The Gender Pay Gap Report is one of a several data sets we can use to better inform the Group’s equality and diversity agenda and highlight where we could be more inclusive and diverse.
Whilst we can take some immediate actions in terms of process and practice to reduce our pay gap, the results of these measures may not be evident for some time. In other words, this is a longer-term strategy and commitment to change by the Group. Activities and areas of focus are noted below.
Our 4 colleague networks, Pride in Progress, CarersTogether, Meno Movers and Roots, continue to connect colleagues, provide the opportunity to share experiences and increase confidence in leading conversations about equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
In the last 6 months, we have supported 14 apprenticeships across a wide range of specialisms and skill levels, including training new
employees and upskilling existing employees.
Future activity into 2025 We will continue to review our recruitment practices, ensuring they are values-based; the candidate’s values, behaviours and attitudes align with the values, culture and expectations of our workplace. Interview questions are now provided to candidates ahead of their interview.
Our Brighter Futures programme allows young people to work with us in fully paid 6-month job placements, a great opportunity for some of our tenants to gain confidence, learn new skills and boost their CVs. Providing these types of development opportunities will continue to be a focus for us.
We are now in the fourth year of the innovative Project SEARCH programme, providing internship opportunities for autistic people or those with learning disabilities. Each placement aims to provide valuable work experience and opportunities to develop their skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
We received an award for ‘80% or Higher Outcomes’ at this year’s DFN Project SEARCH annual conference. We encourage women to apply for roles traditionally in our society performed by men and encourage men to apply for roles traditionally in our society performed by women. Some examples of these are property services, trades and care roles.