Complete Skills Solutions (CSS) have recently joined the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter to solidify its advocacy of fair employment for all.
The Fair Employment Charter, introduced under Steve Rotherham, was developed in recognition of an imbalance which favoured employers over employees.
The Charter has already begun gaining traction, with employers across the region joining the scheme. It intends to celebrate high-quality and effective fair employment practices and encourage employers across the region to join the fair employment movement.
To become a member of the Charter, CSS underwent a rigorous process that assessed policies, staff training, and wages.
In recognition of the rising cost of living, CSS implemented an energy crisis contribution. Each month colleagues receive an additional payment towards energy bills. Staff also received a pay rise in September to support with the soaring costs of living
To support colleagues’ health and well-being CSS rolled out Medicash across the organisation, giving colleagues access to the likes of a virtual GP service and the opportunity to claim back the costs of alternative therapy treatments and eye care to name just a few. All colleagues also have access to life insurance, giving them a sense of assurance that loved ones will be supported should the worst happen.
In addition, CSS has launched several new initiatives to support colleagues’ well-being, including access to mental health awareness training. As part of the training, staff develop a greater understanding of mental health, how to identify the signs of someone who need support, and how to promote positive mental health for themselves.
All staff at CSS are supported to access ongoing CPD opportunities to support their professional development and promote fulfilment in the workplace. Most recently, a selection of colleagues received Information, Advice, and Guidance training.
Speaking about joining the Charter, Complete Skills Solutions, Managing Director Ian Green said: “We are proud supporters of fair employment and joining the charter solidifies our stance on this important issue.
“Our colleagues are at the heart of our service, so it is paramount that they feel supported, valued, and treated fairly within the workplace.”
As the scheme becomes more embedded across the Liverpool City Region, different levels will be available for employers to obtain, including an ambassador level.
As an ambassador, employers will be advocates for the LCR scheme. CSS hope to become ambassadors of the scheme in the future and support employers across the region to join the fair employment movement.
Ian Green said: “Fair employment underpins the stability of the workforce. When individuals are treated fairly and feel fulfilled in the workplace, productivity can increase significantly.
“Productivity is a measure of output relative to inputs and for many businesses, their most important and costly input is the staff. If businesses can get more out of their staff, not through exploitation, but by making work fair and fulfilling, they will see an increase in productivity.”
The Charter is open for all Liverpool City Region employers to join. There are four categories against which employers will be assessed against including, Healthy, Fair, Inclusive, and Just. Within each domain, employers will be ranked as either aspiring or accredited.
More information on the Fair Employment Charter is available here.
