RSA strengthens health and wellbeing commitments with Domestic Abuse policy

Authored by RSA

• Employees will be able to take paid time off to deal with issues arising from domestic abuse
• Policy has been developed using resources from the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse
• Charity Women’s Aid have worked with the insurer to help train RSA staff

RSA has launched a new Domestic Abuse Policy to support employees who may be suffering as victims of domestic abuse.

As part of the policy, RSA will provide paid leave for employees that need to take time off to deal with issues relating to domestic abuse. The insurer has recognised that the workplace can be a haven for employees affected by domestic violence and has launched this policy to create a safer working environment for all employees working at RSA.

The new policy is designed not only to raise awareness in the workplace of domestic abuse but also to increase the visibility of training and guidance resources for employees and leaders supporting domestic abuse survivors.

The policy follows the introduction of domestic abuse guidance issued by the insurer in 2021 and has been developed with support and resources from the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), of which RSA is a proud member. 

To ensure the policy is embedded into the workplace, RSA has rolled out Leaders Awareness Training and set up a network of Domestic Abuse Champions. The charity, Women’s Aid, have provided training to RSA’s Domestic Abuse Champions to help them support the business in signposting guidance and resources to individuals experiencing domestic abuse.

Gemma Jackson, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at RSA said:

“At RSA we are committed to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all our employees. Our new Domestic Abuse Policy strengthens this commitment by sensitively supporting those affected by domestic abuse. The policy won’t stand still and will be adapted when required to ensure it always remains relevant and meets the needs of employees. By caring for victims, educating leaders on the issue of domestic abuse, and signposting support for perpetrators to recognise and seek help for their behaviour. We hope this policy will have a positive impact on the collective lives of our workforce.”

Committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace, RSA has been introducing new policies to enhance its support for all employees. In March 2022, RSA unveiled a trans-inclusive policy to support both trans-identified and transitioning employees and in August 2021 they revealed they are on their way to become an accredited Menopause Friendly employer. The insurer is committed to continually review its policies to adapt to the evolving needs of its employees.