The guidance from the Local Government Association provides practical advice for councillors to enhance their personal security and to minimise the risk of physical abuse. The advice can be applied to various settings including surgeries, home visits and whilst travelling to and from council meetings.
The guidance offers key information that can support you or your organisations approach to personnel security, with practical advice for handling online abuse and more. It is essential to create a safe environment in which measures are implemented to support relevant personnel in the workplace.
The tragic incident and death of MP Sir David Amess who was fatally attacked, highlights the need to provide support to councillors and individuals with preventative and protective measures.
Local government business has a strong focus on local priorities, being a key point of contact for local residents and is key in representing their communities across a variety of local requirements and associated issues.
A councillor is often the main representative, performing public facing duties on a daily basis, and interacting with individuals from all backgrounds. The role of a councillor means they are often visible to the public and accessible to their local constituents.
Please visit the following link if you are interested in reading the full guidance.
The Local Government Association website also provides a host of information to allow councillors and their staff to work in a safe and secure environment.
These sites provide practical advice, which are appropriate and proportionate to the nature of threats and provide a toolkit of options to minimise the risks.
For more information, read our guidance on personal security.
