South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SCIO) is committed to advancing the Fair Work First criteria, specifically:

The Fair Work First criteria are also referenced in our procurement contracts and grant award processes, to encourage third-party providers to adopt positive fair work practices. Where relevant and proportionate to do so, this may factor into the tender evaluation process and is subject to monitoring through contract management/service level agreements.

1. We have an appropriate channel for effective employee voice
   • We work with our recognised trade unions in a Partnership Working Charter which provides a framework for consultation structures at all levels across the SCIO. This framework enables employee voice and engagement for all employees, trade unions, and leaders.
   • We recognise Trade Unions across all employee groups for the purpose of collective bargaining and encourage membership.
   • We provide facility time to support regular engagement between the SCIO, our Trade Unions, and their members.
   • We engage in constructive dialogue with our employees and their Trade Union representatives to address workplace issues and disputes with a common goal to seek resolution at an early stage.
   • Employees are offered support through regular meetings with their supervisor and access to the employee assistance program.
   • We have measures in place to support employees in the workplace and have zero tolerance for bullying and other forms of abuse and harassment.
2. We invest in workforce development
   • Our strategic workforce and learning and development plans link to the South Lanarkshire Leisure and Cultures Strategic Plan.
   • Our Behaviours Framework sets out how all employees are expected to behave at work, creating a better working environment for all, and includes an appraisal process to identify individual development needs
   • We are committed to providing learning opportunities for employees at all levels in the SCIO
   • Formal and informal learning is offered and encouraged across the workforce, relating to specific roles as well as wider development
   • We survey staff regularly to inform policy priorities and development
3. We do not use zero hours contracts inappropriately
   • Supply and casual contracts are only used when necessary and workers on these contracts are not obliged to accept work when this is offered
   • We do not use supply and casual contracts to fill longer-term vacancies
   • We regularly review this area and move from a supply/casual contract to a temporary contract where a longer-term need for the work has been identified
4. We take action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace
   • The gender pay gap report is published on our website which demonstrates our commitment to tackling the gender pay gap and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce
   • Our equality outcomes support a number of actions to ensure we continue to understand any perceived barriers to employment with the SCIO and address these
   • We gather data to understand our workforce diversity and pay gap information
   • We support flexible working across the SCIO, offering a wide range of flexible working patterns
   • We are a Carer Positive employer showing our commitment to a working environment where carers are valued and supported
   • We are a signatory to the Armed Force Covenant and support opportunities for serving members of the armed forces and veterans
   • We are a Disability Confident employer, encouraging the employment and retention of disabled people and those with health conditions.
   • We are a signatory to the Pregnancy Loss Pledge and offer Parental Bereavement Leave, committing to support employees through miscarriage at any stage of gestation
   • We utilise Tailored Adjustment Agreements, making reasonable adjustments for employees with a disability or who have a shorter long-term impairment that could affect their ability to work
5. We commit to paying the Real Living Wage
   • We are an accredited Living Wage employer and are recognised as an Anchor Organisation
   • We lead the pan Lanarkshire Living Wage campaign group
6. We offer flexible and family-friendly working practices for all workers from day one of employment
   These include:
   • Part-time and term-time working arrangements
   • Flexible working patterns
   • Special Leave
   • Parental Leave
   • Neonatal Leave
   • Parental Bereavement Leave (including those who have a miscarriage and partners)
   • Career Break
7. We oppose the use of fire and rehire practice
   • We only consider effecting change where there is a legitimate business need, and this is done in consultation with Trade Unions
   • We strive to achieve change through agreement
   • We are committed to working with our Trade Unions partners to ensure there is effective consultation and negotiation relating to change