Information for Hotel Managers

Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA)

Domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 employees across the UK, meaning that virtually every workplace will employ both victim-survivors and perpetrators. Domestic abuse is a business issue: the cost to businesses in England alone of lost output caused by domestic abuse is estimated at £17 billion per year. For someone experiencing domestic abuse, work may be their only safe place, and employers are uniquely positioned to raise awareness and support their employees.

The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) is a free-to-join membership organisation supporting employers to take effective action on domestic abuse. EIDA has over 2000 employer members, collectively employing more than 25% of the UK’s workforce. EIDA’s mission is to equip employers to support their employees affected by domestic abuse and to share best practice with other employers. They endeavour to bring about constructive change, leading to a society where survivors thrive and domestic abuse is not tolerated.

EIDA membership is free and available to UK employers of all sizes and across all sectors.  Membership provides access to a host of practical resources, events, and networks. Join on the EIDA Membership webpage.

The City of London Corporation are Beacon members of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse

As an EIDA Beacon member the City Corporation will:

• Work closely with EIDA to enhance its internal domestic abuse policies and procedures and improve employee access to information and support services

• Increase awareness and education among the Corporation’s employees of how to identify and tackle domestic abuse

• Encourage businesses and employers in the Square Mile to take more action on domestic abuse

• Provide a financial contribution to support EIDA’s wider work

Safe Havens

Become a Safe Haven

Safe Havens are part of a range of measures tackling violence against women and girls and domestic abuse. They provide a visible, practical sign of support to anyone in difficulty. 

A wide range of premises are already involved, including offices, shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, as well as churches and libraries. Find out more about becoming a Safe Haven here.

What a Safe Haven provides

A Safe Haven offers people in need of reassurance an environment where they can feel safer until they are ready to continue their journey. A Safe Haven provides: 

• A welcoming, protected space 

• Access to toilets, water, seating 

• Wi-Fi and phone charging 

• Support to call a taxi or family or friends, or signposting to transport 

• Help with calling emergency services or a helpline number if needed

Training and Support

Free training is provided for Safe Haven premises to enable staff to feel confident in dealing with members of the public, and to provide details of specialist services.

Accessing a Safe Haven using the Safe Haven app

Access to a Safe Haven is made via the Safe Haven app, which requires individuals to register before use. Safe Havens are recognisable with door and window stickers.

Find out how to download the free Safe Haven app here.

Ask for Angela

Ask for Angela is a national safety scheme that helps people discreetly ask for support if they feel unsafe, vulnerable, threatened or uncomfortable while out.

It is commonly used in pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs and other licensed venues, and hotel staff should be aware of the scheme so they can respond appropriately if a guest, visitor or member of the public asks for help.

Hotel staff play a vital role in recognising when someone may be at risk and acting before a situation escalates. Understanding the Ask for Angela scheme helps staff respond confidently and discreetly, but it is also important to remain alert to signs of vulnerability, coercion, intimidation or distress. Early intervention can help prevent serious incidents from occurring, including situations where someone may be taken to a hotel room against their wishes or placed at risk of harm.

If someone approaches a member of staff and asks for Angela, this should be treated as a request for immediate but discreet support. The person may not feel able to explain their situation openly, so staff should respond calmly, avoid drawing attention to them, and make sure they are moved to a safe and private area where possible.

Staff should listen carefully, take the person seriously, and be guided by what they say they need. Support may include:

• helping them contact a friend or family member.

• arranging a safe onward journey.

• involving hotel security.

• contacting the venue they have come from.

• or calling the police if there is an immediate risk or a crime has been reported.

All hotel teams, including reception, concierge, food and beverage, housekeeping, night teams, security and management, should understand what the phrase means and know how to escalate concerns internally. Even if the hotel is not formally registered as a participating venue, staff may still be approached by someone seeking help and should respond in line with the hotel’s safeguarding, guest welfare and emergency procedures.

Ask for Angela posters should only be displayed if staff have been trained in the scheme. Where posters are displayed, they should be visible in appropriate areas such as toilets, reception areas, bars or other guest-facing spaces. Staff should also be familiar with nearby participating venues and local safety arrangements, particularly where the hotel is located close to nightlife areas.

Key points for hotel staff

• Treat a request to speak to Angela as a discreet request for help.

• Stay calm, professional and non-judgemental.

• Do not ask detailed questions in a public area.

• Move the person to a safe and private space where possible.

• Ask open questions and what support they would like and respect their wishes where safe to do so.

• Escalate to a manager, duty manager or security where appropriate.

• Contact emergency services if there is immediate danger, a crime has been reported, or the person is at serious risk.

• Record the incident in line with hotel procedures.

The City of London Police regularly offer free Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training through its partners, Safer Business Network. This training gives staff the skills, knowledge and confidence to recognise vulnerability, respond appropriately, and support anyone seeking discreet help through the Ask for Angela scheme. WAVE training is particularly valuable for hotel teams, as it helps staff understand when and how to intervene to reduce risk and prevent harm. To arrange training, please contact the City of London Police Licensing Team by email at: licensingoffice@cityoflondon.police.uk

Taxi Marshalling at Liverpool Street Station

Getting home safely after a night out is a priority. To support this, taxi marshalling is available at Liverpool Street station. Licensed taxi marshals will be on hand to help you find a safe, legitimate taxi or guide you to nearby public transport options.

What you need to know

• Available Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 2am and during peak festive periods.

• Look for marshals wearing high-visibility jackets.

• Avoid unlicensed vehicles - always use black cabs or pre-booked private hire services.