Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is among the first organisations across the county to sign up to the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter.
The Women’s Charter is Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone’s call to action for organisations to promote safer environments for women – and therefore everyone – particularly in the workplace.
Nikki Watson, Chief Fire Officer for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We can all do more as employers and I want to make sure our stations and offices for firefighters and fire staff are as welcoming and as safe as they can be.
“By signing the Women’s Charter, the Service is making a clear commitment to keeping women’s safety at the heart of our conversations.
“I want every member of staff to understand the important role they play in being allies to each other.”
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, Northamptonshire Police, Northampton Town Football Club, Northampton Town Football Club Community Trust, London Northwestern Railway, Greatwell Homes, Brackmills BID and Northampton BID were the first signatories at the launch on 1 December.
These organisations signed up to show they will take action to create inclusive spaces and take reporting seriously.
In return, the Commissioner’s office is providing organisations who sign up with a free and exclusive Charter Toolkit.
It includes specialist survey support, which will inform workplaces about safety changes women want to see, bespoke training packages, plus support for SMEs to create workplace policies that prevent harm.
Danielle Stone said: “The Women’s Charter is part of my wider public safety plan to tackle violence against women and girls.
“We need a shared grip on what women want to make them feel safer where they work, such as secure routes to work or better tools to report harassment.
“My Women’s Charter is packed full of practical steps to make Northamptonshire a safer place and empower employers to play their part in challenging their existing workplace culture.”
It comes as the Service is also on a mission to become White Ribbon accredited.
White Ribbon is the leading charity engaging men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls. The campaign calls on individuals to challenge harmful behaviours and create a culture of respect.
The Northamptonshire Women’s Charter is now free to sign up to for all organisations across the county on the Commissioner’s website.
