Worcester City: A proactive approach to councillor safety

Worcester City Council has implemented a new incident reporting system designed to enhance the safety of councillors while they engage with the community. This initiative enables councillors to document accidents, incidents, and near-misses encountered during their duties, fostering a proactive approach to risk management and the development of safer practices.

Councillors often work in a range of environments, interacting directly with the public and navigating various community settings. Without a systematic and standardised method for reporting and analysing councillors' experiences, it was impossible to identify and address the potential hazards they encountered while engaging with the community effectively. Recognising the need for a systematic approach, Worcester City Council introduced this incident reporting system to support the wellbeing of its elected members.

The newly implemented system enables councillors to document any accidents, incidents, or near-misses they experience while performing their duties. The collection and analysis of this data by council staff allows them to identify common locations and issues that pose safety risks. This structured approach facilitates the development of targeted control measures and promotes a culture of health, safety, and welfare across all political parties.

The system generates quarterly and annual reports, providing valuable insights into safety trends and potential hazards. City Council staff review these reports, offering timely feedback and encouraging cross-party sharing of safety information. This continuous feedback loop ensures that emerging safety concerns are promptly addressed, fostering an environment of constant improvement. By analysing the collected data, the Council can refine safety measures, ensuring long-term support for both current and future members.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee said: 

This is an exciting time for us as a Council. We now have a method to report and monitor the accidents, incidents, and near-misses we encounter while working in the community. The information collected will assist us and future members in assessing the areas of risk and the measures that can be taken to mitigate them. It will enable us to communicate openly and collaborate as a single council, ensuring the safety of our fellow councillors while we continue our work."

Councillor Sarah Murray, the City Council’s member champion for personal safety and civility said:

This new system represents a forward-thinking approach to safety. This approach shows how communication and collaboration between fellow council members can result in an improved outcome for everybody. The collection and review of data will result in continuous improvement as councillors support their communities. The council aims to create a safer and more resilient working environment for councillors. Safety practices will evolve year after year as the data informs and shapes them.”

The implementation of this accident reporting system marks a significant advancement in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Worcester City Council's members. By fostering open communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement, the Council demonstrates its commitment to creating a safer working environment for all councillors as they serve their communities.