Silver Birch Care is proud to be the first social care organisation recognised and formally accredited by the Mayor of London as a Good Work Standard employer!
We represented the social care sector in the Mayor’s Good Work Standard (GWS) original steering committee in 2018, and we are pleased to be one of the first official Mayor of London’s GWS employers. We believe this to be an important recognition of our commitment to our staff, and reflects the many ways in which we are striving for the best possible working conditions for our employees, in turn leading to the provision of high quality service delivery, and maximising our ability to provide unprecedented continuity of care.
We were thrilled to be selected for one of the GWS case study films to celebrate their 5 year anniversary, designed to showcase best practice in fair pay, employee wellbeing, skills and progression, and inclusive recruitment. We had a fantastic time filming at our head office, where the GWS team captured our approach to good work – with the aim of inspiring others to raise the bar across the capital.
The Mayor’s GWS sets the benchmark for best employment practices in London. Employers accredited to the Standard demonstrate their commitment to:
- Fair pay – Accredited employers must pay the London Living Wage, ensuring employees earn enough to meet the real cost of living.
- Secure contracts – A strong stance on zero-hours contracts, reinforcing fair notice periods for shifts and protection against cancelled work without pay.
- Employee wellbeing – In relation to paid leave, flexible working, menopause action plans, sick pay, and whistleblowing protections.
- Progression and skills – Ensuring employees have access to training, career development, and progression opportunities.
- Diversity and inclusion – Clearer commitments to inclusive recruitment and equal opportunities.
Why good work matters
Businesses that invest in fair and responsible employment benefit from:
- Higher staff retention and engagement – Fair pay and job security lead to more motivated and productive employees.
- Recognised leadership – Accreditation as a Good Work Standard employer demonstrates leadership in ethical business practices.
- A more inclusive workforce – Clearer commitments to diversity and inclusion help businesses attract and retain top talent from all backgrounds.
The GWS is not just about improving working conditions – it is about creating a more resilient and prosperous economy for all Londoners. By committing to these standards, businesses contribute to a fairer, more inclusive, and more successful London, where workers and employers can thrive.
To make this happen, the Mayor has been working with Silver Birch Care and organisations from other sectors of business and industry, to celebrate our excellent work practices and assist other organisations in adopting best practice approaches by bringing together a range of support and resources.
By seeking accreditation with the Mayor’s GWS, employers will be signalling their commitment to healthy, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces. We know this has been an important step for us in attracting and retaining our diverse, talented and successful workforce, and hope to assist other social care providers in realising these same benefits. To read more about the Mayor’s GWS, please click here.
