Hounslow Council is one of the latest recipients of the Hestia’s ‘Everyone’s Business Award’, recognising its continued dedication to supporting employees in the workplace who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Published: Thursday, 7th December 2023
The winners were selected by an independent panel and had to meet strict criteria in order to be considered.
Criteria included a clear domestic abuse strategy, engagement in sector networks, domestic abuse policy/guidance for employees and evidence of training.
Awarded by the leading domestic abuse charity Hestia, the award is a kitemark in good practice. Present to receive the award was Joy Folami, one of Hounslow Council’s Domestic Abuse Companions, whose role is to stand alongside those who need support, offering them a safe place to talk, to be listened to and to help them consider next steps.
Hestia is a leading domestic abuse charity providing refuges and community-based support, as well as hosting national domestic abuse prevention campaigns including delivering over 7000 Safe Spaces in partnership with banks and pharmacies across the UK.
Core to Hounslow Council’s strategic priorities is to “support victims, and the children of those affected by domestic abuse and violence, and work with perpetrators, where appropriate, to prevent further abuse”. It has a Domestic Abuse Statement for employees, setting out its commitment to supporting those who are experiencing domestic abuse, training for staff most likely to be involved in receiving disclosures, and has established a network of Domestic Abuse Companions, whose training is delivered by Hestia.
With one in three employees having experienced domestic abuse in the past 12 months*, support in the workplace plays a key role in offering a vital route of support. It is currently the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, runs each year from White Ribbon Day on 25 November to 10 December, Human Rights Day. Keep an eye on our social media for daily posts throughout the 16 days, as well as events around Hounslow where domestic abuse support organisations will be available to speak with residents and raise awareness of how to spot the signs and where to receive support.
Steven Walker-Whitehead, Director of HR & OD, said:
We are delighted to have won the ‘Everyone’s Business’ Award, recognising our commitment and ongoing support to colleagues and residents around Domestic Abuse.
Through our training programmes, our wide range of resources and Companions’ Network we are creating safe spaces, trust and kindness for any of our people who experience Domestic Abuse.
We very much appreciate Hestia’s expertise in developing our approach, and are deeply committed to doing all we can to continue supporting our people whenever that maybe necessary.
Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia said:
We are proud to recognise the outstanding commitment that this organisation has shown to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse.
By creating a culture where survivors are believed and supported, we make it safer for anyone affected by domestic abuse to come forward and get the help they need.
The London Borough of Hounslow is leading the way on this, and we hope that other organisations are inspired by these efforts.
