Equally Safe at Work update: Now open to new employers

We are pleased to announce that Equally Safe at Work is now open to new employers across the public and third sector. Equally Safe at Work is an employer accreditation designed to support the local implementation of the Equally Safe strategy, Scotland’s national strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls. Equally Safe at Work supports employers to advance gender inequality and prevent violence against women.

Over the past five years, we’ve worked with a variety of employers across sectors through Equally Safe at Work, and as a result, 18 employers have received accreditation. The programme has proven to be an effective vehicle for change, and this next phase of Equally Safe at Work presents exciting opportunities for both Close the Gap and new employers.

What’s involved in the next roll out

From this week, employers are invited to complete an expression of interest form to join the next roll out the programme.

New employers can either work towards the development tier or bronze tier, and will have 18 months to complete a variety of criteria across six standards related to women’s labour market equality: leadership, data, flexible working, occupational segregation, workplace culture and violence against women. 

To meet the criteria, employers receive support to collect and analyse data, develop initiatives, and review and update policies, practices and resources. Employers also have access to peer learning opportunities through the programme, including the Community of Practice, which was introduced last year.

For more information on what’s involved in the programme, you can read our leaflet, Why be involved. As well, you can read good practice examples from accredited employers.

What’s new in Equally safe at Work

Learning from the evaluation has led to a number of changes to Equally Safe at Work to better reflect the current context in which employers are working in. The refreshed Equally Safe at Work programme includes:

• A single standards framework and criteria, and handbook for all employers. The harmonized criteria takes into account organisations that are different sizes and in different sectors.
• A calendar of events delivered through the Community of Practice, which includes expert speakers on topics such as developing an anti-racist approach to work on gender equality, leadership and gender equality, and sexual harassment and the law. The events also provide opportunities to network and share learning across sectors.
• Availability of the ‘Applying a Gender Lens’ workshop throughout the year for employers going through the programme.
• Flexible intake and completion timelines. Employers can register from the 22^nd April and join when their organisation is ready to start the work.
• New guidance on rape and sexual assault for line managers, which will be launched later in the year.
• Tailored support sessions and guidance for employers on developing initiatives to address occupational segregation.
• A new website with helpful resources, case studies and an updated Members’ area.

How to apply

To apply for the programme or for details on how to join the Community of Practice, which is open to all employers including those who aren’t ready to go through accreditation, contact Equally Safe at Work Programme Officer Leonie McConnell at lmcconnell@closethegap.org.uk

Further information on Equally Safe at Work can be found at www.equallysafeatwork.scot