Feeling safe and secure when we’re out and about is all part of the experience. Whether that’s at a music festival, an event at a hospitality venue, or just an outing with family and friends, there’s little substitute for knowing you can have a good time without being concerned about those around you, or the consequences of another’s actions.
That’s the crux of the “Ask for Angela” initiative. Created back in 2016 by Hayley Crawford – the former Sexual Violence Prevention Lead for Lincolnshire County Council – the scheme seeks to ensure that anyone who feels vulnerable can be supported, and given the guidance and protection they need.
However, as we’ve seen across the news in recent days, compliance with that initiative is still to be fully understood, and venues and events often lack the fundamentals to be able to implement “Ask For Angela”. There’s change afoot, though, and Churchill’s most recent article seeks to offer clarity and information about a little-understood piece of legislation.
We’ll also offer expert insights into what this might mean for the future of securing events and venues across the UK.
According to the official “Ask for Angela” website, the scheme is a not-for-profit initiative that seeks to contribute towards a safer, more welcoming atmosphere for everyone at venues and events up and down the country.
They believe that anyone who feels unsafe or vulnerable should have the option to approach a member of staff, state that they’re “looking for Angela”, and receive assistance and support. That could be in the form of being led to a safe space, escorted out with security, or provided with the means to contact a family member, friend or the emergency services.
While many assume that it’s only applicable to bars and nightclubs, it’s equally true that there’s a need for the initiative to become more widely distributed. Key amongst these is the UK’s diverse events scene, which spans everything from music festivals through to village fêtes.
So named for Angela Crompton, a woman abused and murdered by her husband in 2012, many associate the scheme with protecting women. Research from the UK branch of UN Women found that 80% of all women had been sexually harassed or felt uncomfortable in public spaces – rising to 97% among 18 – 24-year-olds.
Ask for Angela is designed to protect anyone who feels vulnerable, discomforted or otherwise unsafe in a public space. The scheme has had particular success among women and those in the LGBQT+ community, simply as these tend to be more marginalised groups, but the initiative applies to anyone who may need it.
Not currently, no. As defined by the initiative itself, it’s a campaign that aims to make nightlife in licensed venues and event spaces safer. It has, however, been widely adopted by multiple local councils and police forces, as well as thousands of venues across the UK, which has led to many misconstruing it as law.
For most people, the “Ask for Angela” scheme isn’t something they’d have to think about. While it’s hoped that you’d never need to use the phrase, it’s a reassuring and welcomed presence and one that isn’t invasive or difficult to implement.
For others, that’s become a lifeline and has ensured that going out at night doesn’t have to be as daunting an experience as it could otherwise be. Knowing there’s an initiative in place is often the reassurance you’ll need to relax and enjoy your evening.
For the majority of venues, the training materials have become a welcome addition, and the low-cost materials have been a low barrier to entry. Similarly, it’s also become a good opportunity to offer staff members further development opportunities and to become a steadfast part of the community.
It’s also been supported by further data from a recent YouGov survey that, in the wake of “Ask for Angela” being rolled out more widely, found that almost half of people (and almost two-thirds of women) would be more inclined to visit a venue or premises if there were better measures in place to improve safety, and especially that of women.
That in turn leads to more repeat business, happier customers, and more competent staff members. It’s easy to assume that, given the statistics and the impact this can have, all venues would be working tirelessly to get their premises up to speed.
Sadly though, that’s not necessarily the case, as a recent BBC exposé found in venues across London. The undercover filming encompassed a wide spectrum of both larger, national chains and smaller bars, with the results mixed, to say the least. 13 of the 25 venues visited didn’t know how to respond to, or outright declined, the “Angela” request.
These findings are concerning, to say the least. While it’s one thing to feel safer and more secure when we’re out and about, the BBC’s report lends itself to more concerning and dangerous consequences. Take the recent research from LAD Bible Group as a stark reminder, which found that 61% of young people had either been spiked, or witnessed spiking happen.
Reports like the BBC’s are, one would hope, not representative of the country as a whole, but it’s a concerning majority that couldn’t facilitate their reporter’s request for help. So, where does this leave us now?
In truth, that’s difficult to say. While the BBC’s mid-November exposé didn’t have particularly positive findings, it’s equally true that it’s still a growing movement, having only been coined in 2016, with Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training only following a year later in 2017.
However, what is certain is that the scheme has started to resonate across the country. Local councils are increasingly adding adherence to the “Ask for Angela” scheme to their licencing requirements for premises – a huge step, and one in the right direction.
That’s also abundantly clear through the police involvement, including the specific resources like this from Merseyside Police, who’ve begun to roll out task forces in more adversely affected areas and to truly take the scheme with the seriousness it warrants.
That hasn’t come a moment too soon, many would argue. We alluded earlier to a study from the LAD Bible Group, and further findings from that report indicate that public confidence plays a massive role in whether incidents of this nature are reported.
Therein lies the next steps and future developments for the “Ask for Angela” initiative. While reports of the scheme making its way overseas (namely to the Canadian city of Toronto) are exciting and positive news, it’s closer to home where we’d love to see more development take place.
Police and community support can and do make a huge difference in passing schemes of this nature into legislation. We saw something of a similar nature earlier this year, with the entrance of Martyn’s Law into Commons – an initiative similarly driven out of tragedy, and a need for change.
Of course, that won’t happen overnight. While the “Ask for Angela” scheme is a universally positive step for venues and events, it equally has a long way to go before it becomes a more integral part of legislation. In the meantime, it falls to security providers to reinforce and offer that support.
While the majority of our article so far has focused on how venues, events and their respective organisers or owners can (and should) get involved with the wider movement that “Ask for Angela” has created, there’s also an onus on your security provider.
This is naturally an area Churchill Support Services are familiar with, having been the UK’s #1 security provider under the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for 2 years running. We don’t retain that title by staying stagnant – we’re consistently and proactively ahead of the curve, especially so with measures like the ones we’ve discussed here.
Our physical security measures have always been second to none, and that’s where our efforts in advocating for “Ask for Angela” really shine. We’re one of few providers able to offer Door Supervisor (DS) licenced officers who’ve undergone Welfare & Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training.
These expertly trained operatives go above and beyond in offering the necessary support should your venue or event ever hear that request for “Angela” – a reassurance for both your venue and your patrons.
We’re also a major advocate for stricter laws around drink spiking (something we’ve already addressed at length here). Our DS officers have also undergone specific training in how to recognise the signs, support victims, and provide support in both the moment and the aftermath of the incident.
With measures now once again in the public eye, there’s never been a better time to invest in your security measures. Partner with the UK’s #1 today to ensure you’ve got all you need to support your customers throughout their time with you.
Understanding The “Ask For Angela” Scheme: Laws, Safety & The Future
By John Melling
November 21, 2024
