Stagecoach Midlands has joined the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter as the latest step in its journey to prevent violence against women and girls.
The Women’s Charter campaign is Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone’s call to action for organisations to keep women and girls safe in this county and halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.
After signing up, each organisation gains access to a free and exclusive Charter Toolkit including practical steps – such as survey support, bespoke training packages and policy guidance – to prevent harm in the workplace.
Stagecoach Midlands has now joined 121 local members after Danielle Stone presented the Charter certificate at the operator’s Minton Business Centre depot last week.
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands (pictured below), said: “A recent study by the National Centre for Social Research has highlighted how safe buses are for passengers – with fewer than one percent of passengers having experienced key types of abuse, and only one percent of those choosing to report the incident to the Police – but we are still determined to do everything we can to make buses even safer.
“We know that our loyal customers rely on us to get them to where they need to go, and they deserve to get there in safety and comfort, so joining the Charter is another important step in the journey.”
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “I’m pleased Stagecoach has taken the important step to sign up to the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter and continue to show their commitment to creating safe spaces for their passengers and staff.
“I know Stagecoach are equipping their staff to recognise the signs of unwanted or harassing behaviour towards women but we have now teamed up to display important safety posters on 160 of their buses in this county to help educate the public too.
“Our ultimate goal is for staff and members of the public to feel empowered to intervene, offer support and know how to report inappropriate behaviour when they see it.”
Last month, Stagecoach Midlands announced its CPC Training Team is being taught how to deliver a crucial course to bus drivers, aimed at helping them to prevent violence against women and girls.
Over the next 12 months, and then continuously, bus drivers will receive a full day’s training on recognising and how to react.
This is in addition to the operator’s existing safeguarding procedures, such as several CCTV cameras being on each bus.
