The Work-Related Violence Policy is aimed at advising staff that may potentially be abused, threatened, or assaulted by another person or employee. Its primary objective is to foster a safe and secure working environment for all employees by delineating the responsibilities of both the employer and employees in the identification, reporting, and resolution of violent incidents within the workplace. The policy reflects our zero-tolerance stance on workplace violence and reinforces our duty of care to all staff, contractors, volunteers, and elected members.
What Is Work-Related Violence?
Work-related violence refers to any incident of abuse, threat, or assault directed at an employee in connection with their work. This includes verbal abuse, intimidation, physical aggression, and online harassment. The policy applies to interactions with members of the public, colleagues, and pupils.
Definitions
- Work-related violence: Any incident where a person is verbally abused, threatened, or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.
- Physical assault: Intentional use of force resulting in injury or discomfort.
- Non-physical assault: Behaviour that prevents employees from working, makes them feel unsafe, or causes psychological harm (e.g., offensive language, intimidation, stalking, spitting, alcohol/drug-fuelled abuse, property damage).
What’s new in the October 2025 update?
The policy now includes clearer pathways for accessing support following an incident, including referral to occupational health and wellbeing services. A new Work-Related Violence Guidance document has also been written.
The Guidance reinforces that such incidents are unacceptable and must never be considered ‘part of the job’.
Manager’s responsibilities:
Managers must foster a culture where violence is taken seriously and not tolerated.
- Prevention and management of violence should be embedded in service delivery, with robust procedures, risk assessments, and safe working protocols.
- Guidance should be used alongside other H&S policies, including risk assessment, lone working, and serious incident follow-up.
- Managers should ensure their teams are aware of the policy and that local procedures are in place to respond to incidents effectively.
Employees responsibilities
All employees are expected to:
- Familiarise themselves with the updated policy and guidance.
- Report incidents promptly via the Incident Reporting app.
- Support colleagues affected by workplace violence.
- Participate in training and awareness sessions.
Learn more:
Managing Violence and Aggression Against Staff Guidance
Care first – Employee Assistance Programme
Occupational Health
