Senior leaders at Rochdale Borough Council have formally committed to using inclusive, respectful language when referring to children, especially those in care or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), following growing concerns raised by councillors.
A pledge has been signed by council leaders, including council leader Neil Emmott and the chief executive, following a motion at the July full council meeting where councillors Kathryn Bromfield and Rachel Massey highlighted the use of harmful and stigmatising language in public settings.
The motion, which was passed unanimously, committed the council to promote inclusive, compassionate and non-discriminatory language in all discussions about children, particularly those supported by children’s services.
Councillor Neil Emmott said:
We all deserve to be spoken about with dignity and care, especially our children and young people, and as leaders, it is important we set a strong example of what language is acceptable.
The wrong choice of words can be deeply hurtful, isolating or disrespectful to others. This pledge is about showing that this council values inclusive communication and the people we serve.
The new pledge emphasises that all children and young people in the borough should be spoken about with dignity, respect and hope, whether in public meetings, documents, or community conversations.
Councillor Kathryn Bromfield, who also serves as the independent chair of the SEND Stakeholder Forum, said: “It is essential that we, as elected members, model the language we want everyone to use, treating people with respect and dignity should be a given.”
Councillor Rachel Massey, the portfolio holder for children’s services and education, added:
“We are incredibly proud of our children and young people, especially those overcoming personal milestones or barriers. The way we speak about them influences how they see themselves and how society sees them too.”
In addition to the pledge, the council has introduced an annual ‘language charter’ and a new training programme for councillors to deepen understanding of the lived experiences of children in care, SEND, and neurodiverse individuals.
The training also reflects the council’s trauma-informed approach to leadership in public services, aiming to ensure policy, communication and support are shaped with care and understanding.
Rochdale Borough Council will also write to the Local Government Association (LGA), encouraging them to adopt similar inclusive language standards in their national councillor training and leadership development materials.
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