Bringing Rural Domestic Abuse into the Workplace Conversation
The Derbyshire Rural Domestic Abuse in the Workplace Conference brought together employers, charities, support organisations, and professionals for a day of learning, reflection and collaboration. Through powerful survivor testimonies, expert speakers and meaningful networking opportunities, delegates explored the unique challenges of rural domestic abuse and the role workplaces can play in supporting those affected. This impact report reflects on the event’s successes, key learning points, and foundations for future work.
Social Media Summary
The metrics below show the social media engagement across our channel during the promotion of the event.
What Went Well
- Conference Delivery – ‘One’ RAD approach
- Attendance and engagement throughout the day.
- Positive delegate feedback, particularly regarding the guest speakers.
- Strong networking opportunities created between organisations and professionals.
- The event successfully raised awareness of how domestic abuse presents in the workplace and additional rural challenges.
Marketing and Communications
One area identified for improvement was the management of last-minute speaker changes. A speaker was promoted using an incorrect name and organisation, it highlighted the need for second checks before posting. Going forward, we will implement additional checks to ensure speaker information is accurate across all communications.
Social media activity increased significantly before and during the conference.
Facebook views increased by almost 180%, demonstrating strong interest in the event.
Content interactions increased by 300%, showing audiences were not only seeing content but engaging with it.
Instagram profile visits increased by 325%, indicating increased awareness of The Willow Project among new audiences.
Organisational Reputation
As our first conference, the event significantly increased the visibility of RAD and The Willow Project.
Feedback suggests there is a strong appetite for further learning and networking opportunities around rural domestic abuse.
Opportunities for Improvement
As our first conference, the event significantly increased the visibility of RAD and The Willow Project.
Feedback suggests there is a strong appetite for further learning and networking opportunities around rural domestic abuse.
Social Media Conversion
Whilst reach and views were great, link clicks remained low.
Future campaigns could include stronger calls to action directing people to resources, registrations or website content.
Audience Growth
Engagement was strong, but follower growth was relatively modest compared with reach.
Opportunities exist to encourage attendees to follow organisational channels during and after the event.
The conference successfully attracted delegates from across the voluntary and community sector, resulting in valuable discussion and networking opportunities. However, attendance from businesses and employers was lower than anticipated. This highlighted an opportunity to strengthen our engagement with the business community in future events, ensuring a broader cross-sector response to domestic abuse and Rural awareness.
Pics From The Day
Moments, conversations and connections from an impactful and inspiring day.
Q & A
How do we expand our audience next time whilst maintaining the strong engagement we achieved within the voluntary sector?
Engage more with the Chamber, more visibility at events and better relationship with account manager. Share the day with EMC. Derby University.
How do we expand our audience next time whilst maintaining the strong engagement we achieved within the voluntary sector?
Engage more with the Chamber, more visibility at events and better relationship with account manager. Share the day with EMC. Derby University. Webinar style conference for those that missed the opportunity to attend.
What created unnecessary pressure.
Guest speakers wanting last minute changes to the schedule – Taking more time than delegated, duplication of some content, Content not relevant to attendees (aimed at awareness for employers rather than people that worked in the sector)
What created unnecessary pressure.
Guest speakers wanting last minute changes to the schedule – Taking more time than delegated, duplication of some content, Content not relevant to attendees (aimed at awareness for employers rather than people that worked in the sector)
How can we turn increased social media reach into long term engagement?
Start posting pictures and comments about the event, keep the momentum going. Email attendees thanking them for their support.
Unexpected Successes
Although employer attendance was lower than hoped, the strong turnout from the voluntary sector indicates a demand for specialist knowledge and networking opportunities, especially as this was a first conference?
For a first conference, this event was a success. Delegate feedback was positive, engagement throughout the day was high, and our social media analytics demonstrate a substantial increase in awareness and reach. While there are areas for improvement, particularly around AV, break times, promotion and converting online engagement into ongoing connections, the conference has provided a strong foundation upon which to build future events.
