UK Power Networks makes pioneering pledge to tackle domestic abuse
Posted by: electime 7th December 2022
A pioneering power company has become the first utility to step forward and take action on domestic abuse.
UK Power Networks is joining the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) as a ‘Beacon’ employer, to support staff facing domestic abuse and provide access to services to help perpetrators to stop. Beacons lead culture change among UK employers by influencing and inspiring other organisations to step forward and make a difference.
Around two in every three who suffer domestic abuse are women, and their situation can intensify during the Christmas period. It will affect one in four women and one in six men in their lifetime and can happen to anyone of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or background.
In an industry-leading move the UK’s largest electricity distributor has joined over 1,000 small and large employers who vow to take action by offering support, raising awareness, fostering a safe environment and providing education. The company will also share their best practices with other employers, including the use of e-learning, employee forums and campaigns.
Line managers will be invited to complete Domestic Abuse awareness training to foster a safe, supportive and open environment. Employees who are affected by domestic abuse, and those that report it, will be supported by providing access to information and services via learning resources, the company’s Employee Assistance programme and occupational health services. The same methods will be used to provide education and support to help perpetrators of domestic abuse to stop.
Alex Sturge, head of communications, engagement and development at UK Power Networks, said: “By raising awareness and knowledge among our own employees, we hope to better support those facing domestic abuse. Having access to information and support is key, which is why we are proud be the first utility to sign up as a Beacon of EIDA.”
Sarah Bright, EIDA CEO, said:” We are very pleased to welcome UK Power Networks as an EIDA Beacon member. They will join our existing Beacon members to provide guidance and support to employers across the UK as they take action on domestic abuse. As the first employer from the utilities sector to join our Beacon programme, we look forward to supporting UK Power Networks to develop and share further good practice, both internally and across our network of 1000+ employers, including with other businesses in the utilities sector.”
