We will all be sadly aware of the appalling violence, racism and intimidation occurring in communities across the country over recent days, including in towns and cities close to our county's borders and where some of our colleagues live.
Our Corporate Management Team held our weekly meeting yesterday, where the council's ongoing response to the situation was discussed. Although the incidents to date have largely been elsewhere in the country, we have colleagues who work with vulnerable people who may be affected, and colleagues may themselves be concerned about the incidents they are seeing. We all work at our best when we act as One Council - supporting and protecting each other, and valuing, welcoming and celebrating our differences as we deliver the essential services that the people of Derbyshire need from their council.
It is clearly for the police to lead any comment on incidents which constitute crime, but we wanted to ensure that all colleagues across the council are confident in our commitment to supporting them in delivering essential services to the people of Derbyshire. We will continue to do everything we can to protect all our colleagues from any aggressive behaviour, prejudiced language or any other type of hate.
Should you experience discriminatory behaviour in any form, no matter how minor you might consider it to be, please report it immediately via our online incident reporting form and to your manager.
Everyone has the right to do their job free from abuse and intolerance, and please be assured that the council is working closely with the police, has a zero-tolerance approach and will take any reports from our employees very seriously indeed. If you have family and friends who have been affected, or you have been directly affected, please talk your manager and, if you wish, seek support from our 24-hour, 7-day, 365 days a year confidential helpline.
Thank you for your continuing commitment to delivering the council's services.