If you’re looking for a way to promote your business in and around the North East, it's time you considered the Good Work Pledge. The Good Work Pledge is an award for businesses in the North East that are providing ‘better work’ for employees; organisations that are responsible employers, dedicated to providing reliable work which is well compensated.
There are currently 186 accredited businesses in the North East, from radio stations and councils, to construction companies and building societies. For organisations looking to attract high quality candidates or demonstrate their commitment to the community, the Good Work Pledge award shows that you’re working responsibly, ethically, and with your employees in mind.
What makes a Good Work Pledge business?
The Good Work Pledge states that to be an accredited Good Work Pledge business, you’ll need to ensure that you meet the criteria within their five pillars; valuing and rewarding your workforce, promoting health and wellbeing, effective communications and representation, developing a balanced workforce, and a social responsibility.
Valuing and Rewarding Your Workforce
These organisations pay a fair and decent wage to all of their employees, as well as offering additional benefits such as flexible working and discount schemes. They should promote job security and fulfilment and have employment policies in place that protect workers rights.
Promoting Health and Wellbeing
Businesses that promote health and wellbeing provide a safe and healthy working environment, as well as health and safety training to all staff. They also provide opportunities for workers to develop healthy lifestyles, including mental health, and have policies in place which support those with health conditions and disabilities in maintaining their employment.
Effective communications and representation
These organisations demonstrated that they listen to and value the views of employees, and provide them with a voice in determining how the business is run. Businesses that meet this criteria should also be prioritising an inclusive practice that allows better access to work, conditions and progression for all workers.
Developing a balanced workforce
Businesses that are developing a balanced workforce are providing high quality apprenticeships, investing in the training of their workforce and offering low skilled workers the chance to progress in the company. They also have clear strategies to promote equality and diversity, and workforce development.
Social Responsibility
The Good Work Pledge states that demonstrating a social responsibility means buying locally and working with local suppliers where possible, paying your suppliers promptly and connecting with customers in the local community. Businesses that support their workers to undertake community projects and volunteering also meet this criteria, as well as those who have a commitment to sustainability.
Applying for the Good Work Pledge
To apply to the Good Work Pledge, you’ll need to choose which level of award your business meets that requirement for. To be eligible for the Standard Award, your organisation must be able to demonstrate competence in at least two of the five pillars of the Good Work Pledge. For the Advanced Award, companies must be able to demonstrate competence in all five pillars.
You’ll also need to answer their application questions, and upload evidence of the activities described in your application. The Good Work Pledge states that this can include, ‘case studies, reports, videos, policies, employee statements or anything else that verifies the activities you’ve listed.’
The Good Work Pledge will then contact you to issue your award, or provide details of the improvements that you need to make in order to be eligible. You can then use the Good Work Pledge logo and certification on your website to inform customers and prospective employees that you are an accredited Good Work Pledge employer.
The Good Work Pledge is free for employers to apply and be accredited, regardless of the size of your business. The Good Work Pledge states that, ‘...we also welcome and encourage applications from smaller organisations who can show us any new and innovative approaches being taken to provide ‘good work’ in smaller businesses.’
Ready to become the 187th Good Work Pledge accredited business? You can start your application, or look at their resources on their website.
