Contact Policies
Office Standards & Acceptable Behaviour Policy
I know many people contact me in upsetting circumstances, often when they desperately need help and feel they have nowhere else to turn. My team and I fully recognise that those situations can be stressful, and its normal for people to feel upset or overwhelmed. We will always try to listen and to help wherever we can.
However, there are limits to what is regarded as acceptable behaviour. My staff should be able to do their jobs without facing aggression, intimidation, or behaviour that makes it difficult to assist others.
This policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected when contacting or visiting my Office and what actions I may need to take if they are not followed.
Aggressive or Abusive Behaviour
I know that some constituents might be upset or angry about the issues they have raised in their correspondence. It is not acceptable if that anger escalates to aggression or abuse towards my team
Threats, shouting, or any behaviour that makes staff feel unsafe will not be tolerated. This includes written or verbal comments that could reasonably be taken as threatening or intimidating. If a member of staff feels uncomfortable or frightened during a call or meeting, they can bring the conversation to an end immediately.
Unacceptable language includes offensive or discriminatory remarks such as racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic comments are also completely unacceptable. Likewise, swearing at staff, making personal insults or using tone that is deliberately hostile.
This policy is also inclusive of comments aimed at third party organisations. Staff should not be expected to read or listen to abusive or inflammatory statements about third parties. It can be distressing, and it prevents them from doing their work properly.
Every case will be looked at individually, and I appreciate that people may be under considerable pressure, but abusive behaviour of any kind cannot be allowed.
Actions I May Take
When my office experiences behaviour or demands which are unacceptable, I may consider taking more formal action to manage future contact. Depending on the situation, this could include:
A clear warning, asking the constituent to change their behaviour
Providing a single, consistent point of contact for the constituent.
Allowing communication only in writing or through a representative.
Deciding not to investigate a complaint or case if it is being handled in an unreasonable way.
Putting limits on how and when contact can be made.
In extreme cases, stopping all communication with a constituent.
If any of these measures are put in place, we will write to the constituent to let them know, and we will make a note on our internal records.
Social Media Policy
I use Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram to keep people in my constituency up to date with what I’m doing and to share information that I think you may find helpful. These accounts are usually monitored by my team on my behalf.
Getting in touch
I don’t usually reply to comments on my social media pages or sent to social direct message inboxes.
If you want to raise an issue or ask for help, please contact me directly using the details on my website.
Due to Parliamentary protocol, you must include your full name and residential address in the constituency, before I’m able to help.
House rules for my social media pages
To keep things respectful and safe for everyone, comments breaking these rules may be deleted and accounts may be blocked without notice. Serious issues may be reported to the police or social media platform. The following won’t be allowed:
Abusive, threatening or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated
Any form of discrimination or bigotry
Misrepresenting my views, actions or statements
Spamming is not tolerated. This includes persistent posting of comments repeatedly or posting unrelated content to the original post
These comments will be deleted and the account that is posting them may be blocked without any prior notice.