A new campaign by Calderdale Council is highlighting the abuse experienced by its members of staff.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, reported incidents of aggression and verbal abuse towards Calderdale Council staff have risen by 689%. A new film, Behind Every Role(external link) supported by a wider campaign, is a reminder that every job title represents a real person – a colleague, a neighbour, or a member of the community.
The comments featured in the film are all real and reflect the scale of abuse experienced by Council staff, and the lasting impact it can have on those on the receiving end.
The increase in reports of abuse is not limited to Calderdale. This worrying trend is also reflected across the country, with widespread reports from other local authorities of rising threats and intimidation.
By highlighting real life examples faced by Calderdale staff, the Council hopes to make people think about the consequences of their abuse.
The Council is also raising awareness of the support available internally to support staff wellbeing and safety, with acomprehensive programme of wellbeing support for staff, focusing on both mental and physical health. Tailored advice is provided for staff who have experienced abuse in their role, with an encouragement for them to escalate and follow standard criminal processes if necessary.
Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive, Robin Tuddenham, said:
“As a Council, we’re responsible for so many services that impact people’s lives, from social care and education to highways and transport, planning, waste, and much more. Our staff interact with hundreds of residents on a daily basis, and most of those connections are appropriate and positive. Sadly, we’re seeing an increase in examples of violence, aggression and abuse towards our staff – something we simply do not tolerate.
“It’s a shocking statistic that since 2020 reports of aggression and verbal abuse have risen by almost 700%. To put it into perspective, 37 incidents were reported here at the Council in 2020/21, and by 2024/25 that figure had risen to 292. It can take a great deal of strength to remain calm, professional and respectful in the face of this appalling and unacceptable behaviour.
“With such a broad remit, we’re not saying we always get things right, and we understand it can be frustrating when things don’t go as planned; but whatever the circumstances, our staff deserve to feel safe, respected and supported at work. This new campaign aims to remind people that behind every Council job there is a person: a family member, a friend, a neighbour – someone deserving of respect, not abuse.”
The Behind Every Role film can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=KKHfr4y96Wk(external link). Please be aware that the real comments included contain language that some viewers may find distressing.