Surrey county council has set up an anonymous telephone service to allow staff to report workplace issues like bullying, as part of its investing in staff strategy.

The hotline allows staff to raise problems if they are not confident in taking bullying or harassment complaints to their manager.

The hotline can be used by staff who have witnessed bullying or are being bullied or harassed at work. Employees who have concerns that someone acting for the council is involved in criminal activity, fraud, or theft can also use the hotline, as can anyone who wishes to report damage to council property or to its reputation.

The county council has teamed up with Expolink to provide the service and trained handlers will deal with all calls.

Callers do not have to give their names or numbers, but they will be given a reference number so they can call back with more information.

A report will be sent securely to authorised county council staff, who will decide what action to take. Expolink will destroy its copy.

County Council chief executive Richard Shaw said: “We are launching this reporting hotline as part of our investing in staff strategy and our commitment to listening to employee concerns.

“We want to hear about staff concerns so that we can improve the way Surrey County Council does its business.”