Protecting Housing Staff: A Critical Imperative

In the field of housing, the role of staff is both critical and demanding. As front-line workers, housing staff often find themselves navigating complex and sensitive situations, from managing anti-social behaviour to addressing urgent housing needs. Despite the significance of their work, the safety and well-being of housing staff are frequently overlooked, and in some cases, they are subjected to harassment and abuse, a situation that is utterly unacceptable.

Recent reports of a housing staff member being traced to their home address and harassed by a customer highlight a troubling and dangerous trend. This incident is not isolated. During my tenure as an operational housing manager, I encountered numerous cases where staff were targeted by perpetrators of anti-social behaviour. One particularly alarming instance involved a housing manager who lived 20 miles from their place of work and was subjected to a sustained campaign of harassment. The fear and distress this caused were profound, underscoring the critical need for robust protective measures.

There is a pervasive and damaging attitude within the housing sector that abuse and harassment are part of the job. This notion must be unequivocally rejected. No employee should have to accept harassment as an occupational hazard. Housing staff deserve the same level of protection and respect as housing customers. The normalisation of such abuse not only endangers the mental and physical health of staff but also undermines the efficacy of housing services as a whole.

During my time in housing management, I frequently sought injunctions to safeguard my team members from harassment. Legal measures are crucial, but they are only one aspect of a comprehensive strategy to protect housing staff. Organisations must implement and enforce strict policies against harassment, provide training to staff on how to handle such situations and establish clear protocols for reporting and responding to incidents.

Employers have a duty of care to their staff. This includes ensuring that employees feel safe both at work and in their personal lives. Employers should:

1. Implement Safety Protocols: Establish clear, accessible protocols for reporting harassment and abuse. Ensure staff know how to use these channels without fear of retribution.
2. Provide Training: Regular training sessions on personal safety, de-escalation techniques, and how to manage aggressive behaviour can empower staff to handle difficult situations more effectively.
3. Offer Support Services: Access to counselling and mental health support can help staff cope with the emotional impact of harassment.
4. Legal Support: Facilitate access to legal advice and support for staff who are harassed or threatened, ensuring that they can obtain protective orders or other legal remedies swiftly.?

Creating a supportive workplace culture is essential. Staff should feel valued and protected, and they should know that their safety is a top priority. This can be fostered by:

• Regular Check-Ins: Managers should routinely check in with their teams to discuss any concerns and ensure they feel supported.
• Recognition and Reward: Acknowledge and reward the hard work and dedication of housing staff, reinforcing the importance of their roles.
• Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication where staff can voice their concerns without fear of stigma or dismissal.

Housing work is critical and intensive, and the safety of housing staff should never be compromised. It is imperative that we reject the harmful attitude that harassment and intimidation is part of the job and take proactive steps to protect our staff. By implementing comprehensive safety measures, providing robust support, and fostering a culture of respect and care, we can ensure that housing staff are able to perform their essential roles without fear.

The safety and well-being of housing staff are not just professional imperatives; they are moral ones. It is our collective responsibility to protect those who dedicate their lives to ensuring that everyone has a safe place to call home.