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.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, 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 Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The department has issued guidance for staff on domestic abuse. This guidance includes information for line managers on how to respond to staff experiencing domestic abuse alongside routes for further advice and support.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, 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 Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport adopted a domestic abuse charter in 2018 which provides advice and guidance for staff affected by domestic abuse and for their colleagues and line management who may be called upon to support them. Line manager guidance on supporting staff experiencing domestic violence and abuse was strengthened further in 2024. This covered: the signposting of sources of support and advice such as the Employee Assistance Programme that all staff have access to; and outlining the flexible leave options available to deal with scenarios that might arise such as disruption of childcare arrangements, legal appointments, or a move of home. It also highlighted the importance of discretion and taking a reasonable approach where periods of sickness absence are directly linked to domestic violence or abuse.

Line Managers receive standard line management training when they first take on a managerial role. This includes a focus on wellbeing, recognising signs of stress or poor mental health, and conducting supportive conversations. The training also covers signposting to resources such as the Employee Assistance Programme, internal wellbeing guides, and Mental Health First Aiders, which can be relevant when supporting staff experiencing challenging personal circumstances, including domestic abuse.

DfT’s Gender Equality Network has committed to supporting the Safer Streets mission organised by White Ribbon UK, a campaign that engages with men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls. I have given permission for DfT to apply for White Ribbon accreditation.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when her Department plans to publish the review on the impact of social media on young people’s wellbeing and mental health commissioned in November 2024.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The feasibility study into research on any causal impact of social media and smartphones on children’s mental health and wellbeing has been completed. My department is considering the study’s recommendations for further research, and the report will be published in due course.

Thanking postal workers

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Helen Hayes (Chair); Jess Asato; Mrs Sureena Brackenridge; Darren

Found: Jess Asato MP appointed as Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Adviser to the Department of Health