Mitie Security works with National Portrait Gallery on ‘Safe Haven’ initiative

Image courtesy of Mitie: © Olivier Hess

‘Safe Havens’ are a part of the collective effort designed to address the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls orchestrated by the Safer Business Network in partnership with the police service, councils, the Security Industry Authority, the City Security Council, the City Property Association and the wider business community.

Each ‘Safe Haven’ is required to display the ‘Safe Haven’ logo, use camera-based surveillance and have the ability to offer access to water, a telephone and a charging point. While the scheme has been designed specifically around the safety of women and girls, ‘Safe Havens’ can actually support anyone who may feel vulnerable.

Working at the National Portrait Gallery, the Mitie Security team members have received specialist Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement training such that they can recognise vulnerable individuals both within and outside the venue who may be in need of support.

At the iconic London venue, Mitie Security has played a key role alongside representatives from the Safer Business Network in training employees in a ‘Train the Trainer’-style initiative, enabling those who complete the training with Mitie to then pass on these skills to their own teams.

Learners are taught about what a ‘Safe Haven’ is, how to spot signs of vulnerability and how to assist the ‘users’ of ‘Safe Havens’. Mitie Security’s management also co-ordinates feedback and examples of Best Practice from each ‘Safe Haven’ to help continuously improve the initiative.

To support this work, Mitie Security and the National Portrait Gallery have also introduced the ‘Ask for Angela’ tactic to protect individuals if they feel at risk of danger, unsafe or vulnerable in the building. By approaching a member of staff and ‘Asking for Angela’, individuals can subtly signal their request for support.

In line with the City Security Council’s ongoing commitment to improve safety across London, the National Portrait Gallery has also signed up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter.

Shared responsibility

Jason Towse, managing director of business services at Mitie, said: “Preventing violence against women and girls, or in fact any vulnerable person, is a responsibility we all share. I’m extremely proud that, through our work with the National Portrait Gallery, we’re providing the expertise and skills that will allow this cultural landmark to provide a temporary safe space for those who need support.”

Towse continued: “80% of women have been harassed in public and, on average, there are 1.5 million cases of stalking each year, so it’s vital that we have accessible ‘Safe Havens’ that promote and prioritise safety. Other businesses, large and small, can follow the lead of the National Portrait Gallery in becoming a ‘Safe Haven’ venue. By opening our doors and equipping colleagues with the right training and skills, we can all help to prevent serious crimes or even save a life.”

Curt Gibson, head of estates and operations at the National Portrait Gallery, said: “Like our collection, our building is for everyone, so opening in the evenings is key to being an accessible attraction for new and existing audiences alike. By becoming part of the ‘Safe Haven’ initiative and also being involved in the Women’s Night Safety Charter, we’re committed to endeavouring to make all visitors to the National Portrait Gallery feel safe and supported, no matter the time of day that they choose to be with us.”

Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery tells the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. From global icons through to unsung heroes, its collection is filled with the stories that have shaped – and continue to shape – a nation.

The venue celebrates the power of portraiture and offers encounters with some of the world’s greatest and most exciting new artists, promoting engagement with portraiture in all media to a wide-ranging public by conserving, growing and sharing the world’s largest collection of portraits.

*Further information is available online at www.mitie.com