Ask for Angela Scheme: Pub Worker Alleges Staff Ignorance Amid Safety Concerns

A pub employee has issued a warning that deficiencies in the Ask for Angela safety initiative are endangering vulnerable women. This follows a BBC undercover investigation which revealed that over half of the establishments participating in the scheme did not respond appropriately. The Ask for Angela initiative, implemented in thousands of locations across the country, is designed to offer a confidential means of assistance for individuals who perceive themselves to be in peril. A bar staff member, identified by the BBC solely as “Jack,” was employed at three distinct establishments operating the scheme between 2018 and 2024. He informed the BBC about shortcomings in its execution. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described the BBC’s discoveries as “shocking and unacceptable,” while a government spokesperson stated they were “deeply concerning.” The program allows individuals to discreetly request assistance at the bar by uttering the code word “Angela.” Although primarily intended for women, it is available for use by anyone experiencing a sense of insecurity at a participating location. Jack stated that although establishments would initially inform staff about Ask for Angela when displaying posters, this training frequently failed to be conveyed to new hires. “I found that they would put the posters up and things like that, but there wasn’t really any sufficient training on different scenarios that could have happened,” he informed BBC London. “Some people weren’t even aware that we were running it, so if someone would ask about Angela, then they wouldn’t really have a clue about what’s going on.” Jack asserted that this absence of consistent instruction jeopardized vulnerable women. “It could cause an even bigger issue then, if something looks funny,” he remarked. “If there’s a perpetrator making a woman feel uncomfortable when she’s spending extended time up at the bar asking staff – it could put her in a more vulnerable position.” He expressed his conviction that numerous venues were merely “just ticking boxes” instead of earnestly fulfilling their duties. “It’s sort of futile in a way, it’s pointless,” he appended. The BBC covertly documented 25 pubs, bars, and clubs within London that overtly advertised their participation in the Ask for Angela initiative. These included outlets of prominent pub chains alongside independent establishments. Overall, 13 out of the 25 venues assessed did not react suitably to the “Angela” code word. Comparable deficiencies have also been documented in various other regions of the UK. Greene King expressed apprehension regarding the BBC’s discoveries and committed to examining the method of communicating the scheme to its personnel. JD Wetherspoon stated it had effectively managed numerous instances of distressed patrons utilizing the scheme but would offer supplementary training if required. The BBC repeatedly sought an interview with Jess Phillips, the minister for women, to discuss the investigation’s outcomes, but the Home Office refused the request. A government spokesperson reiterated that the findings were “deeply concerning” but highlighted that Ask for Angela “is not a government-led scheme.” Hundreds of thousands of pounds in taxpayer funds have been allocated to promoting Ask for Angela by law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and the Mayor of London’s office. Westminster City Council designated participation as a crucial element in its decisions regarding the issuance of alcohol licenses. Sylvia Oates, the director of Ask for Angela, voiced “real concern” that the initiative was proving ineffective in establishments that promoted its use. The initiative derives its name from Angela Crompton, who was killed by her spouse. This safety program has expanded globally, reaching nations such as Canada and the Netherlands.