Gloucestershire charity launches new Women's Safety Charter for businesses

SoGlos's Charity of the Year, the Hollie Gazzard Trust, is launching a new Women's Safety Charter — and it's encouraging Gloucestershire businesses to sign up.

Designed to protect women at work, the charter features six key pledges, from financially supporting the charity to designating a women's safety champion who will facilitate mandatory training for all employees.

The Hollie Gazzard Trust will publicly acknowledge and recognise businesses that sign up, as well as providing those all-important training courses and workshops on subjects including Active Bystander, Working Without Fear and stalking.

Among some of the surprising statistics shared at the charity's recent Active Bystander conference was the fact that 75 per cent of domestic abuse victims are targeted by their abuser at their workplace; and 33 per cent of domestic abuse-related homicides occur at victims' workplaces, too.

The new Women's Safety Charter aims to empower businesses and employers to identify and safely intervene in situations where domestic abuse, stalking, sexual harrasment or coercive control may be happening. 

The charter requires a typical investment of £750 plus VAT per quarter, which gives businesses access to the charity's experts to consult on HR policies, company culture and approaches to safeguarding, with additional services such as training workshops and Hollie Guard integration available as part of a tailored package based on individual businesses needs. 

Progress will be reviewed annually — but the charity recommends a three-year commitment to fully embed the necessary attitudes and habits into the fabric of the business. 

Some early adopters of the scheme include Cheltenham-based Fraser Allen Estate Management.

Jodie Fraser, CEO of Fraser Allen Estate Management and Hollie Gazzard Trust's chair of trustees, said: 'Being part of the Hollie Gazzard Trust and the Women's Safety Charter is a privilege. The Women’s Safety Charter initiative is pivotal in ensuring safer environments specifically for women, significantly impacting both large corporations and small businesses. 

'Their unwavering dedication to women's safety not only empowers individuals but also strengthens our communities. I'm incredibly proud to support an effort that champions the safety, respect and wellbeing of women everywhere.'

For more information, or to sign up, visit holliegazzard.org or email rich@holliegazzard.org.