Strengthening Practice,
Changing Attitudes
Strengthening Practice,
Changing Attitudes
We strengthen the knowledge and practice of the Scottish workforce, to ensure consistent, effective responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG). To protect and prepare your staff, improve your services to deliver safe and equal outcomes for women, children and young people – start today and work towards the Equally Safe in Practice Kitemark.
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a critical issue affecting women, children, young people, and communities across Scotland. Real, lasting change is needed within our institutions, systems, and services to create safer environments and better outcomes for all.
To drive this change, enhancing awareness, knowledge, and practice across the workforce is essential. Building an understanding of gender inequality and violence against women is key to achieving the goals set out by the Equally Safe strategy.
The Equally Safe in Practice (ESiP) offers a unified approach for workforce development and a clear path to action. It ensures that everyone – across all workforce levels and roles – knows what training they need, why it matters, and how they can contribute to a safer, more equitable Scotland.
The Equally Safe in Practice Knowledge & Skills Framework provides a clear, structured matrix of essential knowledge and skills tailored to different roles within the workforce. This matrix defines what workers need to know and do, according to their levels of responsibility, to effectively address Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
By implementing the ESiP Knowledge & Skills Framework in your workplace, organisations will be able to:
- Examine gender inequality as the root cause of Violence Against Women and Girls
- Raise awareness of attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate inequality and violence
- Explore the structural, cultural, and societal contexts in which violence occurs
- Equip workforces to make meaningful changes to daily practice, regardless of role or level
- Drive lasting change in attitudes, behaviours, and practices, enhancing policies, workplace culture, and staff competence
The Equally Safe in Practice Kitemark is designed as a practical tool to help organisations apply the Knowledge & Skills Framework effectively. This structured approach guides organisations through workforce development, supporting the transformation of practice and the enhancement of workforce knowledge.
Through the Kitemark process, organisations build supportive systems that focus on key areas such as gender competence, VAWG, gender inequality, and intersectionality. By engaging with the Kitemark, organisations can visibly demonstrate their commitment to workforce development in these areas. It provides evidence of prioritising capacity building, culture change, and a deep commitment to positive, sustained impact.