CBC councillors warned not to make public criticisms of council staff

The rebuke was delivered at a Central Bedfordshire Council meeting by James Jamieson, who chairs the Local Government Association.

The issue was due to be addressed as a motion to council, but this was withdrawn by the Westoning, Flitton and Greenfield councillor.

Instead, his Conservative colleague and Sandy councillor Caroline Maudlin raised the subject during open questions on Thursday. (Nov 12th)

“Councillor Jamieson, I’m very concerned with some of the personal comments and attacks on CBC staff by members,” she said.

“I believe these undermine staff morale, and harm the organisation and its ability to deliver for residents.

“Does the leader condemn such attacks and reposting on social media, as well as personal attacks on members of CBC staff?” she asked.

Councillor Jamieson replied: “Yes, I’m very concerned about this issue.

“I see how upset some members of staff have been with some of the postings on social media that have involved them and also with the criticism.

“That’s just not fair and reasonable. When you see videos which have been shared, with misrepresentation and misquoting, that’s a major issue.

“As councillors we really have a duty to treat our staff fairly to make sure they aren’t misrepresented or misquoted because they deliver for our residents.

“It’s frankly just plain wrong,” he said. “It detracts from them doing their job and leads to worse outcomes for residents.

“And I would urge councillors to think about that every time they consider such action.”

Councillor Maudlin asked what councillor Jamieson “proposes to do about this if it continues”.

The council leader explained: “As you know, I did propose a motion tonight. In light of now many motions we had, I withdrew that.

“But I will be taking something to general purposes committee as part of its review of council conduct, so we do take this seriously.

“I’ve asked senior officers, directors and the chief executive, if they see this kind of behaviour, they deal with it robustly as they do have a duty of care to their staff.”

His motion had read: “All councillors are members of the council and have a duty in their actions to protect the reputation of the council.

“This extends to public statements made by them and those they promote, where there’s an obligation to avoid misrepresentation.

“Personal attacks on staff destroy moral and have a significant impact on the ability of the council to attract and retain quality staff.

“They’re also a major distraction to officers doing their job and thus harm outcomes for our residents, which should be the priority for all councillors.

“The council has a duty of care obligation to staff,” added the motion.

“Councillors shouldn’t make public statements that contain personal criticism of staff, and should ensure any comments avoid misrepresentation.

“This council requires the chief executive and monitoring officer to take up all instances of this which they’re made aware of.”