Fenland District Council achieves prestigious gold accreditation for "exemplary" work on domestic abuse

The Council has received Gold Accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), the UK benchmark which recognises how housing services respond to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

DAHA awarded the accreditation following an in-depth, rigorous assessment process, which found the Council demonstrated passion, dedication and commitment to adopting and embedding the standards of the DAHA framework.

The Gold award confirms that the Council not only met but exceeded the national standards across all eight DAHA priority areas, including survivor-led support, partnership working, safe case management and staff training.

The assessment panel praised the Council for demonstrating "exemplary practice" and creating "a best practice model for accreditation."

Cllr Sam Hoy, the Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, said: Achieving Gold accreditation - the highest standard achieveable - is a significant milestone for the Council. It reflects the dedication and compassion of our staff and partners to tackling domestic abuse and supporting survivors, regardless of their financial circumstances, race, age or sexual orientation. We're incredibly proud of this recognition and will continue to build on it to ensure every resident who reaches out to us feels safe, heard and supported."

The DAHA assessment report praised the Council's excellent partnership working with other agencies and its "believing and non-judgemental approach", with staff going "above and beyond" to support survivors. It also emphasised its focus on listening to survivors and using their feedback to shape services and continually strengthen policies and procedures.

Assessors were also impressed with the Council's commitment to specialist staff training, ongoing efforts to raise public awareness of domestic abuse, and its inclusive work with diverse communities.

Sharon Crosby, Senior Regional Lead for DAHA, said: The panel were impressed with the empathic, non‑judgemental and respectful way the Council responds to those experiencing domestic abuse. Survivors' safety is enhanced through early detection and trauma‑informed interventions, and staff consistently demonstrate dedication that goes beyond statutory requirements. Fenland has created a best practice model for accreditation."

The Council is now implementing a sustainability plan to maintain and further develop its standards and ensure best practice is embedded across all services.

• If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or know a Fenland resident who is, please contact the Council for confidential advice and support. Visit Domestic Abuse, email housingadvice@fenland.gov.uk or call 01354 654321.

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April 2026