Ros Jones
A new event has been added to the Yorkshire business community calendar, with the launch of the Speaking Out: Domestic Abuse and the Workplace summit being held in Leeds later this year.
Created by Yorkshire business coach and author, Ros Jones, the event on the 11th October which is being held during Domestic Violence Awareness month, is aimed at raising awareness amongst businesses on the issue that impacts 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 9 men, at a cost of £23 billion to the UK economy.
Ros firmly believes that businesses have a vital role to play in addressing domestic abuse and it’s reached a turning point for businesses to act and protect their employees. Ros, who is also a volunteer for Yorkshire domestic abuse charity, IDAS says:
“The stark reality for any business with a workforce is that at any one time one of their employees could be experiencing abuse. It’s the last taboo in terms of a problem that is so pervasive, it extends beyond the confines of the home, affecting various aspects of a sufferer’s life, including the workplace.”
Ros adds: “We are thankfully in an age when good business and employers know it’s their responsibility to support the wellbeing of their workforce. We’ve seen great strides over recent years when it comes to supporting mental health and menopause, but domestic abuse is still an issue silenced and unspoken about in most workplaces. This event represents a significant step toward creating a safer, more supportive work environment.”
The event has been designed to provide businesses with insight into what domestic abuse is, its different forms, address the myths, as well as hear from professionals in the legal sector, HR, and finance to help businesses create frameworks to support staff. Survivors of domestic abuse will also be sharing their experiences.
The event is being supported by Bradford BID and Bradford at Night following their commitment to creating a safe place for women and girls, becoming the first WalkSafe city in the country, and providing Ask for Angela training for all member businesses in the city centre.
Jonny Noble, Bradford BID manager says: “This event is a unique opportunity for Yorkshire businesses to come together and get educated and supported around an issue that many will find uncomfortable and unsettling. It’s important that we take the lead and initiative to support our colleagues and ensure we create safe, supportive spaces for them, whatever the industry or sector we’re in.”
Tickets are available now to purchase for the event that will be held at the Leeds Marriott, 9.30am-2.30pm on Wednesday 11th October, with proceeds going to support IDAS.
https://speakingout.eventbrite.co.uk/ and follow on Instagram @speakoutda
