Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) is in the running to win two categories, Employer and Employee of the Year, at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, taking place at Wolverhampton Racecourse on 9th November.

Why is BCWA needed?

BCWA is needed now more than ever. In 2021, the West Midlands’ domestic abuse rate was four times higher than the UK average and domestic abuse accounted for 40% of the region’s violent offending.

BCWA works with drive and passion to support victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking and modern slavery, last year answering over 13,000 requests for help. Since 2020, the charity has grown by 57% to help meet growing and more complex demand.

BCWA’s staff work together seamlessly to deliver a ‘one front door’ approach to client support. Victims of abuse can face multiple barriers and challenges, and BCWA tailors support for each individual to help them start a new, safer life. Staff expertise in counselling, advocacy, providing benefits, training and employment advice, supporting abuse victims’ health and wellbeing, and fundraising to provide crisis grants and welfare essentials truly transforms lives.

Employee of the year

Tracey Alexander, BCWA’s Executive Officer, has been shortlisted in the Employee of the Year category.

Tracey is in charge of compliance, which is essential to keeping vulnerable victims of crime safe, colleagues motivated and on track and management and trustees focused and informed. Through her hard work, BCWA is now a trailblazer within the third sector for cybersecurity and now advises other charities on achieving cybersecurity standards. In the eight years she has been at BCWA, Tracey has ensured that services are delivered safely, sustainably and with total accountability to funders.

Employer of the year

BCWA’s commitment to supporting talent was recognised recently when the charity was shortlisted for a national wellbeing team of the year award and a colleague received a national client support accolade. BCWA hopes to repeat that success with these two new nominations.

BCWA CEO Sara Ward says:

“We are thrilled to be shortlisted for the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. We know that we will be up against some incredible individuals and companies in these highly competitive categories, and are proud to represent the local third sector as a sustainable, ground breaking charitable business.

“It’s so important for our staff to be celebrated at events like these as a way to acknowledge their life-changing support for abuse and exploitation victims from all over the Black Country.”