Harassment by contractors, service users and other third parties
We aim to maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Employees harassed by contractors, service users, customers or external parties
Under the Equality Act 2010, ECC has a positive legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of our workers from third parties.
If you experience or see any inappropriate behaviour by contractors, service users, customers or third parties in your workplace or whilst you are representing the council, inform your manager as soon as possible.
Incidents of inappropriate behaviour should not be tolerated. We have policies and processes for dealing with violence, aggression and abuse at work.
Visit reporting an accident or incident at work for instructions on making a report. Incidents of harassment, verbal abuse, violence or aggression towards employees should be reported using the MySafety reporting tool.
Contractors harassing others
If you witness harassment by a contractor towards a customer, speak to your manager and follow your service’s procedures or contact the contract manager to report the incident.
The incident will be dealt with using the appropriate contract guidelines.
Harassment against members of the public
If you witness an incident involving members of the public, it is important to ensure your own safety first and avoid intervening directly in situations that could put you at risk.
You have the option to report it as a witness to the police. Document any details that could be helpful, such as the time, location, and descriptions of those involved.
Next steps for managers
When an employee reports harassment by third parties, follow the managers guidance for handling bullying and harassment.
Managers can find more information in the Managers’ and investigators’ guide for allegations of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment & victimisation (PDF, 236KB).