New date for staff event raising awareness of domestic abuse support

LJMU recently introduced a new policy to better support staff who are experiencing domestic abuse and to raise wider awareness of the issue across the workplace.

All staff are invited to a re-arranged event on Wednesday 14 December from 10am to 11am at Exchange Station (Room 1 & 2), where they can find out more about the Domestic Abuse Policy and ask any questions they may have. Sign-up on the staff wellbeing events page.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and Malka Livingstone, coordinator of Merseyside’s Domestic Abuse Workplace Scheme, will be in attendance to talk about the work being carried out within the city and the support that is available.

Tina Purkis, Executive Director Human Resources, said: “As an employer, the university is committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality or any other characteristics. We are committed to developing a workplace culture where there is zero tolerance for abuse and we will ensure that people have the right access to information, guidance and support from us, and should be assured that they will receive an appropriate and informed response.

“LJMU is committed to ensuring staff are aware of up-to-date information on domestic abuse through its commitment to the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner’s Domestic Abuse Workplace Champions Scheme, providing support for staff by ensuring appropriate training for those with designated responsibilities under this policy and publicising other support mechanisms.”

The university has already signed up to the Domestic Abuse Workplace Scheme and is now looking to recruit more workplace champions, trained to provide support to peers across the institution.

Any member of staff interested in becoming a Domestic Abuse Workplace Champion is urged to come along to the event to find out how to get involved. Following the event, LJMU’s HR team will ask staff to express an interest in becoming a champion to then progress a programme of training that will embed champions across the workplace.

Questions or further information on the policy, the scheme or the workplace champion role can be directed via email to Amanda Mannion who is the current LJMU Domestic Abuse Workplace Champion.

The new policy was approved via the Joint Consultative and Negotiating Committee (JCNC) and has been added to the Policy Centre.

We want everyone who studies here, works here and works with us, to feel respected, and to respect others at LJMU. Find out more about Respect Always.