Bright Horizons announces membership of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse

Bright Horizons is pleased to announce its membership of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), a leading business network that supports employers to take action on domestic abuse.

EIDA works with employers to enable implementation of effective internal policies on domestic abuse, as well as providing awareness and signposting to updated resources.

At Bright Horizons, raising awareness amongst colleagues about the many forms domestic abuse can take forms a key part of its training activities. The company is committed to supporting its employees and spreading awareness of the scourge that is domestic abuse, so other employers may also take the required steps in supporting their employees.

Janine Leightley, HR Director at Bright Horizons, said: “We want to do everything we can to support any of our colleagues affected by domestic abuse – whatever that looks like. Whether direct victims or offering support to others, we want to create a safe and inclusive workplace.

“We continue to review our approach to employee wellbeing, as we believe this is key to our ability to support and engage our people. Our strategy is to embed a culture of trust and understanding which empowers our colleagues to speak up when they need help, and to use the tools and resources we provide to support their wellbeing in and outside of work.”

In May 2021, a member of the Bright Horizons family was tragically killed, aged 29. She was a victim of domestic abuse by her ex-partner. Bright Horizons is committed to creating a positive legacy in her memory and are working with Solace Women's Aid to create a new Bright Space through its Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity. Bright Spaces, provided by the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, help to brighten the lives of children and families experiencing crisis and disadvantage as a result of abuse, domestic violence, parental imprisonment, homelessness and ill health. Bright Spaces are warm, safe, enriching play environments for children to build caring relationships and heal from trauma through play.

Lucy Horitz, CEO of The Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Bright Horizons team to our network. The role of employers in tackling domestic abuse has become even more apparent during the pandemic and ongoing commitment from employers provides not only support for their own workforce but adds value to the wider sector aim of stopping domestic abuse in all its forms, once and for all.” 

Recently, Bright Horizons became a member of the Mindful Business Charter, marking its commitment to work within best practice and behavioural principles to tackle and reduce avoidable stress in the workplace. Bright Horizons supports its people to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence and resilience. Examples of some of the benefits on offer at Bright Horizons to support emotional wellbeing include:

• An external Employee Assistance Programme. In addition to being open to colleagues at Bright Horizons, this source of counselling plus financial and legal advice is also accessible to colleagues’ immediate family members.
• A Work + Family Space. This is a hub of resources relating to all aspects of work and family life with articles, webinars and a Speak to an Expert confidential 1:1 service.

More details about Bright Horizons and its values can be found here.