 Earlier this week, our Chief Executive, Claire, launched our new Domestic Abuse Policy for staff and reiterated that the Council has a zero tolerance of domestic abuse or violence of any kind.
The policy informs staff of the different types of domestic abuse so that we can all recognise the signs. It aims to remove any stigma so that we can talking openly about domestic abuse and confidently support each other, both as managers and as colleagues.
Domestic abuse does not stop at home. It can follow survivors to work, often with coercive, controlling, or threatening behaviour through calls, texts, and social media. It can involve monitoring their time, and who they speak to, affecting their wellbeing and mental health.
Our new Domestic Abuse Policy offers support such as:
- Access to our Reach Out service;
- Signposting to a range of help and support;
- Safety assessments and safe codewords;
- Access to personal security devices and a ‘safe space’ within the workplace;
- Time off and an advance in salary for those who reach the decision to leave the family home;
- Support for staff who may be perpetrators of domestic abuse where they decide to disclose and intend to change their behaviours.
Our Chief Executive, Claire, the Leader, Cllr Jas Athwal, and others, will be signing the Domestic Abuse Charter next Thursday, 11 August, to demonstrate the Council’s backing to the five key principles within it. More information will be available next week.
We also intend to seek accreditation as a proactive employer with a recognised organisation such as Hestia, who supported over 4,000 people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence last year. We want to be part of the Safe Spaces campaign and the Bright Skies services in seeking to reduce the impact of Domestic Abuse.
Please visit the intranet for more information and guidance. You may not be experiencing domestic abuse, but you can help others.
If anyone has any questions about the policy, please contact our Policy Business Partner, Lyn Downey or your HR Business Partner in your directorate.
You have the opportunity to shine a light on a brilliant colleague nationally through the Pride of Britain Awards.
Pride of Britain celebrates the nation’s unsung heroes during an annual award ceremony which is presented on ITV.
If you know someone who makes the world a better place through campaigning for change, caring for others, fundraising, or a courageous act, then please take a look at the categories below and nominate.
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TSB Community Hero Award - For someone who goes to remarkable lengths to help others lead their best life
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ITV Fundraiser of the Year - For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 16 and over
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Outstanding Bravery - For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger
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Lifetime Achievement - To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale
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Special Recognition - For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, and campaigners
Please email Zahra Khaliq by 5pm tomorrow, Friday 5 August.
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The opening of the Elizabeth Line in Redbridge is expected to increase parking demand in roads close to stations on that line, namely Chadwell Health, Goodmayes, Seven Kings and Ilford, when it is fully operational as commuters travel from further afield to use new services.
If you live close to an Elizabeth Line station in Redbridge, make sure you share your views about introducing controlled parking zones which will result in paying for parking permits.
If this affects you, please let us know what you think via the survey by Sunday 7 August.
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Redbridge Council has bid for £20 million to transform arrival into Ilford from the west of our borough.
This investment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund would help to increase pride in the town centre by maximising the potential of the Elizabeth Line turning busy roads into calmer streets and places suitable for walking and cycling.
If approved, the project would also significantly improve public spaces and create direct connections into Ilford town centre giving greater priority to public transport and active travel. All this would drive new footfall into Ilford town centre generating economic benefit for existing and new businesses, whilst accommodating growth.
The proposal has won backing from local business communities, MPs, our neighbouring boroughs, and the Mayor of London.
The project centres on improvements to the Ilford Gyratory (around Ilford Hill, Chapel Road and south of the main Ilford Station entrance) and delivery of the Ilford Garden Junction.
You can read all the detail on our Redbridge website.
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In this week’s video blog (vlog), our Chief Executive, Claire, launched the Domestic Abuse policy, thanked our superheroes for saving lives, and talked about the Levelling Up bid.
To catch up on previous updates, visit the intranet.
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Join us virtually on Monday 8 August from 2pm to 3.20pm, when Leader of the Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, will be sharing his life experiences.
Jas was only seven years old when he and his family emigrated from India to England, more specifically, Ilford, where Jas grew up.
Find out how he became Leader of the Council alongside running his own children’s day care nursery.
Head to the events calendar or join through Teams.
SAHM started on Monday 18 July and ends on Wednesday 17 August. The Redbridge Staff BAME Network, council services, and Councillors have planned these events collaboratively.
Please visit the intranet for more information regarding SAHM.
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We know there’s a lot of exceptional work taking place across our Council, and it’s all thanks to our amazing staff.
Please take five minutes to nominate a colleague who has gone beyond their job role, bought new ideas to the table, or made a difference to our ways of working.
The Star of the Month award was relaunched in May following feedback from the Annual Staff Survey which showed that staff recognition was a priority.
Nominate a colleague for July’s Star of the Month award by Monday 15 August using the online form. For staff who don’t have access to a work computer, printed nomination forms are available at various offices.
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