THE chief executive of Ryedale District Council has outlined a number of actions that are taking place to underpin the council’s “zero tolerance” approach to bullying.

In a report by chief executive Stacey Burlet to be discussed by the authority’s policy and resources committee at a meeting tomorrow (Thursday), the actions are taking place to “resolve historical issues” that the council has allegedly had with regard to “bullying and intimidating behaviour”.

In her report, which also covers broader staffing and organisational development issues, Ms Burlet says: “The organisation has faced a series of challenges over the last five years regarding staffing and organisational development matters.

“Independent appraisals of the council have drawn attention to the need to urgently address some of these challenges.”

She said that some actions, including “enhanced training” for elected members, have already been concluded.

But she added that a range of other measures are taking place.

These include an internal communications campaign to make staff feel more confident about identifying and reporting bullying, continued regular engagements with the union Unison, updating employment-related policies and procedures (which she says are significantly outdated) and mental health awareness training.

She added: “Exit interviews with all staff leaving Ryedale District Council will be conducted to ensure that where any concerns around unsuitable behaviours are cited issues are addressed.”

Accusations of bullying at Ryedale District Council came to the fore with the results of a staff survey in July 2017. At that time, the then-chairman of policy and resources Cllr Luke Ives labelled the results of the survey “disturbing”.

At a meeting of full council on July 12, 2017, Cllr Ives even said that he had also seen allegations published online of staff receiving financial settlements to gag them from speaking out.

Following that meeting, the council earmarked £10,000 for a report by Professor John Raine into bullying at the authority.

This report has still not been made public, despite calls for it to be so by former councillor Robert Wainwright in a number of meetings in 2018.