In light of disorder events over recent weeks, and an increase in reported incidents of unacceptable behaviour towards representatives of Knowsley Council, the Council has reviewed and updated its procedures and policies around acceptable standards and behaviour from customers and members of the public, as well as attendance at public meetings.
It is everyone’s right to expect to be treated respectfully and to do their jobs without fear of abuse, intimidation or aggression.
All participants or attendees at public meetings and events are expected to behave in an appropriate manner at all times and to give due respect to other participants and / or attendees.
Unacceptable behaviour includes the filming or audio recording of any other person without their consent; persistent interruption of other people; insulting or slanderous comments and behaviour that could be perceived as threatening to others.
For anyone behaving in an unacceptable manner, they may be asked to leave the Council premises and may be refused admittance to the Council building and / or meeting. Individuals persisting in unacceptable behaviour may have their engagement with Council staff and services restricted.
The review has strengthened the current policies in place to ensure a zero tolerance approach when it comes to abuse of staff and elected members and that Council business and all public meetings and events take place in an environment which is safe and respectful for all participants and attendees.
With regards to attendance at public meetings, with immediate effect:-
- Anyone who is attending a public meeting is strongly advised to register their attendance in advance. This can be done by emailing committees@knowsley.gov.uk or by telephoning 0151 443 2679. Please note, the earliest you may register is following the publication of the agenda for the relevant meeting on the website here.
- Upon arrival, attendees will be required to show photographic identification (an official, original document) such as a passport, photographic driver’s license or a bus pass.
- Attendees must sign in, consenting to being filmed as part of the livestreaming arrangements for public meetings. Parents / guardians must give signed permission for children to attend the meeting (and be filmed).
- Bag checks will be carried out and attendees are not permitted to bring any items into the building / meeting which the Council officer or official deems to be dangerous or potentially disruptive to the meeting including, but not limited to, whistles, loudspeakers, banners, or offensive weapons (eg knives) etc.
- Body scans will also be undertaken prior to admittance using a handheld scanning device.
Refusal to comply with the above security procedure will result in the person being refused admittance to the Council building / meeting.
A copy of the updated policy statements around acceptable behaviour and conduct can be found on the Council’s website.