Equally Safe At Work
Our commitment
Workplace safety and equality are important for all our colleagues as set out in Our People Strategy. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone lives Our Behaviours. Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and valued regardless of who they are. However, it’s important that we recognise that women particularly face significant, serious issues in the workplace, including
- Higher rates of workplace harassment and discrimination. According to "over 70 % of women have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace in Scotland, and one in four women have also experienced domestic abuse".
- Barriers to career progression. Gender bias means women are less likely to be promoted. Disproportionate caring responsibilities outside of work is also a barrier. Women’s representation in leadership positions remains disproportionately low. According to , women hold just over a third of key positions of power, with men occupying two-thirds of these roles.
It's critical that we recognise and eliminate these barriers by supporting women in the workplace. In 2024, we joined Equally Safe at Work. Their vision is "A strong and flourishing Scotland where all individuals are equally safe and respected, and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation and the attitudes that help perpetuate it."
The accreditation programme requires us to promote women’s workplace equality within six areas.
- Leadership
- Data
- Flexible working
- Occupational segregation
- Workplace culture
- Violence against women
You can find out more about what it takes to become an Equally Safe at Work accredited employer by visiting the website.
We’re taking proactive steps to
- ensure women feel safe, supported and empowered at work 
- tackle gender-based discrimination 
- promote policies and practices that improve gender equality. 
All this talk about women… what about the men?
Men have a crucial role to play in challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes that contribute to gender inequality and violence against women. However, Equally Safe At Work recognises that gender norms and stereotypes can negatively impact both men and women. Challenging these destructive gender norms, in turn, creates a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Statement of commitment - Councillor, Jane Meagher
“We are pleased to confirm that City of 91¸£ÀûÉç Council is participating in the Equally Safe At Work accreditation programme. It will help us improve equality in the workplace and work towards the prevention of discrimination, harassment and violence against women and girls.
Our workforce is 71% women, so equality is extremely important in ensuring we have a working environment where all colleagues feel safe and supported. We recognise the links between violence against women in all its forms, from microaggressions to physical violence, the unequal position of women in society and women’s inequality at work. We also recognise that women will have differing experiences of employment based on a range of factors, including background, age, health, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socio-economic status, all of which can combine to create further inequality.
Our work to address inequality will include introducing a gender-based violence policy, reviewing our equality policy and raising awareness about why this is an issue all colleagues should be aware of, and how they can contribute to a safer, more inclusive workplace. We’ll also work to break down barriers for women in accessing traditionally male-dominated roles.
Pursuing Equally Safe At Work accreditation will help us to develop, sustain and embed policy, practice and a culture of equality and inclusion which reflects the needs of all colleagues, aligns with our organisational behaviours and meets our public commitment to implement Equally Safe strategy across the City of 91¸£ÀûÉç. We will monitor and review our activity through annual equalities, diversity and inclusion reporting to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the organisation and our colleagues.”
Policies, reporting and support
Policies
Our policies ensure women have equal opportunities, feel safe at work and receive the support they need. Here are some of our most relevant policies.
Report
We take all reports of sexual harassment seriously. We’re committed to ensuring colleagues feel safe and supported when coming forward. If a colleague experiences or witnesses any form of sexual harassment, they can report it confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
Support
- Women’s Network: Internal peer support and mentorship.
- Speak Up Supporters: Colleagues that can signpost suitable routes for raising concerns, advise on the options available, relevant policies and contacts including trade union representatives.
- PAM Assist: A 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme that colleagues can reach out to if they need support.