, council officers or Members of Parliament who they work closely with, or support.
• A pattern of smaller but escalating aggression or vexatious or persistent contact from one individual that can amount to harassment.