CAB volunteer quits amid claims of name-calling and jibes
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A VOLUNTEER worker at a welfare service has claimed regular jibes about his Australian roots contributed towards his decision to quit his unpaid post.
He complained about some of his colleagues regularly calling him Kylie; having his Australian accent pilloried; and being the butt of ‘Bruce and Sheila’ barbs during his stint with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Wick.
The 56-year-old, who does not want to be identified, was also unhappy about occasions when he felt clients were ridiculed by staff. He has prepared a list of grievances which he has submitted to the bureau management.
Saying that he felt insulted and ashamed to be working alongside certain individuals who were supposed to help those who found themselves in difficulty, he said his conscience would not allow him to continue working there.
He made an official complaint to the CAB about his treatment and the conduct of certain members of staff.
Though born in the UK, he emigrated to Australia at an early age before returning to this country. He has lived in Wick for two years and worked at the town’s CAB bureau for 20 months, previously having a long career in voluntary work.
He claimed he was subjected to discriminatory treatment from certain staff members regarding his accent, finding the name-calling extremely offensive.
“The names ranged from hurtful to annoying and we all put up with some level of ridicule from work colleagues, but it was brought to an unnecessary level,” he said.
“It was low level name-calling for most of the time, but there were two or three people who couldn’t let it ago and said remarks about Australia that I wasn’t comfortable with,” he said.
“All these remarks were only prompted when I was present when my nationality was brought to the fore for no apparent reason.
“They didn’t realise how badly it affected me – I couldn’t believe that people could be so immature.”
The man said that his personal discrimination was only part of his reason for quitting as a volunteer counsellor. He claimed a minority of volunteers were disrespectful about clients and their personal circumstances.
He said that volunteers should be as respectful to their clients behind closed doors just as when they are speaking face to face.
“Some clients were seen as figures of fun by certain staff who had been trained to empower clients rather than belittle them,” he said.
“There were a dozen people who worked in the office but it was only two or three bad apples who were guilty of being discriminatory.
“It seemed to be a part of their culture that anyone who was different in any way was held up for ridicule or unfair criticism on terms of their nationality, appearance, sexuality or social status.
“They have lowered the professionalism of the whole service, when you get people who have put their faith and trust in you looking for help.
“You owe it to them to be courteous and professional just as much as when your behind the scenes than when meeting them.”
He said that he has taken his concerns to management who he said have been supportive and are investigating the matter.
A spokeswoman for Citizens Advice Scotland said that they were unable to comment on internal matters.
