Agenda item

For members to review policy and procedures outlining how the Council will support staff who are survivors of domestic abuse. 

Members considered the Domestic Abuse Support (employee) Policy and Procedure report presented by Sarah Gove. 

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Mrs Davis asked if there are any scenarios when protecting a victim may put the Council at risk. Sarah Gove replied that the team would work with HR to ensure the Council’s interests are also protected.

·         Councillor Mrs Davis asked how the Council’s reputational risk would be managed if the person causing harm was an employee and the abuse became public. Sam Anthony advised that confidential information would not be shared, and the Council would work closely with the individual and victim.

·         Councillor Mrs Davis asked how data protection is ensured when recording disclosures and how information is kept confidential. Sarah Gove responded that anyone who uses the Housing Service could be for any number of elements, not just housing advice. All information is confidential and secure to the department on their internal system.  Sam Anthony added that if a disclosure is received, it will be recorded on file but kept under lock and key, however the Council has a duty to act once they know, so it would be discussed with that individual.

·         Councillor Mrs Davis asked what support is given beyond emergency situations, for example can a staff member be given extra leave or flexible working hours? Sam Anthony responded that there are several avenues of support such as compassionate leave, hybrid working, mental health support and the Employee Assistant Programme to name a few. Sarah Gove added that DAHA accreditation will give the team a comprehensive list of specialist organisations that they could work with, along with HR.

·         Councillor Imafidon asked for clarification on who is referred to as customers. Sam Anthony said that anyone making an approach, including staff, would be classed as a client.

·         Councillor Nawaz asked what the significance and advantage of DAHA accreditation would be. Sarah Gove replied that it is a positive national scheme, and accreditation would show that the Council takes domestic abuse seriously; it would also highlight that the authority is a creditable organisation, offering a very high standard of customer service.

·         Councillor Imafidon asked how long the process will take, what the costs are and what impact would local government reorganisation have on the accreditation.  Sarah Gove advised that accreditation lasts three years, which is timely in respect of LGR, but Peterborough are also seeking the accreditation. In terms of cost, it is being funded through a community safety partnership grant, which she believes is £3,000.

·         Councillor Nawaz said he notes this is an in-house provision and asked if all staff would be trained and if any action could be taken to assist a Fenland resident or user of council services. Sarah Gove said there are two elements to the accreditation; this report covers all staff across the organisation, but accreditation is for the benefit of both internal and external customers. If the policy is agreed today and then at Cabinet next Monday, that information will be published on the Council’s website. She added that unfortunately domestic abuse is one of the top three reasons that people contact the service.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Davis, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and AGREED the Domestic Abuse Support (employee) Policy and Procedure.