Swindon-based creative agency GEL Studios is sponsoring a free event to help employers understand their legal responsibilities around domestic abuse and is inviting local businesses and leaders to attend.
“Standing Against Abuse: Employer Responsibility in Focus” runs on Monday 16th November from 3pm to 5pm at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Football Club. GEL Studios is sponsoring the session, whilst it is held in partnership with Wiltshire Police, SWA, Thrings, KR HR & Training Consultancy and EVAWG Wiltshire.
The event aims to raise awareness of how domestic abuse can affect people in and out of the workplace. Employers have legal responsibilities for the health, safety and welfare of their employees, including people working from home. Aimed at business leaders and HR teams who are not domestic abuse specialists, the session will cover what the law requires, what good support looks like in practice, and how to build policies that protect people affected by domestic abuse.
Attendees will learn how to recognise the signs, ensure staff know how to ask for help, and whether existing workplace policies would support an appropriate response.
This follows changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 that took effect on 30th October, which place greater responsibility on employers to safeguard their people, including those working from home or engaging with third parties. A recent survey of Wiltshire businesses found that many leaders want to support their staff but are unsure where to start, and that awareness of existing legislation is low.
The ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales, covering the year ending March 2025, estimates that 3.8 million people have experienced domestic abuse, 8.6% of people aged 16 and over have experienced harassment, and 7.7 million people have experienced some form of sexual assault.
James Phipps, a director of GEL Studios and local organiser of the event, said:
This event comes at an important time, and GEL Studios’ support is incredibly important. As a business, we believe in backing causes that matter and in supporting the Swindon business community as a whole. This is a free session and it is not a networking event or a sales opportunity, but a real opportunity to give local leaders the knowledge to understand their legal responsibilities and act on them
Graeme Leighfield, founder of GEL Studios, said:
Employers have a responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of their staff, which includes supporting people affected by domestic abuse. GEL Studios is proud to sponsor this session, and we encourage local businesses to attend and consider how they can strengthen the support they offer
Employers and business leaders interested in attending can book their free ticket on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/standing-against-abuse-employer-responsibility-in-focus-tickets-2002635803598
