A scheme to encourage good business practices for employees in the North East has signed up its first 100 companies.
The Shine scheme promoted by the North East Combined Authority provides accreditation for firms that improve working conditions, promote inclusivity and support wellbeing.
It is part of North East mayor Kim McGuinness’s plans to provide better jobs and fairer workplaces in the region.
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The scheme offers four levels of recognition – from subscriber to advanced – and is open to organisations of all sizes and sectors. New members include Metrocentre, Obrien Storage, Husqvarna, North East Education Partnership and Creo Comms.
Ms McGuiness said she wants the programme to have attracted 300 organisations by the end of the year, reaching 100,000 people in the region.
Companies that signed up will get access to expert guidance and exclusive events, in addition to the existing framework for improving practices in employee health and wellbeing, community impact, sustainability, inclusivity and fair pay.
Ms McGuinness said: “Our mission is to make the North East the home of real opportunity, and a big part of that is making sure this is a great place to work. We launched Shine just two months ago as part of the New Deal for North East Workers to champion good jobs and fair work across every corner of our region.
“I’m really excited that we’ve already got more than 100 employers signed up. That’s 100 businesses showing their commitment to doing right by their people and giving their employees the best possible opportunities in their workplaces.
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“This just shows what we already knew – we’ve got great employers who want to get behind our mission.”
Helen Willan, people business partner at North East Education Partnership, said: “We decided to sign up because we share the commitment to raising employment standards, fostering opportunity, and creating fair, inclusive workplaces across the North East.
“The accreditation journey has provided an invaluable framework and practical support for building on our existing good practice, especially through the five Shine beams that focus on wellbeing, social responsibility, employee voice, opportunity for all, and fair work.
“Achieving the foundation award is a great first milestone. We’re working towards the intermediate award. Shine is helping us reflect, learn and innovate so the opportunities for staff and students in our partnership are stronger than ever.”
More details on the scheme are available at shine.northeast-ca.gov.uk.