Access All AreasArena Group UK & Europe MD Ross Robertson has been appointed as an ambassador for Ask for Angela.
Robertson said the move to become an ambassador of the nationally recognised initiative supporting safety in public spaces and event environments, follows a series of changes made within Arena Group to improve workplace culture, champion inclusion and solidify its commitment to equality.
With more than 15 years’ experience in the events and structures industry, Robertson has led major infrastructure delivery across prestigious global events including The Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup. In his role at Arena, he oversees regional operations with a commitment to safety, inclusivity and innovation across all levels of delivery.
Ask for Angela is a discreet code word scheme designed to help individuals in vulnerable situations seek help in bars, clubs and venues. The initiative, which originated in the UK, has been widely adopted across the hospitality and live events sector, offering vulnerability training to individuals and businesses in an effort to empower bystanders to recognise these situations and take appropriate action.
Ambassadors work to raise awareness of the scheme, encourage best practice, and support safer spaces for everyone working at or attending an event.
“I’m honoured to become an ambassador for Ask for Angela,” said Robertson. “Leaders in the events industry have a responsibility to deliver safe environments and actively promote cultures of respect, inclusion, and protection. Events create unique safeguarding challenges, and the more education and protocol we have in place to navigate them, the better. This initiative provides simple, effective tools to help people feel safer, and it’s something we hope to see embedded across all areas and levels of our sector.”
This announcement follows a series of equity and inclusion commitments from Arena. Most recently, the company partnered with NOWIE (Network of Women in Events) to sponsor the 2024 Level Up mentoring programme. As part of the collaboration, Arena facilitated internal mentorship opportunities for team members and implemented policy improvements across key areas, including flexible working, maternity, menopause, and harassment prevention. Practical measures, such as updated uniforms, free period products on-site, and site lighting audits, have already been implemented to enhance comfort and safety for staff.
“Arena’s commitment to gender equality and welfare is fundamental and needs to be supported with action,” said Robertson. “Becoming an Ask for Angela ambassador is another step forward in our mission to build a more inclusive and responsible events industry.”