The charter is based around four commitments by employers: to pay all staff the Real Living Wage; employ North Lanarkshire residents; use local businesses in the supply chain where possible; and ensure fair work practices which attract and retain employees.

Businesses which achieve two or more of these commitments receive a bronze, silver or gold accreditation.

Newmains Community Trust has been awarded Silver in recognition after satisfying three of the four pillars of the Employer Charter:

• Fair Pay – all paid members of staff are paid at least the real living wage;
• Employ North Lanarkshire – the Trust are in regular contact with the council’s Employability Team when they have any recruitment needs, they offer a range of volunteering opportunities to the local community and regularly engage with local schools;
• Buy North Lanarkshire – the charity have done and will continue to support other local businesses, where possible.

“Congratulations to all the team at Newmains Community Trust on the award which recognises the standards of excellence they deliver for local people,” said North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy.

“This is the first time a community organisation has received our Employer Charter, and I hope their efforts will encourage others to work with us to be a positive employer.

“The charter delivers benefits for both employers and employees as well as supporting our continuing work to develop a sustainable, diverse economy in North Lanarkshire.”

Newmains Community Trust aims to make the village a better place and to provide services and support that meet the needs and improve the lives of those who live and work there. It provides opportunities for local people to develop skills and experiences that will improve the community.

The Newmains Community and Conference Centre provides conference space and meeting rooms to hire and a busy café offering hearty meals and home baking as well as full catering packages. The staff team offer digital support to people who struggle with IT to complete online forms, applications and more, and social support to families and others in need via weekly groups. People can just call in for a cup of tea and a chat and members of the community also provide interest groups, such as 50+ Tai Chi and toddlers groups.

The trust offers volunteering opportunities within nearly all areas of the organisation, including the café, reception, in the gardens and in the social groups that meet regularly to offer support to one another. Students from local schools are also offered work placements, including pupils with additional support needs.

Membership of the charter is free. More information is available at: northlanarkshiresworking.co.uk/the-nl-employer-charter/