Social Farms & Gardens
Fair Work First Statement

Social Farms & Gardens supports the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First Policy: all people working with us have an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfillment, and respect. Our commitment to the principles of Fair Work First is integral to our organisation: to achieve our mission we need highly motivated, supported and fulfilled workers.

Effective Voice

SF&G has a flat hierarchy structure with a small Executive Team directly representing colleagues across the UK.  All staff have the opportunity to create and or review organisational policies,  influence decision making with Board Members through theme and team meetings, contribute to the design of their own work routines and programmes, have clear feedback channels where they can raise concerns.

Opportunity

We run fair and transparent recruitment processes, with all job opportunities shared and open for internal applications. Annual reviews for all staff and continuous review of ability to perform in their role. Development opportunities are considered as part of the review, with process to ensure access, fairness and equity for all employees. Informal learning and development opportunities sourced by colleagues are shared to all.

Security

We have clear contracts for all employees and contractors, offer no zero hour contracts, and oppose the use of Fire and Rehire practices.. When necessary to end contracts, due to any resource constraints, we are open and transparent, consulting and taking decisions timely and as a priority. We offer enhanced sick pay, enhanced family leave (maternity, shared parental, adoption leave) and pension.

Wage

We adopted the NJC PayScale in 2023, paying all staff at least the living wage.

Fulfilment, Fairness and Respect

Our EDI policy, revised by a self-selected staff team and adopted by the Trustees in 2024 has supportive policy measures to create a fair, inclusive and equal workforce. It is central to our work and a culture of mutual responsibility; to communicate and to treat each other with respect and dignity at work; and how to help staff feel included and heard. We have strong policies addressing bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation in the workplace. We offer meaningful work that makes a difference to communities and people. All staff are supported with policies that enable them to choose and arrange with the manager to work flexibly.