Insurance firm Markel has launched a Domestic Abuse Support Framework for UK employees.
Domestic abuse “doesn’t stop at the front door,” said chief people officer Jo Browning, adding that her organisation is “acutely aware of the role that employers can play in supporting employees”.
The framework is designed to raise awareness of domestic abuse and provide training to ensure appropriate aid, privacy and safety protocols are in place for any employees that need it.
Within this holistic approach, specially trained colleagues will offer confidential support, any information disclosed will be kept in line with data protection policies, and attendance and paid leave will be managed on a case by case basis.
Further support includes information on how to access financial support and counselling through Markel’s employee benefits, signposting to local support via Women’s Aid, guidance for line managers and workplace security and safety, including details of the free Bright Sky app, which offers confidential information, support, and guidance.
The insurer has also announced key partnerships with the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), Women’s Aid, and We Thrive, to provide additional support for employees. Markel said these partnerships have played “a crucial role in the development of the framework”.
As a strategic partner of EIDA, Markel will work to ensure best practice using insight and expertise from the initiative and its 2,000 strong membership and survivors network.
The employer’s partnership with We Thrive, which empowers domestic abuse survivors to rebuild their careers, will give employees access to career recovery programmes. These are available online and are led by trauma-informed coaches and psychologists.
Jo Browning, chief people officer at Markel International, said: “With the prevalence of domestic abuse remaining at an alarming level, we’re acutely aware of the role that employers can play in supporting employees who have been impacted. Domestic abuse doesn’t stop at the front door, and neither does our duty of care, so I’m delighted to be rolling out this framework to best support our employees, while raising vital awareness.”
“Our partnerships with EIDA, We Thrive, and Women’s Aid have played a crucial role in the development of this framework, and their ongoing support will offer expert solutions for employees, while ensuring we remain equipped with the expertise to provide the best support possible.”
Susan Bright, CEO at EIDA, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Markel to EIDA’s growing group of Strategic Partners. The insurance sector has made great strides to address domestic abuse and support their employees, and we hope that others will follow Markel’s leadership for positive change. We will be working closely with Markel to support them in their own workplace response to domestic abuse.”
Sarah Brown, founder of We Thrive, commented: “I am thrilled to be working with Markel and excited to support them on their domestic abuse support implementation journey and the hope they bring to not only their employees but to others outside Markel.”
