More Workplace Champions are sought to join a free programme that has trained over 500 people since 2017 to recognise the signs of domestic abuse (DA), and signpost colleagues who might want help to change unhealthy behaviour in their relationship.
This year alone, the Workplace Champion programme has been delivered to almost 130 people. Offered by New Era in conjunction with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the training is available to local businesses and partner organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams said: “Supporting domestic abuse victims in the workplace is an investment in the health and wellbeing of employees, and the workplace can sometimes be the only place a victim can feel safe.
“Through New Era’s CPD Accredited DA in the Workplace Champion programme, employers can take action so that staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse, or who want help to change their own behaviours, feel supported in the workplace. It also helps to reduce staff absence through DA-related issues.”
Between October 2023 and September 2024:
- 12 free training sessions have been delivered, either face-to-face or online
- 127 new Champions have been trained, representing 73 organisations (a total of 524 champions representing 226 companies since 2017)
- 69 DA pledges have been signed (a total of 208 since 2017)
- 69 new DA policies have been embedded by attending organisations (a total of 202 since 2017)
- 84 Champions have also received refresher training
Sophie Meigh, Training & Awareness Team Leader at New Era, said: “The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 makes clear that employers should consider the impact of domestic abuse on their employees as part of their duty of care. This training will equip employees with the knowledge, skills and confidence to ‘spot the signs’ with their colleagues and provide them with information for the most appropriate support available if and when required.
“We are really pleased to see so many businesses and partner agencies sign up to the scheme and look forward to working with many more in the near future.”
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Supporting employees impacted by domestic abuse isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for building resilient and compassionate workplaces.
“By equipping staff with the tools to identify and address domestic abuse, we’re creating safer spaces for employees and helping businesses thrive by fostering a culture of care and understanding. It is fantastic that some many businesses and employees have signed up and accessed this and we look forward to working with partners to support even more.”
The programme also enables businesses to review and implement a DA Policy in the workplace and adopt the DA Pledge, making a commitment to support all those affected by DA within their workplaces.
If you are interested in New Era’s Domestic Abuse in the Workplace Champions training programme, call 01782 202222 or email info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. Ongoing support will be given to Champions through regular refresher training and a peer-support Champions and a Peer support facility via Linked-in.
For enquiries about New Era victim services, call 0300 303 3778 (24 hours). For enquiries about New Era perpetrator services, call 0300 373 5772 (Monday to Friday, normal office hours) or access details on the New Era website.
