Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to supporting employees who may be experiencing domestic abuse. We provide comprehensive guidance for employees and their managers, including how to identify abuse, actions colleagues and managers can take, and links to organisations offering advice and support. This guidance also addresses the actions of perpetrators and outlines how disciplinary measures would be implemented.
The FCDO has implemented a comprehensive Domestic Abuse Policy that applies to all UK-based and overseas staff, including those on loan or secondment. The policy sets out clear principles, definitions, and guidance to ensure appropriate support for affected employees. While mandatory domestic abuse training for all line managers has not yet been introduced, guidance and resources are available to help managers respond sensitively and appropriately. Dedicated Human Resources teams and wellbeing services provide specialist advice on handling disclosures and safeguarding staff. When the Cabinet Office training for managers is introduced, we will ensure strong engagement and uptake.