Marvin OnumonuMarkel Insurance has launched its Domestic Abuse Support framework for all UK employees.
The initiative gives staff confidential support through colleagues who have been trained, sets out how disclosures are handled under data protection rules, and takes a case-by-case approach to attendance and paid leave.
Employees can get financial support and counselling through Markel’s benefits, as well as local help from Women’s Aid.
Security in the workplace is covered, with details about the Bright Sky app, and there is guidance for line managers.
Markel has formed partnerships with the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), Women’s Aid and We Thrive.
These groups helped inform the framework.
As a strategic partner of EIDA, Markel will use best practice from EIDA’s membership and survivors’ network.
We Thrive offers employees access to career recovery programmes, delivered online by trauma-informed coaches and psychologists.
Jo Browning (pictured), CPO at Markel International, said: “With the prevalence of domestic abuse remaining at an alarming level, we’re acutely aware of the role that employers can play in supporting employees who have been impacted.
“Domestic abuse doesn’t stop at the front door, and neither does our duty of care, so I’m delighted to be rolling out this framework to best support our employees, while raising vital awareness.
“Our partnerships with EIDA, We Thrive, and Women’s Aid have played a crucial role in the development of this framework, and their ongoing support will offer expert solutions for employees, while ensuring we remain equipped with the expertise to provide the best support possible.”
Susan Bright, CEO at EIDA, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Markel to EIDA’s growing group of Strategic Partners.
“The insurance sector has made great strides to address domestic abuse and support their employees, and we hope that others will follow Markel’s leadership for positive change.
“We will be working closely with Markel to support them in their own workplace response to domestic abuse.”
Sarah Brown, founder at We Thrive, said: “I am thrilled to be working with Markel and excited to support them on their Domestic Abuse support implementation journey and the hope they bring to not only their employees but to others outside Markel.”
