Torbay Students and Employers Unite to Address Misogyny in the Workplace

Students from Torquay Girls’ Grammar School (TGGS) joined local businesses on June 6th in a roundtable hosted by Steve Darling MP, aimed at tackling misogyny and unsafe cultures in the workplace.

The event marked a significant moment for TGGS, which has been raising this issue for several years. Deputy Headteacher Emma Browne has repeatedly brought student concerns to attention, including in meetings with the former MP and a former Government Minister. 

However, this roundtable represents the first tangible step forward, with cross-sector voices coming together in a shared commitment to change.

TGGS students presented recent survey findings:

• One in three students had already experienced unwanted comments or behaviour in a workplace
  
   
• Nearly two-thirds believed clearer expectations, like a charter, from employers could have helped prevent it
  
   
• Many expressed fears around reporting issues, especially when line managers are involved
   

In a joint statement, TGGS students said:

“Here at TGGS, we believe the safety of young women in the workplace is a pressing societal issue that, as Politics Students, we wanted to act against. We were fortunate enough to raise this issue to our local MP, Steve Darling, and we were incredibly excited that this has evolved into a workplace charter. We drafted a charter containing 10 key points inspiring businesses to prioritise the safety of young women. 

This roundtable opportunity was extremely beneficial to gain the input of local businesses. 

We truly value the importance of youth input and involvement in local politics and so we are grateful to have had our input facilitated and look forward to carrying out a wider campaign to continue raising awareness.”

The discussion explored both policy and cultural change; from anonymous reporting routes to tackling everyday sexism, and included contributions from businesses in hospitality, retail, conservation, and logistics.

Steve Darling MP, who sat on the Employment Rights Bill committee where workplace protections have been debated, including employer accountability for harassment by third parties, highlighted the importance of listening to young voices:

“We’ve heard clearly from the next generation about what needs to change. It’s now up to all of us - employers, educators, and policymakers - to build workplaces that reflect the respect they deserve.”

The group expressed early interest in developing a local approach, including a visible statement of values or shared workplace guidance to support culture change across Torbay.

Further discussions and collaboration are expected to follow in the coming months.

Whistl, one of the businesses involved, added, “We were proud to take part in this important discussion and commend the students at TGGS for their courage and leadership in speaking up to highlight these topics.  At Whistl, we believe every young person deserves to start their working life in an environment that is safe, respectful and supportive. We believe you should be able to ‘Be You’ , Being  you enables us all to be better. Being you is what makes a great team. And we fully support initiatives like this, and we value collaboration with local partners to build the positive workplace cultures we all need to thrive.”