Agile Working

Over 40% of our roles are agile, but what does agile working really mean?

• Maximum flexibility: the ability to choose where and when you want to work
• Outcome based performance: our employees aren’t measured on time, but tangible outcomes 
• Culture of trust: unlimited time-off, providing targets are met and high performance is maintained

“I now have the work-life balance I didn’t know I was missing. I’ve never been more motivated and focused. The changes have propelled the Group forward, and I’m sure it will help in attracting an even more diverse workforce for the future.”  Helen Balmer, IT Service Desk Manager and Diversity Leader

Achieving our values collaboratively with colleagues

Our values underpin our vision: A better future and our mission: Creating opportunities and changing lives.

Our colleagues represent our values. The five values support us to continually create opportunities and change lives for our customers and communities, who are at the heart of everything we do.

An Equal, Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an equal, diverse and inclusive workplace culture that supports our colleagues to thrive.

Here is an overview of how we maintain our inclusive culture:

• Our policies and practices are designed to support diverse groups of people working together
• We have established numerous Equality, Diversity and Inclusion forums, including our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, Diversity Leaders forum, Neurodiversity Network and Race Equality Project Group
• We have signed up to the Navajo LGBTQI+ Charter Mark and the LGBTQ+ Housing Promise, demonstrating our commitment to LGBTQ+ customer equality and support
• We have a dedicated team of trained Mental Health Champions and Mental Health First Aiders, known as our ‘Mental Health Mates’
• We are an accredited Mindful Employer, recognising our commitment to better mental health at work
• We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer
• We regularly show our support for national campaigns, including Women in Construction Week, Black History Month and Pride Month
• Our Empower campaign raises awareness and provides support on female related topics, including menopause awareness
• We deliver bespoke diversity training courses to increase awareness
• Colleagues across the organisation are encouraged to display their chosen pronouns on emails and in our employee app

“In previous employment, I’ve always felt I’ve had to gain colleagues trust before I have fully opened up about my sexuality. The number of times in the past I’ve referred to my husband as ‘my partner’ or ‘other half’ when starting a new job is countless but here at the Group that hasn’t been the case. My preference isn’t an issue and I have realised that I’m not being fair on myself, husband or other colleagues who may be struggling with their sexuality or gender. Here at the Group, I am able to be myself.”  Sovini Employee

Health and Wellbeing

The Group champions the health and wellbeing of its colleagues. Each year, the business invests into a Health and Wellbeing programme, aimed at providing employee with maximum support so they can personally and professionally achieve great success.

Here’s an overview of our Health and Wellbeing programme:

• Dedicated Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors
• Mindfulness and meditation classes
• Fitness programmes and initiatives
• Mental Health champions
• Friday Club
• Cycle to Work
• Weekly walks
• Slimming with Sovini
• Sovini Choir
• Call-a-colleague
• A brownie and brew

IIP Platinum Champions

The Group is delighted to be a Platinum accredited Investors in People Standard company. In 2023, following a reassessment, the Group has retained the accreditation for the third time, exhibiting our commitment to high performance through good people management.

The Group also proudly achieved Gold status for “We Invest in Wellbeing,” showcasing our dedication to our employees and their wellbeing.

The IIP Platinum accreditation is the highest accolade that can be achieved against the Investors in People Standard and is currently held by only 5% of IIP accredited organisations.

Code of Behaviour

Our Code of Behaviour outlines the core behaviours that underpin our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers. This code has been developed in line with feedback from our customers of the behaviours they value most.

The five core behaviours are as follows:

• Professional Competence: Strive for excellence in everything we do.
• Respect: Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Honesty: Be truthful and transparent in all activities.
• Accountability: Take responsibility for actions and commitments.
• Pride in Work: Be passionate about work and take pride in our achievements.