To coincide with World Mental Health Day, WineGB has published a free and open access ‘Toolkit for Safe and Respectful Workplaces’ to help protect the health, wellbeing, and rights of those working in wine and wider alcohol sector.

Accompanying the publication is a guide for individuals entitled: ‘What to Do If You Have Been Assaulted or Experienced a Safeguarding Offence’. Both are available via the WineGB website here.

The documents anticipate the change in the law occurring later this month (on 26 October 2024) where businesses will have a positive duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

The launch of the Safeguarding Toolkit comes within a year of the 2023 survey findings from Curious Vines and Proof Insight, which stated that one in three women working in the industry have faced harassment while working, the figure reducing to one in every two for 18 to 34-year-olds.

Despite the relatively small size our industry compared to the wider UK alcohol sector, WineGB is taking a leadership role by providing this free toolkit for all to access given the importance of safety and concerns about harassment.

Most of the toolkit is applicable to both alcohol producers and hospitality professionals. It has been designed as a one-stop-shop for information, support, and processes to help protect and train staff in ensuring the welfare of individuals. The toolkit provides sample safeguarding policies, procedures, definitions of key terms, legal requirements, checklists and policy templates, a list of training and support providers, risk assessments, and information materials that can be edited and displayed in communal staff areas. This includes material targeted towards working at vineyards, wineries, and in hospitality.

The ’What to Do If You Have Been Assaulted or Experienced a Safeguarding Offence’ guide offers practical next steps to victims. It includes information on how to report and document the incident and where to seek specialist help. The nine steps listed in the guide will help individuals seek the care they need and understand their legal rights.

WineGB’s Legal Partner Paris Smith LLP has fully reviewed the materials provided in the toolkit to ensure that they are legally compliant.

Commenting on the launch, CEO of WineGB Nicola Bates said: “The safety of the people in our industry is paramount. We are committed to helping not just our part of the wine industry, but all of the UK wine and wider alcohol sector to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all workers. By taking the steps in this toolkit, businesses will enhance the welfare of their teams, encourage members of staff and consumers to use them, and will be on the path to being legally compliant. We are proud that WineGB resources are able to help the wider sector, and we call on groups and companies to distribute the information to better support our people.”

Sam Linter, Chair of WineGB and the initiator of the first DEI group for the association, added: “I am pleased to see the development of WineGB’s DEI efforts, culminating in the publication of this toolkit. While we are a small industry, we have big dreams and protecting our people plays an important role in our future. I look forward to being able to share our toolkit with the industry and hope that it will also help others working in the wider drinks trade.”

Queena Wong, Founder of Curious Vines, states: “WineGB are taking a leading role in guiding the UK wine industry to provide a safer work environment for all. The efforts to prepare the toolkit and also offering it free to the industry shows how seriously they have taken on board the issues around safeguarding. There is much to be done in this arena, and this is an incredible first milestone to celebrate on the cusp of the survey anniversary as it is progress towards creating safer, more thriving worlds in wine for everyone.”

Anjali Douglas DipWSET, Co-Lead of Women in Wine LDN, said: “It has been sobering to understand just how low the bar is regarding the passive acceptance of harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect in the wine industry. Many of the issues outlined in this document constitute criminal offences that nobody should experience full stop, let alone in their place of work. WineGB has taken a valuable step in creating this ‘one-stop-shop’ policy document, looking at the nuances of this issue from roles in hospitality to agriculture, from individuals to large workplaces, and making it available to all. I hope it will be embraced across the industry and will mark the beginning of a new standard set – a zero tolerance, process driven approach to harassment and safety at work.”

WineGB Sustainability Lead Emma Rix said: “I am passionate about helping companies ensure all employees are heard, respected, valued, and feel safe at work. While our industry is widely praised for its openness and 50% female representation, the journey is ongoing, and we have created this toolkit to provide help, education, and resources for individuals and companies when dealing with safeguarding and welfare concerns.”

Ends.

For further information, please contact Communications Manager Phoebe French (phoebe@winegb.co.uk)

0791 588328

Notes to editors:

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) represents, leads, and supports the sustainable growth of the Great British wine sector. It is the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. Its mission is to advance the interests of our 500 producer members who represent the vast majority of the UK’s productive hectarage, and establish Great Britain as one of the world’s great quality and most sustainable wine regions.

The 2023 Curious Vines / Proof Drinks survey posed the question “which of the following, if any, do you see as issues currently facing women working in the wine industry in the UK?” ‘Harassment and unwelcome advances’ was an option.