Scrap the SIC bullying policy

I agree with James Paton on many of his comments regarding the care sector crisis in Shetland.

I would like to pinpoint two of the main reasons for the inability of Shetland Islands Council to recruit suitable, caring staff for the past few years.

First, as I am sure Mr Chittick [the director of community health and social care] may be well aware of, is that the salary offered to care staff does not reflect the skills required, plus the responsibility that the job entails.

This job is a very demanding one. There are few jobs more important than the care of another vulnerable human being.

Second, there is the intrinsic culture of bullying. This practice is found at all levels in the care sector.

The SIC bullying policy is not fit for purpose. It simply cannot work, due to the way in which it is structured.

Often it is management which is at the heart of the bullying!

This policy should be scrapped. Any complaint should be taken to an independent panel from the beginning.

This totally independent panel should encourage dialogue between the parties concerned.

The problem of both recruiting and maintain staff will remain until staff can be assured of a completely non-SIC panel, with no ties to SIC management whatsoever, to investigate their complaint.

Heather Butler
Lerwick