Dan Carden MP – Acceptable Use Policy
I understand that when people contact my office, they may be experiencing distressing or difficult circumstances. My team and I are here to help and will always do our best to provide support.
However, abusive behaviour or unreasonable demands that prevent my staff from carrying out their duties effectively will not be tolerated. My priority is to ensure that all constituents can access my office’s services in a safe and respectful environment. In rare cases, where behaviour is unacceptable, I may need to apply restrictions on engagement.
Aggressive or Abusive Behaviour
Any aggression towards my staff is unacceptable. This includes:
- Violence or threats – whether physical, verbal, or online.
- Abusive language – including derogatory, discriminatory, or offensive remarks.
- Serious, unsubstantiated allegations – such as accusations of criminality or corruption without evidence.
If my staff feel threatened or unsafe at any point during an interaction, they have the right to end the conversation immediately. Any threats will be taken seriously.
Unreasonable Demands
A request becomes unreasonable when it significantly impacts my office’s ability to assist other constituents. Examples include:
- Repeatedly demanding responses within an unreasonable timescale.
- Insisting on speaking to a specific member of staff when that is not possible.
- Changing the substance of a complaint or repeatedly raising unrelated concerns.
- Making excessive contact while a case is already being considered.
- Refusing to accept a decision after a clear explanation has been provided.
Unreasonable Levels of Contact
Sometimes, the frequency or duration of contact can prevent my office from handling cases efficiently. This includes:
- Multiple calls in a short space of time.
- Repeated long phone calls covering the same points.
- Excessive emails or letters repeating previous information.
If a constituent’s contact prevents my staff from helping others, I may have to take steps to manage the situation.
Harassment
My staff have the right to carry out their duties free from harassment or intimidation. Unacceptable behaviour includes:
- Recording conversations without consent and publishing them online.
- Contacting my staff on personal social media or using their private details.
- Publishing private or sensitive information about my team in public forums.
Action My Office May Take
If unacceptable behaviour continues, I may take further action, including:
- Issuing a warning and requesting a change in behaviour.
- Appointing a single point of contact for future communication.
- Restricting contact to written correspondence only.
- Ceasing communication if behaviour remains unacceptable.
Any formal restrictions will be communicated in writing, and a note will be placed on record.
I appreciate the time and effort people take to contact me, and my team will always treat constituents with respect. In return, I ask for the same consideration so that we can continue to provide help and support to those who need it.