Launch of new Respect and Dignity Charter and Policy for ESB

The new Respect and Dignity in the Workplace Charter and Policy for ESB were jointly launched by Luke Shinnors, Executive Director Human Resources ESB and David Naughton, Secretary ESB Group of Unions, on Wednesday June 17th. Other speakers at the launch included: Professor Eileen Drew TCD, Chairperson of the ESB Joint Equality Council, Joyce Farrell, Manager Equality and Diversity ESB, and Denis Blanch, Joint Industrial Council Mediator.

The new Charter and Policy were drawn-up jointly by Management and the Group of Unions, working through the Joint Equality Council. They are consistent with the 2007 Health and Safety Authority Code of Practice on Prevention of Bullying, the 2004 Equality Act and the Labour Relations Commission and Equality Authority Codes of Practice on Bullying and Harassment. In particular, the Respect and Dignity Charter and Policy:

• Underpin ESB’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity in the workplace and throughout their working life in the company.
• Promote awareness about the values and behaviours that ESB expects from staff, customers and contractors.
• Provide a framework on how to deal with issues of inappropriate behaviour, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and interpersonal conflict.
• Provide for and promote the use of early interventions, including an independent, confidential mediation service to assist in resolving issues.
• Offer a range of support services through the Employee Assistance Programme and the Dignity at Work Contact Person Network.

ESB takes all claims of inappropriate behaviour very seriously under the Respect and Dignity Charter and Policy. Every claim will be handled sensitively, quickly and in confidence.

ESB Management and the Group of Unions are committed to fostering a working environment free of workplace barriers, one which encourages all staff to reach their full potential.

Everyone has the right to respect and dignity in their working lives in ESB. They also have an obligation to comply with the positive behaviours set out in the new Charter and Policy so that they uphold the rights of all staff, customers and contractors to respect and dignity as well.

The Respect and Dignity Charter and Policy are available for download from the ESB intranet site at: \\esbnet\publish\PPP\ policies\human_resources\policy_ respect_dignity_individual_esb.pdf

Printed copies are also available from the Equality and Diversity Office by phoning Head Office at extensions 26705 or 26270.