To coincide with International Women’s Day, Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) have launched the Phoenix Programme, a pilot programme to support female survivors of domestic abuse rebuild confidence and develop skills to gain sustainable employment.
According to the ONS, in the year ending March 2020, 1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse, with many experiencing economic abuse, where access is denied to economic resources such as education and employment. Without a job, survivors are often unable to obtain safe and affordable housing or funds to provide for themselves or their children.
The Phoenix programme will support female victims on their employability journey including an initial assessment of needs and aspirations followed by support with digital skills, CV preparation, mentoring, skills for work, work experience, interview preparation and managing finances. MSPS will also provide guaranteed interviews for roles within the business and with supply chain providers.
The programme, which was developed in partnership with Addressing Domestic Abuse, a community interest company (CIC) will be tailored to survivor’s needs and will begin its first enrolment in Q2. It will be delivered by MSPS’ Social Value team who will work in collaboration with clients across communities to identify customers who may benefit from the programme.
Anneka Gill, Head of Transformation, Morgan Sindall Property Services said: “Domestic abuse causes women to leave their abusive situation with very little, making it challenging for them to build an independent life. The Phoenix programme will allow us to share our support and resources, which will provide survivors with more choices and opportunities, helping rebuild their confidence and skills so they can gain long term employment. This is also a great opportunity for MSPS to increase workplace diversity by recognising the value of women affected by abuse and removing stereotypes.”
Kelly Henderson, Managing Director, Addressing Domestic Abuse said: “The short and long-term effects of domestic abuse can be devastating. By providing workplace opportunities through the Phoenix programme, MSPS are helping women achieve economic independence, providing them with choices and helping to rebuild their life.”
As part of the development of the pilot programme, MSPS are working alongside the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC), a Government supported pledge by businesses that enables women affected by abuse to enter or re-enter the workplace.
By signing up to the Covenant, MSPS are pledging to work with EDAC to offer support such as access to training and employment for women who have been victims of domestic abuse. But also, to raise awareness of domestic abuse within the workplace and encourage meaningful conversations.
Image credit: Morgan Sindall Property Services
