Mansfield District Council has been awarded gold accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) for its work supporting survivors of domestic abuse and embedding best practices across the organisation.
The DAHA is a network of more than 150 registered social landlords and local authorities. Mansfield District Council's gold award came after submitting over 400 pieces of evidence across a three-year period, undergoing a live audit, multiple case reviews, and interviews with staff and external partners.
New stricter standards
The accreditation process was recently redesigned to be more rigorous, introducing a new gold, silver and bronze structure. Mansfield District Council was first awarded DAHA accreditation in 2023, valid for three years. The council worked towards renewal in 2026 by aligning its actions with the new, tougher framework.
What the council has done
Over the past two years, the council strengthened partnership working, embedded survivor-led approaches, and ensured responses are informed directly by the voices and experiences of those affected by domestic abuse.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said the team had "worked incredibly hard to reach the highest possible standard" and praised efforts to help the whole organisation understand domestic abuse, spot the signs, and support survivors, their families and friends.
Cllr Anne Callaghan, portfolio holder for housing, said the achievement demonstrates the council's dedication to supporting people experiencing domestic abuse across all services.
Jill Finnesey, Assistant Director of Housing, said the gold award is "not the end of our journey" and the council is committed to improving and strengthening partnerships to sustain the standard of support for communities.