Inverclyde Council has been recognised for its commitment to preventing violence against women and advancing gender equality at work.

For the last 16 months, the council has been taking part in the Equally Safe at Work accreditation programme run by the charity, Close the Gap.

It has now been given a bronze accreditation for Equally Safe at Work, meaning it is committed to advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women, which affects all aspects of women’s lives, including the workplace.

The award was presented by Laura Martins, from Close the Gap, to Inverclyde Council Chief Executive, Louise Long, accompanied by staff and councillors, including women’s champion and chair of the women’s forum, Lynne Quinn.

Ms Long said: “Taking part in Equally Safe at Work enabled us to implement gender-sensitive employment policies and practices, providing better support to our staff and working to prevent violence against women.

“The changes we have made are sustainable and we are working to embed them throughout the organisation.

“Gender equality is a priority for the council. It benefits everyone and it’s important that all employees in the workplace feel safe and supported.”

The council pledged in August 2022 to take part in a range of activities and develop policies and practices towards becoming an Equally Safe at Work accredited employer.

Inverclyde Council depute leader, Councillor Natasha McGuire, who was also on hand to receive the award, said: “Across Scotland, one in four women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, with 70 percent of women reporting having experienced or witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace.

“Violence against women can be a barrier to them being able to do a job well, prevents them from progressing, and in some cases forces them out of their job altogether.

“For employers, this can mean reduced productivity, the cost of managing unplanned absences, and the loss of valued high-quality staff.

“It is in all our interests to make sure women are safe at work and I am proud that the council has achieved this award.”

Also involved in the award presentation were Councillors Lynne Quinn, Elizabeth Robertson, Graeme Brooks, Christopher Curley, Provost Drew McKenzie, Council directors Ruth Binks and Stuart Jamieson, and Violence against Women coordinator Sharon Sale.

Councillor Quinn, who is Inverclyde Council’s Women’s Champion, said: “It is fitting that this award was received during the 16 Days of Action to address Gender Based Violence.

“It further strengthens our commitment to advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women in the workplace.”

Close the Gap is Scotland’s expert policy advocacy organisation working on women’s labour market participation.

Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director of Close the Gap, said: “We’re delighted to award bronze accreditation to Inverclyde Council which is a sector leader on gender equality at work.

“Violence Against Women affects all aspects of women’s lives, including the workplace. It can make it difficult for victim-survivors to do their job well, prevents them from progressing, and in some cases forces them out of their job altogether. For employers, this can mean reduced productivity, the cost of managing unplanned absences, and higher staff turnover.  

“The Equally Safe at Work programme is a tried and tested way for employers to improve their practice, tackle the gender pay gap and better support victim-survivors in the workplace.

“Employers that take steps to advance gender equality at work are more innovative, more productive, better able to manage skills gaps, and are more protected from the costly risk of discrimination.”

For more information about Equally Safe At Work, visit www.equallysafeatwork.scot