West Midlands Combined Authority Earns National Recognition for Work to Protect Women and Girls

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has been officially recognised for its efforts to tackle harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls, Mayor Richard Parker has confirmed.

The authority has secured White Ribbon accreditation—a nationally respected m

ark awarded to organisations that commit to long-term, strategic action to prevent violence against women.

To achieve the accreditation, organisations must appoint a senior leader as a White Ribbon Ambassador or Champion, establish a lead officer to oversee a three-year prevention plan, and demonstrate active steps to challenge and reduce harassment and abuse.

The announcement coincides with White Ribbon Day, an annual campaign highlighting the importance of preventing gender-based violence.

Transport for West Midlands Leads Safety Efforts

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which sits within the WMCA, has played a central role in improving safety across the region’s transport network, with a particular focus on supporting women and girls. Key initiatives include:

• Training 13 Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) to White Ribbon accreditation level

• All TSOs now acting as White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions

• Delivering empathy-based virtual reality training to help male officers understand the lived experiences of women

• Providing specialist stalking and harassment awareness training through the Suzy Lamplugh Trust

  
  

Mayor Parker said the accreditation reflects a wider commitment to ensuring public transport feels safe for everyone.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe, always,” he said. “Violence against women and girls is utterly unacceptable, and we all have a duty to call it out. I’m proud that the WMCA has achieved White Ribbon accreditation—it sends a clear message that the safety of women and girls travelling in our region will always be a top priority.”

Awareness Campaigns and Education Initiatives

Alongside the accreditation, WMCA has launched a new awareness video, What Could I Do?, based on real incidents reported to the Safer Travel Partnership. The video guides passengers on how to report concerns and encourages safe, appropriate intervention from bystanders.

A dedicated Safer Travel Education Officer also delivers workshops across schools, faith groups and community organisations, promoting reporting of unwanted behaviour and helping people feel more confident when travelling.

Since 2014, the Safer Travel Partnership—which includes TfWM, West Midlands Police and British Transport Police—has run the Empower campaign. Nearly 150,000 people have been reached through the initiative, which encourages reporting of inappropriate conduct and provides practical advice on staying safe.

The region also operates Project Empower, a scheme similar to Ask for Angela, giving bus passengers a discreet way to request assistance if they feel threatened or uncomfortable.

National Recognition for the West Midlands Model

The TSO model adopted in the West Midlands has contributed to a reduction in anti-social behaviour across the network and has drawn national interest. The Department for Transport has asked the region to support efforts to replicate the approach elsewhere in the country.