Shepton Mallet Town Council is committed to standing up against bullying, harassment, and intimidation in local councils.

Councillors have unanimously agreed to sign up to the Civility and Respect Pledge at the Full Town Council meeting on the 8th November 2022. The National Association of Local Councils (NALC), the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and One Voice Wales (OVW), believe now is the time to put civility and respect at the top of the agenda and start a culture change for the local council sector.

Town Clerk, Claire Commons said, "The town council has gone through a period of significant change and I am proud to report that there are no civility and respect issues to address, but that doesn't mean there haven't been in the past or won't be in the future. As a good council our role is to support the sector with this programme. To ensure this positive trend continues, the Council has training budgets available for all staff and councillors, policies in place to step in if things begin to go wrong and commitment from everyone involved that they will work to support this pledge."

By signing up to the pledge, Shepton Mallet Town Council has demonstrated commitment to treating councillors, clerks, employees, members of the public, representatives of partner organisations, and volunteers, with civility and respect in their role.

Matt Harrison, Chair of Shepton Mallet Town Council said "The Town Council has undergone a significant period of change in the last few years. Underpinning the move in the way we work; the adoption of the Civility and Respect Pledge embeds our current way of working for the future and will help the organisation serve the Town to the best of its abilities. As we face into a period of economic uncertainty, we have to remain united to ensure the community is well supported."

Further information, including the full criteria can be found on the NALC website