A NUMBER of Christchurch town councillors have voted against a policy which ‘guides and promotes good governance’.

Councillors Gillian Jarvis, David Jones, Christine Lunn and Stuart Perry voted against adopting the Dignity At Work Policy and signing up to the Civility and Respect Pledge.

As reported, Christchurch Town Council’s acting town clerk James Atkinson said the Dignity At Work Policy was being proposed “due to growing concerns about bullying, harassment, and mistreatment within town and parish councils.”

More than 1,500 councils have already signed the Civility and Respect Pledge as part of the policy.

Christchurch Town Council considered adopting the policy and signing the pledge at its July full council meeting.

Following concerns over select statements within the pledge, members voted on an amended motion to accept the policy and not sign up to the pledge.

Cllrs Fidler, Jarvis, Jones, Lunn and Perry voted for this, and Cllrs Charrett, Coulton, Cox, Davies, Gardiner, Hilliard, Prudom, Spittle and Tarling voted against.

Members then proceeded to vote on the initial motion for Christchurch Town Council to adopt the policy and sign the pledge as created and recommended by different working groups.

Cllrs Charrett, Coulton, Cox, Davies, Fidler, Gardiner, Hilliard, Prudom, Spittle and Tarling voted for, while Cllrs Jarvis, Jones, Lunn and Perry voted against.

He queried the possibility of selectively accepting statements within the pledge, expressing concern particularly about endorsing the statement supporting "the continued lobbying for the change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge, including sanctions for elected members where appropriate."

Cllr McCormack abstained from both votes.

It was resolved that Christchurch Town Council would adopt the policy and sign the pledge.

James Atkinson, acting town clerk, said: “Bullying and harassment has no place at Christchurch Town Council and the adoption of the Dignity at Work Policy signifies a vital step towards a healthier and more respectful work environment by emphasizing early intervention through a zero-tolerance approach.

“Similarly, the Civility and Respect Pledge, endorsed by NALC, SLCC, and OVW, prioritizes a cultural shift within the local council sector. By committing to this pledge, we are demonstrating our dedication to eliminating poor behaviour.

“Each Councillor is fully entitled to their own views on what would best represent their residents, and some felt they couldn’t support the adoption of this Dignity at Work Policy and Civility and Respect Pledge.

“But with 1556 councils already on board with the pledge, it is encouraging to join this movement and take the next step in leading by example.”

Cllr Perry told the Daily Echo the reluctance to support the motion revolved around the 'seventh tick box' in the pledge.