Calico Homes is proud to announce we have achieved Gold Standard accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).
This recognition, which aligns with the UK’s benchmark for how housing providers should respond to domestic abuse, places us among leading organisations across the country which are taking a clear and proactive stand to support survivors, hold perpetrators to account, and ensure safe, effective responses to domestic abuse across housing services.
Achieving DAHA Gold accreditation demonstrates that this commitment is embedded across our organisation. It means that our policies, processes and day-to-day practices meet the highest national standards for responding to domestic abuse.
The DAHA accreditation framework covers a wide range of organisational practices, from frontline support to governance, partnerships and culture. To reach the gold standard, housing providers must demonstrate excellence across areas including survivor-led support, robust policies and procedures, strong partnerships, comprehensive employee training, safety-led case management, and clear accountability for perpetrators.
It also places a strong emphasis on intersectionality and anti-racism, recognising that different individuals may require different forms of support depending on their circumstances. We will continue listening to our customers, working closely with partners, and building on this achievement to further strengthen our response to domestic abuse.
Lyndsey, Calico Homes’ Community Safety Coordinator, who played an integral role in reaching this achievement, said she couldn’t be prouder of this feat.
She said: “We’ve put a lot of effort into making sure survivors are at the centre of everything we do. It’s really important to us that our response to domestic abuse feels consistent, compassionate, and genuinely supportive across the whole organisation.
“Achieving DAHA Gold Standard accreditation is something we’re very proud of, but it’s not the finish line. It reflects our ongoing commitment to keep learning, keep listening, and keep improving the support we offer to people who need it most.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and of the positive difference this will make for our customers.
Hayley Crook, Head of Community Impact, says achieving gold is testament to all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.
“This recognition reflects the strong culture we have built – one that puts people first, listens to lived experience, and works collaboratively to deliver safe, personalised and effective support,” she said.
“We will continue to build on this, working with our partners across Burnley and beyond to ensure we provide the best possible response to domestic abuse.”
Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. Housing providers play a vital role in supporting survivors and creating safe environments.
By achieving DAHA Gold accreditation, Calico Homes is reaffirming its commitment to delivering safe and secure homes, providing compassionate and personalised support, working collaboratively with partners across Burnley and beyond, and continuously improving how we respond to domestic abuse.
Vicki Webb, Executive Director of Calico Homes, said, ‘We have external assurance that we are making a difference for customers who need this support and are doing the right things in the right way,’ whereas Helen Thompson, Deputy Chief Executive added, ‘Just brilliant – so proud. We don’t have to do this work, but we do. Because we care. Congratulations to you all.’
Calico Homes is part of The Calico Group which includes Safenet, who protects victims and survivors of domestic abuse through the provision of safe refuge and support services, and promotes the prevention of further harm across the North West.