“These figures don’t represent the dozens of minor events that occur within our facilities every year. Regardless of their scale, every event has an impact on our staff.”
He says the reported incidents don’t include online interactions, but says there has been a “noticeable increase in this type of behaviour” experienced by staff through social media, specifically through the council and Wai o Rua Stratford Aquatic Centre channels.
Staff should not have to deal with this kind of behaviour from members of the public, says Chade.
“Our staff come to work each and every day to genuinely try to make a difference in our community, whether that be in our facilities or by providing activities and events. The abuse they experience whilst trying to carry out their jobs is not acceptable and something no one should have to constantly deal with.”
The training, which took place on Thursday last week, was a way to ensure staff felt supported and equipped to deal with incidents, he said.
“The wellbeing of our staff is vitally important, and providing this training is one way we can support them to continue to provide their great service to our community.”
Disclaimer: Editor Ilona Hanne is married to the CEO of Stratford District Council.
