The Raising the Standard campaign was launched as an outcome of the review of the Council’s harassment and discrimination procedure. The essence is about promoting a workplace culture that manages conflict well. It provides a route to improve the way we deal with complaints by employees about harassment and discrimination within our organisation. If we have a workplace which is free of harassment and discriminatory practice, employees will be able to focus on giving their best efforts to serve our customers.

It covered three main areas:

• Improved harassment and discrimination procedures
• Behaviour statements for all staff
• A mediation service for employees

The behaviour statements were agreed with the Trade Unions, and all employees are expected to adhere to them. These statements have now been incorporated into the Code of Conduct for employees.

All employees should:

• Have the right to be treated with respect
• Have a duty to treat other people with respect
• Be sensitive to other people’s different needs, attitudes and lifestyles
• Oppose all forms of discrimination
• Help put an end to bullying
• Be prepared to be challenged over our own behaviour

These statements are also included in guidance notes for people applying for jobs with the City Council. They emphasise the Council’s commitment to do what we say about equality and diversity and reinforce the message that we won’t put up with prejudiced behaviour that results in unfair treatment or with discrimination of any kind.

For more information, contact The Equality and Diversity Team on 0115 9156736 (minicom available), fax 0115 9156145 or email equalityanddiversityteam@nottinghamcity.gov.uk