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46. SaferSpace

Ruth Sparkes and Sunita Gordon co founders of https://SaferSpace.io Digital Safer Space app Photographed at Citizen M Hotel In Victoria Addressing the pressing issue of sexual harassment, racism and discrimination within work and study spaces, two women have unveiled 'SaferSpace', an ambitious digital solution that could revolutionise the way we tackle these challenges Founders, Ruth Sparkes and Sunita Gordon, have combined their expertise to develop a unique platform. SaferSpace's primary mission? To provide individuals a confidential channel to report instances of abuse, discrimination, or harassment in the workplace or study space. Ruth, an educational marketing & PR professional with a keen insight into the challenges faced by students and staff alike, remarked, "It's shocking to see the statistics and hear the stories. We wanted to create something that not only gave victims a voice but also helped institutions foster safer environments. That's where SaferSpace comes in." Sunita, a business professional, was compelled to take action after witnessing friends and colleagues face injustices. "The business world isn't immune to these issues," she shared. "Ruth and I realised that by merging our backgrounds, we could create something truly impactful." The tool stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it offers anonymity, a crucial feature that allows users to share their experiences without the fear of repercussions. This is especially pivotal in hierarchal institutions where power dynamics can often deter individuals from coming forward. Secondly, SaferSpace offers organisations and institutions actionable insights. This isn’t about just lodging a complaint; it’s about providing establishments with the data and tools they need to enact real change. By understanding the magnitude and nature of the issues they face, organisations can develop more targeted and effective interventions. The response from early adopters has been overwhelmingly positive. Several universities and corporate entities are in advanced stages of discussions to integrate SaferSpace into their operational frameworks. But beyond the innovation of SaferSpace, the story of its founders stands out. In an industry that often sidelines female entrepreneurs, Ruth and Sunita’s collaborative triumph serves as an inspiration. Their backgrounds, though diverse, converge on one key principle: the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments. Ruth added, "While developing SaferSpace, Sunita and I often reflected on our own experiences. It’s a stark reminder that this isn’t just a business endeavour for us; it's deeply personal." As institutions and organisations worldwide grapple with the realities of the digital age, tools like SaferSpace will become increasingly indispensable. With its launch, Ruth and Sunita hope they've ignited a conversation, asking us all to reflect on the roles we play in making our spaces safer. If the early buzz is anything to go by, SaferSpace might just be the example many have been waiting for. In the face of increasing incidents of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination, it’s timely, necessary, and a testament to the vision of its founders. For those interested in exploring what SaferSpace offers or to understand how it might benefit your institution, Ruth and Sunita welcome queries and discussions. © Vicki Couchman Photographer 07957226911 vickicouchman.com

Company: SaferSpace

Founders: Ruth Sparkes, Sunita Gordon and Shane Mann

Website: https://saferspace.io

About SaferSpace

 

SaferSpace allows organisations: businesses, uniformed services, public services and educational institutions to prevent and manage the reporting of harassment, discrimination and other forms of misconduct in the workplace.

In the UK:

58 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace,

on campus 68 per cent of students have suffered harassment.

But 79 per cent of victims don’t report it.

The horrifying statistics and daily national stories we read and see every day motivated us to create this tool, we desperately need safer environments.

SaferSpace is a mobile app that allows users to report incidents such as sexual harassment, discrimination, racism, and other forms of misconduct with just a few taps on their smartphones. Users can upload media such as video and images, and can, if required remain anonymous.

It is a simple, yet powerful tool that enables organisations to deal with these incidents promptly.

The way that we have continued to develop SaferSpace is to provide an environment for employees and students to report their concerns without fear of judgement or repercussions, which also enables the organisation to identify ‘hot spots’. By understanding the frequency and nature of issues, organisations can develop effective interventions.

The most common reason for people not reporting, is not knowing whether what they’ve experienced actually warrants a complaint. So, we’ve built an AI chatbot, trained on the UK’s Equality Act so users can ask questions before they make a complaint.

Lots of organisations have robust policies in place, but policies don’t equal protection.

The Worker Protection Act will come into play in October, this year. The Act creates a ‘preventative duty’ of sexual harassment in the workplace – meaning employers B create a culture of prevention and SaferSpace can help. Part of the Act requires that organisations must provide clear reporting mechanisms, and promptly address concerns.

SaferSpace also works as a reputation management tool to bring about positive change, to foster a safer, more respectful environment.

In time, I hope that when people are applying for jobs, they are going to look for employers who have the SaferSpace logo on their websites.

SaferSpace stands out as a female led innovation. Our ‘mission is that every work or study space, will be a safe haven’, we have dedicated ourselves to create a solution that addresses not just the challenges of physical interactions but also, promotes mental and emotional well-being in work and study environments.

Whilst creating partnerships with educational institutions, corporations, and charities, we aim to expand our reach, by providing customised solutions that meet the unique needs of diverse communities.

Our ambitions for future growth are both bold and reflective of our values. We will continue to develop new AI-driven features to support the user’s ability to identify and address unacceptable behaviour in educational and workplace settings.

 

 

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