This guidance outlines the steps all employers can take to counter online intimidation and abuse of all employees and support employees experiencing online harassment.
Local Government Association,
18 Smith Square, Westminster,
London, SW1P 3HZ
Telephone 020 7187 7335
e-mail: [email protected]
Employers’ Secretary
Sarah Ward
Fire & Rescue Services
National Employers
To: Chief fire officers
Chief executives/Clerks to fire authorities
Chairs of fire authorities
Directors of human resources
CC: Members of the Employers’ Side of the NJC
24 July 2025
- Unfortunately, employees who work in the public sector, including those in high profile roles such as Chief Fire Officers, can be subject to online abuse and harassment from the public, particularly through social media platforms.
- Feedback from senior colleagues particularly in the Fire Leaders Association (FLA) suggests this situation has been getting increasingly worse.
- To support employers in managing this, the National Employers have developed a guidance document which outlines the steps all employers can take to counter online intimidation and abuse of all employees and support employees experiencing online harassment. This is linked to the LGA broader campaign around promoting civility in public life.
- This employer guidance will be hosted on the LGA website, and while it is employer guidance, it has been shared in advance (and edited in line with feedback) with all the trade unions who represent members in operational roles across the service, Grey and Gold Books.
- For ease of reference, it is also attached as an appendix to this circular.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Ward
National Employers’ side secretary