Our Fair Work First Commitment
Fair Work First is the Scottish Government's flagship policy for driving high quality and fair work across the labour market in Scotland by applying fair work criteria to grants, other funding and contracts being awarded by and across the public sector, where it is relevant to do so. Through this approach, the Scottish Government is asking employers to adopt fair working practices. The Fair Work Convention’s Framework defines Fair Work as work that offers effective voice, fulfilment, opportunity, respect, and security.
We promote positive approaches to make Positive Action in Housing a flexible, dynamic, and inclusive place to work. We endeavour to support staff to be happy and healthy at work and, therefore, successful in their roles to ensure we are providing the best possible support for our beneficiaries in assisting them in rebuilding their lives.
This statement has been jointly agreed upon with the Senior Management Team.
Positive Action in Housing is committed to advancing the Fair Work First criteria, specifically:
Appropriate Channels for Effective Employee Voice
- We believe in empowering employees’ voices and offering different avenues of engagement. These include full-staff weekly meetings with the CEO and Leadership Team. We are also in the process of implementing annual employee engagement surveys to give staff the opportunity to share their opinions on a variety of matters.
- All staff also engage in supervision with their line manager, allowing a regular means of communication and support.
- We encourage weekly project team meetings to allow staff to share their voice.
- We do not pose any barriers for staff who wish to join a Trade Union.
Investment in Workforce Development
- Each role within the organisation has set training to ensure all staff are able to complete their tasks to the highest standard. If additional training needs are identified, or an individual flags that they would be interested in further development in a specific area, individual personal development plans will be created and implemented.
- We provide a wide range of learning opportunities for all employees. Formal and informal learning is offered and encouraged across the workforce, relating to specific roles as well as wider development.
No Inappropriate Use of Zero-Hour Contracts
- We do not use or issue zero-hour contracts.
- We offer contracts on a permanent basis where possible, with the exclusion of fixed-term projects.
- Our contracts reflect agreed regular working hours and working patterns.
Payment of At Least the Real Living Wage
- Positive Action in Housing’s minimum entry point is above the Real Living Wage.
Flexible and Family-Friendly Working
- We support our staff to work flexibly; at the time and in the location that best meets the needs of the organisation, the job, the employee, and the team. We embrace flexibility where possible with remote working, home-based working, hybrid working and more permanent flexible working options with trial periods.
- We have IT systems, processes and equipment that support flexible working practices.
- We have a family-friendly policy, which includes enhanced payments to support staff on maternity leave. We are sympathetic to requests for leave from unpaid carers or those experiencing difficult family circumstances.
Tackling the Gender Pay Gap and Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
- Positive Action in Housing seeks to reflect the diverse communities with whom we work at all levels of the organisation. We value the individual contribution of all our people, irrespective of sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion, ethnic or national origin.
- We are committed to an inclusive culture that welcomes all people for who they are. We have implemented an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy that recognises that we need diverse people to work across the organisation and to better support our vulnerable service users.
- We provide regular equality, diversity, and human rights training to staff.
- We have policies addressing bullying, harassment, discrimination, and victimisation in the workplace. Staff are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity at work.
- We are a 'Positive about Disabled People' employer and guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum job requirements for all roles.
Oppose the Use of Fire and Rehire Practices
- We oppose fire and rehire practices and do not engage in this practice at Positive Action in Housing.