FLEET STREET QUARTER AND EIDA LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING HANDBOOK
NAVIGATING A WORKPLACE DOMESTIC ABUSE RESPONSE: A HANDBOOK FOR SMES
Fleet Street Quarter is proud to announce the launch of FSQ & EIDA Handbook for SMEs: Navigating a Workplace Domestic Abuse Response, created in collaboration with the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA).
The launch follows the publication of the UK Government’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy in December 2025, which increases the expectations on employers to take a proactive role in the prevention of domestic abuse, the establishment of clear reporting pathways and effective support for all those affected. While these expectations apply to all employers, many small and medium sized enterprises lack the internal expertise, policies or capabilities to respond safely and effectively when domestic abuse impacts the workplace.
The FSQ & EIDA Handbook for SMEs: Navigating a Workplace Domestic Abuse Response has been created as an essential first step in bridging this gap, to help businesses across Fleet Street Quarter and beyond. Created in partnership with industry leading experts at EIDA, a leading national network that supports employers to take action on domestic abuse, the handbook provides clear, accessible guidance on how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, understand employer responsibilities, respond appropriately where employees may be experiencing or perpetrating abuse, and signpost to specialist support.
The handbook forms part of Fleet Street Quarter BID’s wider strategic programme, spanning four strategic themes to enhance the safety, economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of the area. This work aligns with the safe and secure pillar, which focuses on creating a business district where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive at work, combining practical employer tools with initiatives such as Holborn Viaduct lighting scheme, phone-snatching prevention and partnership working with the City of London Police.
The handbook was formally launched on Wednesday 25th February, 8:45am to 10:30am, at a breakfast event hosted by Dentons. The event brought together local SMEs and stakeholders, for a panel discussion exploring best practice, lived experiences of domestic abuse and the critical role employers can play in providing safe, informed support - particularly in cases where the workplace may be the only point of stability or refuge for someone experiencing domestic abuse. Speakers included Lady Lucy French OBE, CEO, FSQ; Beth Nash, Safe and Secure Manager, FSQ; Ayesha Fordham, Head of Membership and Engagement, EIDA; and Sally Benatar QPM, EIDA Ambassador.
“Domestic abuse doesn’t stop at the door of the workplace, yet many small and medium sized enterprises simply don’t know where to start when it comes to responding safely. We are incredibly proud to be working with EIDA, recognised leaders in this space, on this resource that will help support both businesses in the Quarter and beyond.” - Beth Nash, Safe and Secure Manager, FSQ
“Employers have a vital role to play in tackling domestic abuse, particularly as expectations continue to rise through the Government’s VAWG strategy. For SMEs, this can feel overwhelming. This handbook demonstrates what meaningful action looks like and reinforces our commitment to making Fleet Street Quarter a place where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive, both professionally and personally.” - Lady Lucy French OBE, CEO of FSQ,
“The FSQ Handbook for SMEs is a great resource for small and medium sized employers who may have limited resources, but still want to take effective action on domestic abuse. By being aware of the signs of domestic abuse, how to respond, and where to signpost for specialist help, employers can have a huge positive impact on the lives of their employees who are impacted. Domestic abuse has devastating costs for individuals, for businesses, and for society, and employers can play a crucial role in the whole-of-society response by protecting their employees.” - Susan Bright, CEO of EIDA
Beyond the launch, Fleet Street Quarter will work directly with businesses across the quarter to support in distributing and implementing the handbook for free. While developed by the BID, the handbook has been designed for use by SMEs nationwide as a first-step to implementing a domestic abuse response, providing the tools and confidence to protect and support their people.
Businesses are also encouraged to access EIDA’s new free e-learning module for SMEs, designed to support organisations in building an effective workplace response to domestic abuse. Developed with support from the City of London Corporation, the step-by-step module helps employers recognise the signs of domestic abuse, respond safely and confidently, and put appropriate support in place for employees. The resource is available free to all UK organisations and requires no prior knowledge.
To find out more about becoming an EIDA member and access the e-learning, visit:
To arrange a delivery of Handbooks to your business, contact Beth Nash, Safe and Secure Manager: beth.nash@fleetstreetquarter.co.uk
Download the PDF below: