Protests are taking place in several cities across the United Kingdom. Tensions remain high and all staff are advised to stay informed and safe during this time. Protests can represent passionate causes and may become aggressive and hostile. Staff working in the community are particularly vulnerable.

Issues driving these protests vary, but common themes include immigration, national and cultural identity and national sovereignty. Authorities are closely monitoring these gatherings to prevent violence and maintain public safety.

Organisations are responsible for the safety, security and wellbeing of all staff and should ensure they are aware of what to do if confronted with an aggressive incident. If a staff member is confronted with an aggressive or abusive situation their personal safety is paramount. They should complete a dynamic risk self-assessment for their own safety.

Key Actions

At the first sign of any protest forming, organisations should notify their local police force.

  • Managers should consider locking down the entrances to their site and keeping staff and visitors informed of any changes about the sites access. Additionally, if the protest causes such disruption and the site cannot operate or its operations are limited due to the protest, the police should be informed by calling 999 for the quickest response.
  • Any situation can be dynamic and fast changing, so any risk assessment should be kept under constant review as the situation develops and as information is gathered from various partners including staff on the ground.
  • Do not take any direct action against the protest, including trying to physically remove protestors if they come onto the site.
  • Avoid engaging in conversation with any protestors.
  • Keep a record of anything that is considered an offence, such as threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour or anything displayed such as any writing, sign of visible representation which is threatening.
  • Staff working in the community should be accompanied by other colleagues if possible and should follow the organisations Lone Working Policy.
  • Organisations should encourage staff to support each other, including others that might have witnessed an incident.
  • Organisations should maintain regular contact with the police locally so they are aware of specific threats that may affect their area and will be able to help mitigate against them. Regular contact ensures there is a robust mechanism to report any suspicions or potential threats.

Staff should report all security and safety incidents on their incident reporting systems and inform the nominated Anti-Crime / Security Management Specialist for further support.