New designated contact persons are trained

Eleven new 'Designated Contact Persons' (DCPs) have been trained by ESB and the Equal Opportunities Office to deal with complaints of bullying and harassment within the company, bringing the total number of DCPs in the organisation to more than 90.

Having designated contact people available to staff at a local level is an integral part of the 'Respect and Dignity for the Individual in ESB' policy and DCPs can be contacted for confidential advice when an individual has a problem or wants to clarify something in relation to the respect and dignity policy. A DCP will advise a person about his/her options under the policy and may, if requested, accompany a person through an investigation process.

Surveys show that 340 staff members contacted DCPs between 1999 and 2007 and of these: 217 people dealt with the issue after talking to a DCP; 96 cases were dealt with locally on an informal basis and 27 were dealt with on a formal basis. The fact that 313 of the 340 contacts were dealt with informally demonstrates the effectiveness of a DCP's role in supporting ESB's policy on 'Respect and Dignity for the Individual in ESB'.

DCP contact details are listed on the Equal Opportunities Intranet site and in 'My Life at ESB' under bullying policy.

Copies of the Respect and Dignity policy are available from the Equal Opportunities Office by contacting ext 26705 or direct dial 01 7026705.

Here are comments from some of the participants at the recent course:

"The training course emphasized how the DCP must guarantee absolute confidentiality. A staff member can turn to a DCP for support as well as information on the various options available to him/her."
Brid McDonough, ESB Customer Supply, Leopardstown Road.

"I found the DCP training very interesting and it gave me a better understanding of the role of the DCP. We are there to offer support to staff in difficult circumstances. Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment can really affect all areas of people's lives but they don't have to put up with it. All individuals have a right to be treated with respect and dignity. As a DCP I would be glad to assist staff."
Anne Marie Nolan, Contracts, Harold's Cross.

"The course gave me a far greater understanding of how victims can feel and how the DCP can help by offering advice and pointing out the options available. It also made clear the limits of the DCP role."
Brendan Malone, ESB Networks.

"All staff within ESB can now access up to 90 DCPs throughout the company on a nationwide basis. DCP's offer to listen, not prejudge, offer help to individuals to try and identify ways to address their issue, all in a confidential manner. The basic message is "You are not alone - help is available through the DCP'."
Dave Byrne, ESB Customer Supply, Clanwilliam House.