Issue - meetings

Report of the Director - Neighbourhoods

The Director – Neighbourhoods presented the Council’s White Ribbon Action Plan to seek re-accreditation as an employer, to become a White Ribbon UK organisation.

The Group were reminded that at the Full Council meeting on 7 March 2024, a motion was proposed by Councillor Calvert that the Council would seek re-accreditation as a White Ribbon UK organisation and that progress on the implementation of an Action Plan would be reported to the Corporate Overview Group.

The Director – Neighbourhoods advised the Group that since the motion was passed, a number of actions have been made, including:

·       Establishment of a new White Ribbon Steering Group

·       Completion and submission of the White Ribbon Accreditation Application

·       Developed and submitted a 3-year White Ribbon action plan, which has been approved by the Accreditation Panel

·       Communicated internally and externally the Council’s commitment

·       Raised awareness and signed up ambassadors and champions

·       Provided training for Councillors through Broxtowe Women’s Group

·       Promotion of the ‘It Starts with Men’ campaign and White Ribbon Day

The Group were informed that the Steering Group is chaired by the Director – Neighbourhoods with the Strategic HR Manager taking on the White ribbon Lead Contact role for accreditation and facilitating the work of the group, which also includes key officers from across the Council.

The Group were asked to note the delivery of the Action Plan which shows the progression over the next three years, focusing on training, development of policies, collaboration with key partners and commitment to engage through national campaigns.

The next steps include:

·       Specific training for staff on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

·       Ensuring contractors used by the Council are aware of our commitment and expectations on VAWG

·       Develop a Communication Plan for internal and external communications

·       Ensure new starters are made aware of our White Ribbon accreditation within the induction process

·       Encouraging local sports clubs to consider accreditation

The Director – Neighbourhoods in summarising explained that in terms of the Nottinghamshire Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and its associated action plan, Rushcliffe Borough Council has supported the strategy in a number of ways and have captured these actions within its own White Ribbon Action Plan. These include:

·       Delivery of Safer Streets CCTV Camera systems in West Bridgford and Bingham

·       Attended a strategy relaunch event hosted by the Police and Crime Commissioner

·       Domestic Abuse training for Councillors – hosted by Broxtowe Women’s Group

·       Officer attendance at the Nottinghamshire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board

·       Officer Participation in the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference

·       Support for any Domestic Homicide Reviews along with implementation of learning across Souith Notts Community Partnership.

The Chair suggested promoting the campaign through the various Council owned community facilities such as Gresham, West Park and our leisure centres. The Director – Neighbourhoods confirmed this will be a key element of the action plan, adding that the Sports and Development Officer is to action this stream of work and promote the campaign and awareness through the various sports clubs using Council venues.

Councillor Way had attended the training  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29