Devon County Council expects of its Members, managers, staff and Volunteers the highest standards of behaviour in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. To achieve this standard it is essential that employees and Members work in a supportive environment, which does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.

This Policy builds on existing legislation and County Council policies that address sexual harassment, equal opportunities and racial discrimination. It will also contribute to policies currently under development, for instance Valuing Diversity and Managing Stress. The Policy makes a positive and overarching contribution to meeting the County Council's Strategic Plan, The Modernisation Programme and provision of Best Value.

The Policy defines a number of principles and sets out procedures that ensure that behaving in an acceptable manner remains or becomes the norm for all people working within Devon County Council.

This report defines unacceptable behaviour and identifies strategies that everyone can use to overcome the debilitating effects of such behaviour. The key strategy however and essence of the Policy is to expect Acceptable Behaviour as the best way to prevent unacceptable behaviour.