Surrey County Council launches grievance hotline

Surrey County Council has launched a hotline telephone service for staff to vent any workplace grievances, as part of its investing in staff strategy.

The anonymous service enables the council's staff to raise problems on matters such as bullying or harassment complaints, in confidence, with their head of service. Calls will be processed by trained handlers.

A report will be sent securely to authorised county council staff, who will decide what action to take.

The hotline can be used by:

• People who have witnessed bullying or are being bullied or harassed at work
• People who have concerns that someone acting for the council is involved in criminal activity, fraud or theft
• Anyone who wishes to report damage to council property or to its reputation.

Richard Shaw, chief executive of the council said: "We are launching this reporting hotline as part of our investing in staff strategy and our commitment to listening to employee concerns.

"We want to hear about staff concerns so that we can improve the way Surrey County Council does its business," he said.