The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) yesterday launched its ‘HR Charter against Domestic Abuse‘, inviting HR professionals to take a stand against domestic abuse in the workplace.
This initiative, developed in partnership with Working Futures and leading HR professional Bertie Tonks, encourages HR professionals to demonstrate their commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse and supporting affected colleagues.
EIDA is a free-to-join network of over 1800 UK employers committed to taking effective action on domestic abuse. Whilst EIDA membership is for organisations, the HR Charter was developed by and for HR professionals, so they can stand shoulder to shoulder on the issue of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse affects one in four women and one in seven men, and costs businesses in England alone an estimated £17 billion per year. Most UK organisations will therefore employ someone personally affected by domestic abuse. There is so much that HR professionals can do to embed an effective workplace response to domestic abuse and to support colleagues.
Announcing the Charter’s launch, Susan Bright, CEO of EIDA, says: “We know that HR professionals are often the people leading the implementation of workplace responses to domestic abuse. The HR Charter is designed by HR professionals for HR professionals to show their personal commitment to tackling domestic abuse in their organisations. It gives them free access to all EIDA’s resources and events. They will take the HR Charter with them wherever they go in their careers, helping to spread the word and drive change.”
Commitments of the HR Charter:
Signatories of the HR Charter commit to:
- Encouraging organisations to become EIDA members and benefit from available resources.
- Introducing and promoting comprehensive domestic abuse policies or guidance.
- Creating safe spaces within organisations to facilitate disclosures.
- Appointing and training domestic abuse champions, including HR professionals.
- Implementing ongoing communication strategies to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
- Utilising EIDA’s resources or developing tailored materials.
- Incorporating wellbeing conversations into performance reviews, specifically addressing domestic abuse.
- Participating in external events to learn and share effective strategies.
By signing the HR Charter, HR professionals can play a pivotal role in supporting colleagues and fostering safer work environments. To join this initiative, visit EIDA’s website and complete the online form.
