Personal safety for councillors

How to stay safe when your work brings you in contact with members of the public.

This safety guidance is to help councillors manage their general personal safety and understand how to take precautions when in situations that bring you into contact with the public.  

It covers areas including holding surgeries, public meetings, dealing with constituents, car safety and parking, handling telephone calls and managing social media.  

Personal Safety Guide for Councillors (HSG016) (PDF, 235KB) 

You carry the main responsibility for your own security. The precautions you take depend on the circumstances and situation you are working in. 

In general, you should: 

  • always have your mobile phone with you and keep it switched on whenever possible 
  • always let someone know where you will be 
  • trust your instincts, if you think something is wrong then act on it 
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