Ask for Angela helps keep nights out safe. Newham Licensing officers checked venues in Stratford for training and compliance with this safeguarding scheme.
Newham Council is reaffirming its commitment to enhancing women’s safety during the festive season by promoting the “Ask for Angela” scheme across local licensed venues. This initiative is a key component of the Council’s broader safeguarding strategy, ensuring that residents, particularly women, feel safe while enjoying Stratford’s nightlife.
The “Ask for Angela” scheme is already operational in numerous licensed establishments across the borough. It provides a discreet mechanism for individuals who feel unsafe, threatened, or vulnerable to seek assistance from venue staff by simply asking, "Can I ask for Angela?". Upon receiving the code phrase, trained staff are empowered to intervene and offer support—whether by reuniting individuals with friends, arranging safe transport, or contacting security or law enforcement, as needed.
In the lead-up to the festive season, Newham Council’s Licensing Officers carried out thorough assessments of 10 licensed premises in Stratford to evaluate the implementation of the scheme. The findings were as follows:
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Eight venues, predominantly larger chain establishments, exhibited a strong understanding of the scheme and demonstrated well-established staff training protocols.
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Two smaller or newer venues displayed a limited understanding of the scheme and required further support to ensure full implementation.
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80% of venues have provided formal training to staff, equipping them to identify vulnerable individuals and respond effectively to safety concerns.
The checks also involved testing staff responses to the code phrase, reviewing safeguarding materials in the premises, and assessing venue safety measures such as CCTV, lighting, and the awareness of door teams.
Councillor Amar Virdee, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Housing Needs, Homelessness, and the Private Rented Sector, expressed the Council’s dedication to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring public safety:
"The festive season brings greater numbers of residents to our borough's hospitality venues, and it is vital women feel secure in public spaces. The 'Ask for Angela' initiative is a tool that enables individuals to access support in a discreet and non-confrontational manner. Newham Council remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of all its residents and ensuring that measures are in place to protect women from harm."
The "Ask for Angela" scheme forms part of Newham Council’s broader, multi-faceted approach to tackling violence against women and girls. Other key initiatives include:
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Harassment Stops Here – A campaign aimed at tackling street harassment and promoting respect in public spaces.
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#RespectHerJourney – An awareness campaign focused on highlighting women’s experiences in public spaces.
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Street Safe – A scheme encouraging residents to report unsafe areas and incidents of concern.
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Women’s Night Safety Charter – A commitment by local businesses and organizations to improve safety standards for women during nighttime activities.
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White Ribbon UK Partnership – A campaign dedicated to ending male violence against women.
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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – An annual global campaign focused on raising awareness and taking collective action against gender-based violence.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Newham Council will continue to monitor the implementation of the “Ask for Angela” scheme, ensuring that local venues remain compliant with safeguarding best practices. Licensing Officers will conduct regular checks to ensure staff training is up to standard and that safeguarding measures are visibly displayed.
The Council encourages all residents to familiarise themselves with the "Ask for Angela" scheme and other women’s safety initiatives, empowering individuals to play an active role in protecting women and their community, especially during the festive period.
