Issue - decisions
Domestic Abuse Policy
20/01/2020 - Domestic Abuse Policy
Martin Williams (Head of Human Resources) introduced the report from the Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations seeking approval to introduction of a Domestic Abuse Policy (attached as Appendix 1 to the report) for staff. The aim of the policy was to set out the support available to employees and provide advice and guidance to managers on the impact of Domestic Abuse in the workplace.
Members noted that the policy was one of a number of standards required to achieve accreditation to the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), which sought to recognise good practice and commitment in responding to Domestic Abuse. Implementation would also enable the Council to sign up to the GMB Unions “Work to Stop Domestic Abuse” Charter, with Martin Williams also highlighting the level of consultation that had taken place thorough the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance Officer Steering Group in developing the policy.
Members welcomed the report and thanked officers for their work in developing the policy. In terms of issues raised the Committee were advised that subject to approval of the policy, work would commence on the recruitment and training of Domestic Abuse Champions with the launch of a webpage. Martin Williams also confirmed that requests for leave from domestic abuse victims in order to attend counselling, medical, legal or other related appointments, would be dealt with under the Special Leave category, rather than, taken from general annual leave entitlement.
As no further issues were raised, it was RESOLVED:
(1) To approve the Domestic Abuse Policy, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report
(2) To note the following specific policy provisions:
(a) Review of Welfare Loans to include:
i) Same day emergency loans for Domestic Abuse victims;
ii) The maximum loan for all purposes to be increased from £1000 £5000. The amount loaned would not exceed the applicant’s monthly net pay; and
iii) All welfare loans to be interest free (interest is currently a fixed rate of 1% per annum above the current base rate of the Council's bankers);
(b) Special Leave – requests for leave from Domestic Abuse victims to attend counselling, medical appointments or legal proceedings, moving house or re-organising childcare would be considered in line with other requests under the Special leave category.
(c) Domestic Abuse Champion volunteers - Recruitment would be undertaken of Domestic Abuse Champions volunteers, as a confidential first point of contact for those experiencing Domestic Abuse.