Our new Domestic Abuse and Gender-Based Violence Policy

We have recently developed a new Domestic Abuse and Gender-Based Violence

Policy, the latest in a series of progressive people policies aimed at supporting

fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace for all colleagues.

We partnered with Unison and Scottish Women's Aid to provide comprehensive

training to colleagues from across the organisation in (initially) eight sessions.

The new Policy designed to ensure that all employees, regardless of gender, are

protected and supported - and reinforces our zero-tolerance approach to any

form of violence and discrimination. Further training opportunities will be rolled

out across the rest of the Agency to provide all staff with the necessary tools and

knowledge to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and gender-based violence,

understand its roots and effectively support affected colleagues.

Domestic abuse and gender-based violence remains a significant issue in

Scotland. According to recent research around one in three women and girls

globally will experience some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime.

The new Policy follows the successful introduction of SEPA's Menopause and

Periods Policy and Transgender Equality Policy demonstrating the Agency’s

commitment to maintaining an inclusive and supportive work environment. 

Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said:

“Given the high rates of domestic abuse cases across Scotland, public and

private bodies must see domestic abuse informed policy and response as a

priority.

“We’re pleased that SEPA reached out to collaborate with us as subject matter

experts to help educate their workforce. We hope that other organisations will

follow suit so that workforces across Scotland will be equipped to respond

appropriately and direct those affected by domestic abuse to effective support

services.”

SEPA’s Chief Officer; People, Workspaces and Development Kirsty Paterson,

said:

"Domestic abuse and gender-based violence has no place in our society. This

Policy and the training will be instrumental in equipping our organisation with the

knowledge and confidence to support colleagues affected by domestic abuse and

gender-based violence.

“Collective action is required to change harmful cultural behaviours that

perpetuate gender-based violence. Our policy and training will ensure SEPA

remains a safe and inclusive environment for all our staff, and we hope it

encourages other organisations to help build a more equitable society for all

Scots.

"We are extremely grateful for the expertise and insights shared by Scottish

Women’s Aid, which have laid a strong foundation for the launch of our new

policy, building on our progression as an inclusive employer and helping

demonstrate SEPA’s values.”

SEPA’s Domestic Abuse and Gender-Based Violence Policy follows the successful

introduction of SEPA's Menopause and Periods Policy and Transgender Equality.

Read more: SEPA strengthen commitment to equality with new Domestic Abuse and Gender-Based violence policy | Beta | SEPA | Scottish Environment Protection Agency