The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is rallying organisations to commit to making women’s safety a top priority across the county’s workforce.
The Northamptonshire Women’s Charter is Danielle Stone’s call to action for organisations to show they are working to make women and girls safer, particularly at work.
The Northampton Business Improvement District is one of the first signatories to show they are dedicated to listening to the concerns of their female colleagues and will take reporting seriously.
BID Operations Manager Mark Mullen (below) said: “Northampton Town Centre BID is committed to making our town centre a safe and welcoming place for everyone, especially women and young girls.
“We are delighted to be supporting the launch of the Women’s Charter, which aligns with our vision of encouraging everyone to look closely at what more they can do to put women and young girls at the centre of their focus.”
In return, the Commissioner’s office is providing organisations who sign up with a free Charter Toolkit.
It includes specialist training, advice, information and support to prevent harm against women and support a stronger workplace culture.
Chief Executive of Brackmills Business Improvement District Sara Homer is also joining the pledge.
She said: “I am proud to sign the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter on behalf of Brackmills BID and to stand in solidarity with women across our region.
“Women’s safety in the workplace and building a culture that does not tolerate harmful language, behaviour and attitudes, is fundamental to creating thriving, inclusive communities.
“This charter represents a genuine commitment to ending violence against women and girls, and by signing, I pledge to encourage and support businesses to foster safe, respectful workplaces through education, empowerment and meaningful policy change.”
Northampton and Brackmills BID are among the eight leading organisations coming together for the official launch on Monday, December 1.
They join Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue who are leading the way as principal signatories.
Danielle Stone said: “Behind the headlines, I am clear that we can and will make significant improvements here in Northamptonshire to make women and girls feel safer.
“As part of my delivery plan to prevent VAWG, I am influencing organisations across this county to join my Women’s Charter and take practical steps to identify risks that make women feel unsafe where they work.
“By changing how workplaces view women’s safety, we can positively improve the feelings of safety for everyone.”
