In January 2025, Orkney Islands Council joined the Equally Safe at Work accreditation programme. This is a big step towards making our workplace more equal and supportive for everyone.

Our Commitment

• As an employer we are dedicated to advancing gender equality.
• Over the next 18 months, we will take action to support gender equality and help all colleagues who are affected by domestic abuse and violence against women (VAW).

Why gender equality and preventing Violence Against Women is important to us

• Preventing Violence Against Women: Addressing gender inequality is key to preventing VAW. By creating a fair and supportive working environment, we can help reduce the risk of violence and support those who have been affected.
• Recognising Diverse Experiences: We understand that women face different challenges at work, influenced by various inequalities such as race, disability, and socioeconomic status. By acknowledging these intersecting issues, we can create more effective and inclusive policies.
• Promoting Fairness and Respect: Ensuring gender equality fosters a culture of respect and fairness, which benefits everyone. It leads to higher job satisfaction, better teamwork, and a more positive workplace atmosphere.

But gender inequality and domestic violence is not just an issue for women, it’s an issue for our organisation as a whole. We recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone, including men, trans and non-binary people and those in same sex-relationships. We all need to have a better understanding of how to support our colleagues and team members who are impacted by these experiences and wider awareness raising is fundamental to reducing the stigma that can sometimes be attached to these types of subjects. 

We'll make a difference by taking action

Over the next 18 months we will be delivering:

• New policies for Domestic Abuse and VAW.
• Awareness campaigns on gender equality, domestic abuse and VAW.
• E-learning for managers on flexible working and VAW.
• Initiatives to tackle job segregation.

Get involved

If you want to find out more, or are a current employee and interested in getting involved in the working group, then please get in touch - od@orkney.gov.uk