Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services seeking support for the delivery of Safe Havens across the City of London Corporation buildings and estates.

The Committee were informed that the City’s Community Safety Partnership (the ‘Safer City Partnership’) had been working alongside the Safer Business Network in order to reduce and prevent violence against women and girls with this being one of the resultant initiatives of their work. Safe Havens (temporary shelters in which people could seek solace/assistance before continuing their journeys) had already been successfully introduced in other local authorities and the City Corporation were now also keen to introduce these in the Square Mile. Where there were suggestions that these be rolled out across the City’s own buildings, it was recognised that relevant training would need to be offered to security and reception staff, it was also recognised that, should Members be supportive of the initiative in general, further consultation would be needed internally to discuss any specific security and wider implications across the different buildings proposed. All of this would need to be satisfactorily concluded prior to any list of Safe Havens being publicised or the initiative being launched.

The Executive Director and Private Secretary to Lord Mayor stated that she looked forward to further conversations as to the practicalities and operation realities of the Mansion House being included within this.

An Alderman queried how the information as to available Safe Havens would be communicated with women and girls in the City in due course. Officers responded that these would be advertised through the City’s licensed premises and via the City’s Safer Business Network partners. Emails to City residents and businesses would also be sent with the scheme also featuring on the City Corporation’s public facing webpages. Those buildings identified as Safe Havens would also display a specific logo marking them as such. The City’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) had also indicated their willingness to help advertise the scheme. It was highlighted that it would not only be the City’s own buildings that formed part of the initiative as many others within the Square Mile were also interested in being accredited as Safe Havens.

An Alderman queried why the offering was being targeted at women and girls specifically. Officers responded to state that this particular initiative was being introduced as a response to the disproportionate level of violence against women and girls in particular.

Another Alderman underlined the importance of exploring the practicalities of this with certain, high security venues such as the Central Criminal Court and Mansion House which was operating as a secure yet welcoming venue but also a private home. They went on to speak of the need for joined up thinking on this matter and a strategic response across the Square Mile.

Another Alderman cautioned that any insurance and health and safety implications for those working in and visiting the buildings earmarked for accreditation would also need to be considered and stressed that these matters should also be encompassed within any eventual training for security/reception staff and facilities managers.

RESOLVED: - That Members:

• Note the report

• Endorse the Safe Haven scheme in principle, subject to further discussions as to the operational practicalities with the specific venues named.