Statement of Commitment

East Dunbartonshire Council has agreed to participate in the Equally Safe at Work accreditation programme reaffirming our commitment to progressing gender equality in the workplace.

The programme provides access to essential tools, knowledge and activities and will provide the Council with a framework to ensure women working for us who have experienced gender-based violence or inequality, always feel supported.

Equally Safe at Work recognises the link between addressing gender inequality and preventing violence against women (VAW), the different experiences of women in the workplace, and will play a part in helping us achieve the aims set out in our Organisation & Workforce of the Future strategy.

Various initiatives including awareness raising campaigns and e-learning for management will take place over the next 18 months.

East Dunbartonshire Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership already brings Council employees across various services together with HSCP colleagues, Police Scotland and local third sector organisations to proactively address this issue. The Equally Safe at Work programme will complement this work and will support the Council in reviewing, and when relevant, updating policies and practices to ensure these are reflective of the needs of all employees.

Ann Davie, Chief Executive, East Dunbartonshire Council