Fair Work First Policy

Introduction

The Fair Work Convention's Framework defines Fair Work as work that offers effective voice, fulfilment, opportunity, respect and security. These dimensions of Fair Work  manifest in different ways in different workplaces, aiming to balance the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. They should be visible in the attitudes, behaviours, culture and policies and practices within an organisation – demonstrating the value placed on fair and equal opportunity in work.  Fair Work First is the Scottish Government's policy for driving high quality and fair work across the labour market in Scotland, and sets out a number of fair working practices which employers should adopt and that Edinburgh Community Food commits to.

Our Commitment

Edinburgh Community Food is committed to adopting fair working practices across the organisation in line with the criteria set out in the Fair Work First guidance, as part of a continuous improvement approach.

Payment of at least the real Living Wage. Edinburgh Community Food is an accredited Living Wage and Living Hours Employer, committed to paying a wage based on the cost of living to all our staff, and providing secure working hours. We advocate for the real Living Wage and Living Hours with other organisations we work with and ensure to the best of our abilities that we only work with suppliers paying a Living Wage when procuring goods and services.

Provide appropriate channels for effective workers' voice, such as trade union recognition. Edinburgh Community Food has created a safe confidential environment where open dialogue is central to the organisational culture. The challenges we face are dealt with constructively and transparently, involving the whole team. ECF has clear communications pathways for staff to raise issues and grievances. We follow the principles of dignity and embed these into our internal HR practices, ensuring that worker views are sought out, heard, acted upon, and that all staff are treated with respect and can make a difference. ECF hold ‘Staff Well-being Days’ biannually to make sure the right decisions are made to ensure workers are treated fairly and equitably. The organisation promotes a culture of openness and transparency and encourages acceptance of different viewpoints, supporting dignity in the workplace and eliminating workplace bullying, abuse and harassment. Issues and disputes have clear routes for resolution and are dealt with fairly and in a timely and constructive manner, giving confidence that fair processes support fair resolution. Staff are entitled to representation.

Investment in workforce development. We believe in investing in workforce learning and development, supporting staff to gain additional skills and to engage in lifelong learning. All staff have an annual training budget, mandated quarterly CPD requirements, informal ‘skill sharing’ practices and annual appraisals with SMART goals. Staff are supported to maintain and update their professional qualifications and registrations. All are expected to follow EDI guidelines/our code of conduct and to interact with all without judgement or bias and with respect, dignity and integrity.

No inappropriate use of zero hours contracts. Edinburgh Community Food do not use zero hours contracts. Instead, all staff are employed on permanent or fixed term contracts that reflect accurate hours and have clear work patterns.

Action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. As a values driven organisation Edinburgh Community Food is fully committed to an inclusive culture.  We monitor personnel data to understand our workforce diversity and pay-gap information and consider what actions need to be taken to address under-representation.  We ensure the organisation continues to be a place that does not create barriers or exclude people with disabilities, and we make workplace adjustments for disabled staff who need it. We support and encourage flexible working for all employees. Edinburgh Community Food has a robust Safeguarding policy (available upon request) to protect those we work with, our staff and organisation.

Offer flexible and family friendly working practices for all workers from day one of employment. We offer flexible and family-friendly working practices for all, support for those returning to work after maternity/paternity leave and provide reasonable adjustments for those living with a disability/long-term health condition. Our Staff Handbook demonstrates our commitment to support flexible and family working.  Subject to business needs, we provide this from day one of employment, including but not limited to:

• part-time work
• job sharing
• compressed hours
• hybrid working
• working from home

Our flexible and family-friendly options are available at all levels in the organisation and for all staff.

Oppose the use of fire and rehire practice. Edinburgh Community Food opposes the use of fire and rehire practices.