Competencies and Development Framework
Staff Training and Development
At Her Safe Network, we prioritize equipping our staff with vital skills to support individuals affected by domestic abuse. Our team undergoes thorough training in trauma-informed care, partnering with local experts like Safe Retreat Housing Relief and gaining qualifications through Coventry City Council and the Treasury Foundation. To stay ahead of legal and best practice standards, we engage in continuous professional development, including sessions with Central Law England on crucial legal updates. We also implement guidance from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner to enhance our response to exploitation and abuse. Our dedicated senior leaders actively participate in strategic meetings focused on prevention, ensuring our commitment to continuous improvement and effective support remains strong.
Commitment to Support Standards
We embrace a multi-agency approach to effectively address domestic abuse and sexual assault. Collaborating closely with health services, police, and the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), we ensure comprehensive support for high-risk cases. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our regular self-assessments, which provide valuable insights through monthly client feedback, enabling us to monitor our progress toward established standards. We actively promote a proactive response, referring clients to MARAC and providing tailored weekly sessions and safety plans. Inclusivity is at the heart of our services; we cater to diverse communities by embracing different religions, cultures, and languages, ensuring accessibility for all clients in need.
Empowering Voices in Co-Design
At Her Safe Network, we are committed to co-designing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaigns that reflect the voices of underrepresented communities. We have engaged various community groups in our campaign development, and while we are making strides, this initiative is currently a work in progress, with further efforts underway to ensure comprehensive representation. As a new charity, we prioritize ethical practices, including non-exploitative remuneration and safeguarding, although we are still building up our resources. We are actively applying for institutional funding to establish remuneration packages for our volunteers, ensuring that all contributors are recognized for their vital work. Despite these challenges, we have successfully implemented a participant-centered approach across our campaigns, providing ongoing support and reflection to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of our initiatives.
West Midlands FGM Framework
We recognize the importance of addressing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and are committed to ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Our staff has undergone training to understand the complexities of FGM, and we have initiated awareness campaigns in partnership with local health services to educate the community. While we are making progress, our efforts in this area are still underway. We are actively working on building partnerships with local health services and community organizations to enhance our responses to FGM. Additionally, we have begun initial discussions for regional capability-building activities aimed at developing proactive approaches to combat FGM. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to strengthen our impact and ensure the safety and well-being of affected individuals.
Adapting the VRP Toolkit
We are dedicated to implementing the VRP Toolkit specifically designed for faith communities. Currently, we are in the process of adapting this toolkit to ensure it effectively meets the unique needs of the communities we serve. Collaborating closely with various faith groups, we are making significant strides in this adaptation. Our ongoing efforts are aimed at customizing the toolkit to align with the specific requirements and cultural contexts of different community members. Through these initiatives, we strive to provide resources that are not only relevant but also empower faith communities in addressing and preventing violence against women and girls.
Best Practices in Ethical Campaign Design
We prioritize ethical practices in the co-design of our campaigns, ensuring that they include clear goals and strict safeguarding measures to protect participant confidentiality. Our commitment to transparency and accountability has led to the successful completion of these guidelines, allowing us to create impactful campaigns that resonate with the community. We actively reflect on the success of our initiatives, making regular adjustments based on valuable community feedback. This iterative process not only enhances the effectiveness of our campaigns but also ensures that we remain responsive to the needs and voices of those we serve.
National Standards for Domestic Violence Services
We are committed to upholding the National Quality Standards for domestic violence services. Our refuge facilities undergo regular inspections to ensure they meet stringent safety and accessibility standards, a testament to our completed initiatives. Additionally, we actively promote women-led services while ensuring that separate services are available for male survivors, providing tailored support for all individuals affected by domestic violence. While we have made significant progress, we are currently in the process of conducting regular self-assessments as we work toward formal accreditation, continuously striving for excellence in the services we provide.
