The National Portrait Gallery in central London has become a designated ‘Safe Haven,’ as part of work to address the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) managed by the London-based Safer Business Network (SBN).
A Safe Haven is required to display the Safe Haven logo, have CCTV in use and be able to offer access to water, a telephone and charging point, if someone should ask for them to relieve distress. While the scheme has been designed around the safety of women and girls, Havens can support anyone who may feel vulnerable. Staff from Mitie Security, who have the security contract at the Gallery, have received specialist Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training from SBN for recognising vulnerable people in and outside the venue who may be in need of support.
At the Gallery, as with other venues which Mitie has helped to become Safe Havens, the contractor reports that it has played a role alongside staff from the Safer Business Network in training employees in a ‘Train the Trainer’ scheme, whereby those who complete the training with Mitie can then pass on these skills to their own teams. Learners are taught about what a Haven is, how to spot signs of vulnerability and how to assist ‘users’ of a Haven. The contractor also coordinates feedback and examples of best practice from each Haven.
Besides, Mitie and the Gallery have also introduced ‘Ask for Angela’ to protect those who feel in danger, unsafe or vulnerable in the Gallery’s building, which is open daily and until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. By approaching a member of staff and ‘asking for Angela’, someone can subtly signal their request for support. In line with the City Security Council’s ongoing commitment to improve safety across London, the National Portrait Gallery has also signed up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter.
Jason Towse, pictured, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie, said: “Preventing violence against women and girls, or in fact any vulnerable person, is a responsibility we all share. I am proud that through our work with the National Portrait Gallery we are providing the expertise and skills that will allow this cultural landmark to provide a temporary safe space for those who need support. Eighty per cent of women have been harassed in public and there are 1.5 million cases of stalking on average each year, so it is vital that we have accessible safe havens that promote and prioritise safety,. Other businesses, large and small, can follow the lead of the National Portrait Gallery in becoming a Safe Haven. By opening our doors and equipping colleagues with the right training and skills, we can all help prevent serious crimes or even save a life.”
Curt Gibson, Head of Estates and Operations at the National Portrait Gallery, said: “Like our Collection, our building is for everyone, so opening in the evenings is key to being an accessible attraction for new and existing audiences alike. By becoming part of the Safe Haven initiative and being part of the Women’s Night Safety Charter, we are committed to endeavouring to make visitor to the National Portrait Gallery feel safe and supported, no matter the time of day that they choose to visit us.”
About SBN
Last featured in the September 2023 edition of Professional Security Magazine, SBN as a membership body liaises with the police, councils, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the City Security Council (CSC) group of mainly London-based guarding companies, City Property Association (CPA) and businesses on crime reduction partnership work, such as gathering evidence towards criminal behaviour orders to disrupt prolific shop thieves.
About Mitie
The facilities management (FM) contractor’s work across functions was featured in the January edition of Professional Security Magazine.
