Supporting employees affected by domestic abuse: Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group provides an insight into its efforts to support victims of domestic abuse.
“I can’t believe the bank is making this sort of support available, it’s utterly amazing”, says an employee who has been impacted by domestic abuse, about the Emergency Assistance programme.
Lloyds Banking Group has a large presence in the City of London, with several offices close to the City of London Corporation’s Guildhall.
The City Corporation has worked alongside Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) on several different initiatives to support their employees who might be affected by domestic abuse.
This includes LBG hosting a domestic abuse round-table event with representatives from different businesses to discuss good practice and share ideas, where the City of London Corporation and Victim Support attended to provide insight into what is happening at a local level and what employers can do to support their staff. LBG also hosted a broadcast providing employees affected by domestic abuse with invaluable advice and information on staying safe and supported during COVID-19 and lockdown.
Lloyds Banking Group has provided an insight into the collaborative work it is doing to support its employees and customers who are experiencing domestic and financial abuse, with the aim of inspiring other employers to take similar action.
“Lloyds Banking Group is committed to supporting its people who have experienced domestic and financial abuse to offer the support and guidance they need.
The first step has been to make sure that those who need it are aware of the support available. The Group has developed communication campaigns aimed at all colleagues utilising a range of media such as posters, live broadcasts and webinars. These campaigns focus on providing training and guidance to recognise the signs of a loved one, friend or colleague who may need help and provides clear next steps for anyone currently in a difficult situation.
Supported by the City of London Corporation, SafeLives and some of its own people, the business hosted an internal webinar in March on the topic of “Support”. With social distancing and self-isolation now in place as a result of COVID-19, this is a particularly difficult time for anyone experiencing domestic or financial abuse, particularly if they are unable to speak to someone or leave their home.
The Group also recently launched a new “Emergency Assistance” service, which is funded by the business and designed to help people find a temporary place of safety in a hotel. And the business has been very clear that this will be a permanent offering, not just a temporary measure to address the current unusual circumstances we find ourselves in.
This supplements the range of support measures already in place such as flexible paid leave, safe places for colleagues to take time out, and clear support signposting to assist their colleagues find help and support from specialist organisations, including the Bright Sky app.
According to Fiona Cannon, Lloyds Banking Group Managing Director of Group Sustainable Business,
“The last couple of months have been as difficult a period as any of us can remember. The Coronavirus crisis has not created domestic abuse, but it has put a spotlight on how important a safe, stable home is in order to maintain both physical and mental health and wellbeing. We hope that this Emergency Assistance will be an important addition to the action we have already undertaken”.
Leaving an abusive environment can be overwhelming, so the Group is working alongside its Employee Assistance Programme – Validium – who will support victims after this initial stage with the advice, guidance and support materials to put a more long-term solution in place.
Colleague feedback on the new assistance programme has been very positive:
“I can’t believe the bank is making this sort of support available, it’s utterly amazing”, says an employee who has been impacted by domestic abuse, about the Emergency Assistance programme.
“The support for those at risk from domestic and/or financial abuse is amazing. A very good friend of mine is a social worker and when I told her about this support she cried. It’s really needed, she’s seen a huge spike in people needing help and this support is just amazing. Very proud to work for Lloyds and I hope those who need it are able to find the strength to use it. It’s a massive step to walk away, but if you need to get out, you’ve got a way now.” – a colleague comments on the launch of the Emergency Assistance on 7 April.”
The City of London Corporation and City of London Police have updated their “Spotting the Signs” employer toolkit to include support for employees affected by domestic abuse that are working from home. The toolkit can be accessed here.
If you would like support or advice for yourself, a colleague or a friend please contact Ayesha Fordham, Domestic Abuse, Vulnerability and Risk Policy Officer at the City Corporation.
