Respectful contact policy

As your MP, I’m here to support all Chichester constituents, and my small team works hard to respond to everyone as quickly and fairly as possible. We understand that people often contact us in distress, and we’re always here to listen. However, aggressive, abusive or threatening behaviour, whether in person, over the phone online or in writing, will not be tolerated. Excessive contact or unreasonable demands can also affect our ability to help others.

This policy is in place to ensure that all constituents receive fair treatment and that my team can work in a safe and respectful environment. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Jess Brown-Fuller MP
Member of Parliament for Chichester

1. Aggressive or abusive behaviour

It is completely understandable that people may feel upset when seeking help. However, anger must not lead to aggression. Abuse or threat towards my staff, either verbal, written or physical, are unacceptable. This includes:

Shouting, swearing, or making derogatory or offensive comments

Discriminatory language (e.g. racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic)

Baseless or serious allegations made without evidence

Threatening or intimidating behaviour

Language or behaviour that causes fear, distress, or discomfort

We may end a conversation or correspondence immediately if a staff member feels threatened or harassed. Serious threats will be reported to the police.

2. Unreasonable demands

Unreasonable demands are those that place undue pressure on my team and prevent us from assisting others. Examples include:

Insisting on unrealistic response times

Demanding to speak to a specific staff member or to me directly when not appropriate

Repeatedly shifting the subject of a complaint or introducing unrelated issues

Making the same request repeatedly despite receiving a response

Such demands take time away from other constituents and can result in communication being restricted.

3. Excessive or disruptive contact

High volumes of contact, whether that be calls, emails or visits, over a short period or throughout a case can disrupt our ability to function. Examples of excessive contact include:

Multiple calls or emails in a single day or week

Repetitive or overly lengthy correspondence

Re-sending previously supplied or irrelevant material

When contact becomes disproportionate or disruptive, we may limit how and when further communication can take place.

4. Harassment and privacy violations

My team has the right to do their work free from harassment, including online harassment. This includes:

Sharing or publishing staff members' personal information online

Recording phone conversations without consent

Posting office interactions or correspondence on social media platforms

Attempting to contact staff on their personal accounts

Any such conduct will be treated seriously and may lead to restrictions or legal action.

5. Refusal to co-operate

To progress a complaint or enquiry, constituents must work constructively with my office. This includes responding to reasonable requests for clarification, information or focus.

We are here to help, but we cannot proceed if someone refuses to engage with the process or ignores agreed boundaries.

6. Reasonable adjustments

I recognise that some constituents may have additional needs that affect how they communicate. Where appropriate, my team will consider reasonable adjustments, such as: