Bright Horizons Employer Forum:

This webinar took place on Thursday 4th July and is available to watch on-demand here. (https://solutions.brighthorizons.co.uk/resources/videos/domestic-abuse-as-concern-for-employers) 

1 in 5 adults experience domestic abuse during their lifetime, this equates to 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 6 men. For many experiencing domestic abuse, the workplace can be one of their only safe places. Apart from the huge driver of the social good employers can achieve by offering support, there are all the same arguments for engagement and talent retention that attach to any other wellbeing issue at work. Employers are stepping up to introduce specific policies and practice to safeguard and support their staff. But are employers moving fast enough? For many organisations, this is unchartered territory and knowing where to start, and how to be effective can be hard to navigate. However, with an estimated £1.4 billion lost by businesses each year through decreased productivity, absence, and sick pay because of domestic abuse, it’s fast becoming a matter of financial impact too. 

Putting carefully considered guidelines in place, supporting leaders and managers to engage sensitively and effectively, and raising awareness amongst the workforce to remove stigma can make a considerable difference. 

Our expert panel was: 

• Helen Lamprell, Chief Legal and Transformation Officer, Aveva 

• Louise Acunzo, Service Manager, Solace Women’s Aid 

• Carolanne Minashi, Global Head of Inclusion, HSBC 

• Emily Harris, Social Impact Manager, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children UK 

Facilitated by Jennifer Liston-Smith, Head of Thought Leadership, Bright Horizons UK 

Listen to the discussion online where we conducted anonymous polling to explore where we are in our journeys, hear shared employer experience and perspectives from our panel, and open the floor to questions and debate. 

Areas we explored:  

• How does domestic abuse affect employees at work? 

• What are your responsibilities as an employer? 

• How can you raise awareness within your organisation, and what practical support can you offer? 

• What does employer best practice look like? 

As employers, we have the power to make a considerable difference, by engaging with experts to ensure that appropriate supports are in place and effectively implemented and communicated. For those who wish to revisit the discussion, we have made the webinar available online. Further resources are linked below: 
 
Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse: A free-to-join members' network of employers, which supports around 1,500 large and small businesses, to take effective action on domestic abuse. 
 
Small steps, big difference v2 (heforshe.org) – How FTSE 100 companies can make a positive impact on the lives on domestic violence and abuse survivors through workplace support. 
 
Safe Spaces Locations - UK SAYS NO MORE - UK SAYS NO MORE is working with pharmacies, banks and selected jobcentres across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse. 
 
The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children: Bright Horizons’ registered charity which supports survivor families through its Bright Spaces. If you would like to amplify your impact in partnership with us, please get in touch. 

Please note that while we specialise in Work+Family services, this webinar falls under our commitment to addressing broader social issues. We're not offering paid services related to domestic abuse but rather sharing insights and convening our HR community to drive positive change.