Bexley Council's Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to discuss the roles of White Ribbon ambassadors and champions, with particular attention paid to the distinction in terminology. Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE sought clarification on why men are designated as ambassadors
and women as champions,
questioning if their roles differed.
Lorraine Barlow, Head of HR, explained that the White Ribbon accreditation assigns these roles based on the organisation's perspective of the different influences men can exert as role models, particularly in relation to domestic abuse. Potentially, yes, but it is really focused on the influences that individuals can have and the role modeling really that men can have in perhaps a greater influence,
Ms. Barlow stated, clarifying that the distinction is largely focused on the influence that men can actually have as well.
Councillor Stefano Borella, Leader of the Labour Group, further elaborated that these definitions are established by the White Ribbon accreditation itself and are not a decision made by the council. He underscored the significance of staff awareness concerning violence against women and girls and domestic abuse, acknowledging that male victims can sometimes be overlooked. Councillor Borella expressed his support for the accreditation, highlighting its importance in raising awareness about these issues.
Councillor Chris Ball requested job descriptions for these roles, stating that the terminology doesn't sit comfortably
with him and questioning if everybody should be an ambassador, everybody should be whatever it is.
Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE also raised concerns about the terminology, asking why they are not termed in the same way if their roles are similar. Councillor Nick O'Hare also noted, I'm slightly confused why they can't be called the same, but I hear what you say.
Beyond the ambassador and champion roles, Bexley Council is taking further steps to raise staff awareness about violence against women and girls and domestic abuse. Lorraine Barlow, Head of HR, mentioned that the council is providing additional support, including mental health awareness training.
She also stated that they are making some changes within the system to try and help us analyze that information a bit better and provide that additional support that staff might need.
For further details on the council's work programme, refer to the Work programme Report.
