Electric Mail > General > February 2009 > Dignity at work contacts prepare for new policy launch

Pictured: (l-r) Ciaran Gogarty, Fiona Tiernan, Course Presenter, Colm Bolger, Claire Kierans, Seamus Finn, Ian Ring, Margaret Woods, Alan Brown, Denis Doherty, Sinead O'Keeffe, Podge Ussher, Siobhan Codd, Pat Tighe, Mary Gaffney, Mary Winston, Jacinta O'Connor, Maureen Ferguson and Denise Butler at the first DWCP training session in Head Office on Friday, January 16th.



		Dignity at work contacts prepare for new policy launch The ESB Corporate Charter & Policy for the Respect and Dignity of the Individual in ESB addresses the values and behaviours that are expected of ESB staff, and of people who interact with staff in the course of ESB business. As well as promoting positive values, the policy prohibits bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. A new revision of the Respect and Dignity at Work Charter and Policy is being finalised at present via the Joint Equality Council, the Group of Unions and ESB Senior Management. The role of 'designated contact persons' under the existing policy will continue as part of the new revision, but they will be renamed 'Dignity at Work Contact Persons' or 'DWCPs'. The DWCP role covers issues relating to harassment / bullying, and the role is one of guidance and support. The DWCP may support a complainant or an alleged harasser, but cannot do so for both parties to the same complaint. The role is carried out in confidence, and DWCPs do not keep any notes or records of their meetings with staff who approach them for support. Approximately 70 staff have agreed to operate as DWCPs, and refresher training has been arranged for three groups through the Equality and Diversity Office. The first two groups received their training in Dublin in January. The final group will receive their training in Portlaoise in March. The training is being delivered by Fiona Tiernan, Resolve Employment Services in conjunction with the Equality and Diversity Office. An ESB-wide poster camp will be rolled out nationally in the coming weeks, publicising the new Dignity at Work Charter, and the role and contact details of local DWCPs. Staff are not restricted to using the services of DWCPs in their own geographic areas or Business Units. They are free to avail of the support of any DWCP in ESB. The launch of the revised Respect and Dignity at Work Policy and Charter will take place before Easter, and will include the launch of a new interactive website and map, giving the names and contact details of all the Dignity at Work Contact Persons throughout ESB.		Pictured: (l-r) Ciaran Gogarty, Fiona Tiernan, Course Presenter, Colm Bolger, Claire Kierans, Seamus Finn, Ian Ring, Margaret Woods, Alan Brown, Denis Doherty, Sinead O'Keeffe, Podge Ussher, Siobhan Codd, Pat Tighe, Mary Gaffney, Mary Winston, Jacinta O'Connor, Maureen Ferguson and Denise Butler at the first DWCP training session in Head Office on Friday, January 16th.