We were honoured to have been asked to Fair Pay & Hours Friday as part of The Good Business Charter’s Good Business Fortnight!

Good Business Fortnight took place from 3rd-14th February 2025 and brought together everyone passionate about responsible business practices. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding efforts of businesses across the UK who are making a positive impact on society and the environment. This awareness fortnight was more than just a celebration; it was a catalyst for change.

On Fair Pay & Hours Friday, the Good Business Charter (GBC) interviewed our Group Head of HR & Payroll on how we ensure employee wellbeing and retention through the responsible use of zero hours contracts. As a care organisation proudly paying the real living wage and using zero hours contracts responsibly, we joined forces with Brompton Bicycle, The Living Wage Foundation, and The Joseph Rowntree Foundation to encourage others to prioritise the welfare of their team by offering fair pay and hours.

Being accredited by the GBC has brought significant benefits to our organisation. It has provided access to valuable resources, updates, and invitations to insightful events that expand our knowledge and network.

It has boosted our profile, leading to coverage such as celebrating our two-year anniversary with the GBC (we were the first social care provider and one of the first 20 organisations to join), and recognition by the Institute of Directors in their business paper for our diversity and inclusion efforts. It has also enabled us to achieve other accreditations such as being the first social care organisation to join the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard, setting the benchmark for top employment standards in the capital, and winning awards including Fair Living Wage Employer of the Year at the SME News Finance Awards, and best Children’s Home (South) at The National Children & Young People’s Awards.

Being Living Wage accredited is an essential component of the GBC. We are proud to be the first 16+ semi-independent care provider in the UK to join the Living Wage Foundation (LWF). Our commitment to annually reviewing and always paying above the recommended rate, helps us to continue attracting the best staff. It has also heightened our awareness of working with suppliers that are accredited or share similar values.

Recognition by credible third parties for our responsible business practices has also enhanced our reputation with local authorities, many of whom now view us as their provider of choice. They trust that we genuinely care about looking after young people, as they see our commitment to supporting our team, the planet, and society.

We all have a role in supporting our communities and the planet, and we urge others to join us on this journey by becoming part of the GBC and LWF today.