Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) is marking White Ribbon Day 2025 with a commitment to speak up, take action, and help prevent violence against women and girls across its communities and workplaces. As a proud White Ribbon Supporter Organisation, PGPA is hosting an awareness stall today in the atrium of the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, inviting staff, local businesses, and members of the public to learn more about the campaign and make the White Ribbon Promise.
White Ribbon is the leading charity in England and Wales working with men and boys to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). Its message centres on allyship -empowering men to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, call out sexism and misogyny, and play an active role in preventing violence before it begins.
Make the White Ribbon Promise here: www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise
A Year of Action as a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation
PGPA became a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation in November 2024. Since then, it has taken significant steps to promote safe, respectful cultures and uphold the seven commitments set out by White Ribbon UK. These include raising awareness locally, supporting education, inspiring individuals to become change-makers, and ensuring robust internal policies protect staff from harassment and abuse.
As part of this work, Chief Executive Will Menzies became the organisation’s White Ribbon Ambassador, advocating for the promise to never commit, excuse, or remain silent about male violence against women.
“As an ally, I’m proud to support White Ribbon and the incredible work it does to end violence against women and girls,” Will said.
“As an organisation, we are committed to fostering safe and respectful environments both within PGPA and in the wider community.”
Head of HR, Vicky Chadwick, highlighted the importance of strong policies and training in building a safe workplace:
“We want all staff to understand what constitutes harassment, feel confident preventing it, and know how to respond if it occurs. These steps reflect PGPA’s ongoing commitment to creating safe and respectful workplaces for everyone.”
Taking Preventative Action: Strengthening Workplace Safeguards
Following strengthened UK legislation in October 2024 requiring employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, PGPA has acted swiftly and comprehensively across all clinical and non-clinical sites.
Key achievements include:
Introducing a New Sexual Harassment Policy
Launched in March 2025 and accessible via the HR platform at all times, the policy:
- Defines behaviours that constitute sexual harassment
- Outlines staff responsibilities
- Provides a clear reporting process
- Explains how support can be accessed
All staff are required to confirm they have read the policy.
Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training
In September 2025, PGPA introduced a 15–20 minute learning module aligned with its White Ribbon commitments. The training equips staff to:
- Recognise different types of sexual harassment
- Understand their role in prevention
- Report concerns confidently
- Access support when needed
Specialist Line Manager Training
further strengthen organisational culture, PGPA partnered with OneSource HR in October and November 2025 to deliver specialist training to 28 line managers and EDI champions. The sessions covered:
- Legal responsibilities
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Identifying harmful behaviours
- Responding proportionately
- Fostering psychological safety
Pre-session surveys enabled tailored learning, ensuring high relevance and impact.
Advocacy Beyond the Workplace
PGPA continues to extend its advocacy beyond its own organisation. Over the past year PGPA has:
- Promoted White Ribbon’s Right to Respect campaign
- Shared resources, blogs, and guidance across staff networks
- Encouraged other businesses in the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre to join the movement
- Invited the local MP to attend White Ribbon UK’s Parliamentary Reception on 3 December as part of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
This wider engagement reflects PGPA’s belief that meaningful change requires community-wide collaboration.
White Ribbon Day 2025: “We Speak Up”
This year’s theme, We Speak Up, calls on men to challenge everyday sexism and harmful behaviour, recognising that jokes, comments or actions perceived as “harmless” can contribute to cultures in which violence is more likely to occur.
At today’s event in the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, PGPA staff and EDI champions are speaking with visitors about:
- The mission of White Ribbon UK
- How to challenge harmful behaviour safely
- Workplace sexual harassment prevention
- How to make the White Ribbon Promise
- Ways organisations across Calderdale can get involved
By participating in this year’s White Ribbon Day, PGPA continues to champion safety, equality, and respect across the communities it serves.
PGPA’s White Ribbon Timeline
12 November 2024 – PGPA becomes a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation; Will Menzies named Ambassador
18 February 2025 – PGPA EDI Champions announced
24 March 2025 – New Sexual Harassment Policy launched
2 June 2025 – Promotion of the White Ribbon Right to Respect campaign
9 September 2025 – PGPA attends White Ribbon webinar
September 2025 – Mandatory Sexual Harassment training introduced
Oct–Nov 2025 – Specialist external training delivered to managers and EDI champions
25 November 2025 – White Ribbon Day awareness events across PGPA sites and HQ
Looking Ahead
PGPA remains committed to raising awareness, strengthening protections, and fostering cultures of respect and inclusion. Through continued collaboration with staff, champions, and partner organisations, PGPA aims to drive meaningful and lasting change.
For support or information about White Ribbon, visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk