The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is responsible for ensuring that the Parliament is provided with the property, staff and services it requires. We recognise that the delivery of high quality services is critically dependent on Parliamentary staff who are well-rewarded, well-motivated, well-led, have access to opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge and are engaged in decision making. By creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, this will help maximise each persons’ contribution and productivity and enable us to recruit from a wider diverse talent pool. These factors are important for workforce recruitment and retention, and thus continuity of service delivery. The SPCB has adopted inclusive work practices, which include:
- Clear leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion and mainstreamed into the way we do our business; how we make decisions at all levels; and providing the right infrastructure to allow individuals to harness their individual talent and capabilities;
- A fair and equal pay policy, that includes conducting regular equal pay audits and a commitment to supporting the Living Wage, including having obtained accreditation by the Living Wage Foundation as a Living Wage Employer;
- Creating a diverse workforce which reflects the population of Scotland and where we provide opportunities for groups who are at a greater disadvantage including young people into Modern Apprenticeships; the development of women into leadership and engagement with black and minority ethnic (BME) groups.
- Support for learning and continuing professional development, growing our staff and utilising their talents and resources;
- Stability of employment and hours of work, and avoiding exploitative employment practices, including no inappropriate use of zero-hours contracts;
- Flexible working (including practices such as flexi-time, and career breaks) and support for family friendly working and wider work life balance recognising the diversity within family life;
- Support progressive workforce engagement, including Trade Union recognition and representation.