A leading expert on personal safety has issued five tips on how to stay safe during Christmas party season.
Sarah Schofield, the founder of The Safe Woman, shared her advice amid the peak Christmas party season, which will see thousands of employees attending work events across the country.
Ms Schofield has also urged employers to take responsibility for staff safety during festive celebrations.
She highlights that Christmas parties often take place in unfamiliar venues, involve alcohol, and require late-night travel, all factors that can heighten vulnerability, particularly for women.
“Christmas parties should be enjoyable, but it’s important to recognise that the environment can be very different from the day-to-day workplace,” says Sarah.
Sarah, who founded The Safe Woman after being let down by police following her own assault, stresses the legal responsibilities employers face.
Under current legislation Christmas parties count as an extension of the workplace, meaning employers can be held liable for harassment, discrimination, or assault.
She said: “Beyond the legal risk, there’s a moral duty. Employers must act to ensure staff feel like they are in a safe environment, and able to get home safely. People’s usual routines change, colleagues may become separated, and individuals can find themselves navigating crowded bars or travelling home alone. A little preparation makes a huge difference to how safe and confident people feel.”
Research shows 47% of employees have considered skipping work Christmas parties due to fears of harassment or unsafe behaviour. Meanwhile, 79% of people who experienced sexual harassment at work never report it, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality.
“I’ve just finished contracts in London working with large employers, and the smart ones are taking this seriously,” Sarah adds. “This isn’t about stopping the fun, it’s about ensuring everyone gets home safely.”
Five Essential Safety Tips for Christmas Parties (with expanded detail)
1. Never leave your drink unattended
Keeping your drink with you at all times, and ideally using a drink cover, significantly reduces the risk of tampering. In busy party settings, it’s easy to get distracted, accept refills, or step away temporarily; each is an opportunity for someone to interfere without being noticed. Staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings ensures you maintain control. By doing so, you safeguard not only your drink but also your personal safety.
2. Know the “Ask for Angela” safe word
The “Ask for Angela” initiative is a discreet but powerful tool: if you ever feel uncomfortable or threatened in a bar, pub or restaurant, you can ask staff for “Angela”, signalling you need assistance without alerting anyone unwelcome to your concern. Staff trained in the scheme will help you, whether that means escorting you to safety, helping arrange a taxi, or ensuring you’re not left alone. Having this safety word in mind can feel empowering and provide a critical lifeline if you find yourself in an uneasy situation.
3. Use the buddy system, and safety apps
Whenever possible, travel with one or more colleagues or friends. Navigating unfamiliar venues, late-night transport or crowded streets alone increases vulnerability. Walking home together, or sharing journey plans, gives you mutual support and extra eyes on any potential risks. Additionally, safety apps can be very useful. These apps offer real-time location tracking, live crime updates, safe-space databases, and allow friends or family to monitor your route in real time. Using both human support and digital tools multiplies your safety net.
4. Plan your journey home in advance
Before you head out, organise how you’ll get home, whether that’s a pre-booked taxi or train, or a designated driver among friends. Share your travel plans with someone you trust. When you leave the venue, opt for well-lit, populated, familiar routes; avoid shortcuts through parks, dark streets, or empty areas. Planning ahead removes uncertainty, reduces the risk of being stranded or lost, and gives you more control over your safety.
5. Employers must step up, plan proactively for safety
Employers organising or hosting Christmas events must recognise their duty of care. That means choosing safe venues, communicating clear behavioural expectations, and ensuring staff know where to turn for support. Organisers should consider arranging reliable transport home, making sure no one is left travelling alone late at night. By planning ahead, and building safety awareness into event logistics, companies protect employees both physically and psychologically, reinforcing a culture of respect and vigilance. The Safe Woman’s corporate programmes are designed to help organisations embed this responsibility effectively.
