PCC praises LJMU for raising awareness of domestic abuse support

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), praised LJMU for its commitment to supporting staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse.

The PCC spoke to staff at an event which introduced a new HR policy outlining how the university will support staff who are experiencing domestic abuse and to raise wider awareness of the issue across the workplace.

“Even if it helps one person in the workplace, then this is worthwhile doing,” Emily told staff at the event.

Malka Livingstone from Emily’s office co-ordinates Merseyside’s Domestic Abuse Workplace Scheme and provides training to LJMU for its workplace champions. She shared more details about the training and how the scheme has already engaged 40,000 employees from 50 organisations across Merseyside. 

Greg Thompson, Head of Organisational Development at LJMU, said: “This is a significant issue for many individuals, so we want to help to break down the barriers so that staff who are affected by domestic abuse feel safe to come forward and to ensure we can create a safe space for them at work.

“By working with Emily and her team, we can learn how we can do more across LJMU to help our staff, and our students. I would encourage people to come forward to volunteer as a workplace champion so that we can build a network of individuals trained to help colleagues - as the workplace might be the only time people feel able to disclose abuse happening at home.”

Call for staff to become workplace champions

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

Training is delivered across five days and will empower people to identify and agree safety measures in the workplace for individuals in need of support. Champions will also join a network with other organisations across Merseyside who are part of the scheme and can offer help and advice to each other.

Any member of staff interested in becoming a Domestic Abuse Workplace Champion is urged to email Amanda Mannion by Tuesday 31 January 2023. A programme of training will then be arranged to establish champions across all faculties and professional services.

LJMU Staff Domestic Abuse Policy

Support for students

Members of staff from the university’s Student Advice and Wellbeing Services (SAW) are also being trained through the workplace scheme to compliment the support already on offer for students.

Any student that needs help or advice in relation to domestic abuse should reach out to the team. Contact SAW.