Yorkshire Bus Operator Spearheads Training to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

A major Yorkshire bus operator is one of just six operating-companies nationally that has begun to introduce new training to help Bus Drivers prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The CPC Training Team at Stagecoach Yorkshire is currently being taught how to deliver the crucial course to drivers. Each year, all drivers with more than two years’ experience, must have extra training as part of their Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

This means, that, initially over the next 12 months and then continuously, all these Bus Drivers will receive a full day’s training on recognising and how to react to the reality of VAWG. This training will be delivered by Stagecoach Yorkshire’s CPC Trainers. Drivers with less than two years’ experience will also be given local training. This is in addition to the operator’s existing safeguarding procedures, such as all the operator’s buses being equipped with several CCTV cameras.

The training features a combination of awareness-raising to the threats posed to women and girls, and techniques to combat these threats without putting the driver at risk. The new course is considered to be both thought-provoking and detailed.

John Young, Commercial Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is something that we all need to take responsibility for, and we are working very hard to play our part in this.

“We have no silver bullet, and we cannot solve every problem, but we have the desire and the determination to play our part. Over time our drivers will become ever more confident through this additional training. Through this training, our customers will feel reassured they are in a safe space and our drivers will be better positioned to deal with any situation that may occur. Buses remain a very safe way in which to travel.”

To find out more about local bus routes and services, to buy before you board, and to track your local bus, download the Stagecoach Bus App from https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/stagecoachbusapp.