Dignity at work

A core value of South Lanarkshire Council is to provide a supportive working environment which promotes openness, mutual respect, dignity and trust. 

The aim of our Dignity at Work Policy, which we developed with the trade unions, is to prevent behaviour and actions that could be viewed as harassment, bullying, discrimination or victimisation in the workplace. To achieve this aim, everyone in the workplace, including employees, supervisors, managers and trade union representatives must be aware and challenge any form of unacceptable behaviour. Inaction is not an option.

Informal procedure

If you feel that you have been subject to any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation you should advise the perpetrator that it is unacceptable and ask that it stops immediately. You can do this either verbally or in writing. You should keep a note of the date, time and details of the request for future reference, if needed. If the offender has not been aware that their behaviour is causing a problem this may be sufficient to resolve the problem.

Should the behaviour persist, or if the process outlined above is unsuitable, you should contact Personnel Services or the Personnel Adviser (Employee Support) who will provide confidential advice.

Any employee who considers that they have been bullied, harassed or victimised by a service user or member of the public should report the matter immediately to their supervisor.

Formal Procedure

If the informal procedure above is not successful or if the matter is so serious that you wishe to make a formal complaint, you should put this in writing to your Head of Service using the council’s grievance procedures at stage 2.

The Head of Service or nominated manager, will arrange for the matter to be investigated. The findings of the investigation will be confirmed in writing to both parties.

If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, you can submit a complaint to the Head of Personnel Services for consideration at stage 3 by the appeals panel.