Brighton: Culture change plan for Cityclean voted through

Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, described the culture at Cityclean as "toxic"

Councillors have agreed a plan to tackle a "toxic" culture at Brighton and Hove's waste services provider.

Cityclean faced an independent inquiry last year following whistleblowing claims of racism, sexism and harassment.

Inquiry initial findings said "swearing, shouting and threatening behaviour" were routine.

A final report set recommendations for an action plan to improve the workplace and ensure better services.

Members of Brighton & Hove City Council's strategy, finance and city regeneration committee have unanimously endorsed the recommendations and approved the action plan.

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Speaking ahead of the committee's meeting on Thursday, council leader Bella Sankey said: "In the months since the report was published firm actions around behaviour, equalities and workplace culture have already been taken.

"Having a fair, inclusive and safe workplace is vital for our staff and in turn will ensure a better service for residents.

"There were findings in that report that no employer wants to read or see or hear, really shocking, appalling behaviour has been allowed to take place," she said.

"Going forward we take a zero tolerance approach to bullying, intimidation, racism and sexism, and we are going to completely change the culture of that depot.

"We definitely have further to go and we will not rest until we get where we need to."

'Deeply shocking'

The independent inquiry led by Aileen McColgan KC heard from 70 witnesses over three months.

Her 17-page report, which was commissioned by the council, recommended a series of actions to improve safety and culture at the waste services provider over the next 12-18 months.

These include disciplinary action for those accused of wrongdoing, changes to the day-to-day running of the service and tackling behaviour and equality issues.

When the report was published, Ms Sankey apologised to all affected staff for the "toxic culture that was allowed to grow and fester" and described the findings as "deeply shocking".

Brighton and Hove City Council says some of the actions are already having a positive impact on services.

It said reported missed kerbside refuse collections had been reduced by 90% in four months with missed kerbside recycling collections falling by 68%.

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