Search on for Wales’ most inclusive workplace
21st February 2012
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New category announced for BITC’s Wales Awards for Excellence.
Business in the Community (BITC) and Chwarae Teg Agile Nation have announced a joint mission to find Wales’ most flexible and inclusive workplaces in 2012.
The charities have joined forces to develop an award scheme to reward the Welsh businesses that bring to life policies and practices which ensure the recruitment, retention and progression of diverse, skilled and flexible workforces.
Businesses throughout Wales are being urged to put forward entries for the new ‘Agile Organisation Award’ which will be run in partnership with Chwarae Teg’s Agile Nation project through BITC’s annual responsible business awards, the Wales Awards for Excellence.
The award process will offer entrants two great opportunities for recognition. Businesses meeting a good standard will first be considered for ‘Exemplar Employer’ status by Chwarae Teg Agile Nation. Those businesses meeting a higher standard may also get an opportunity to be considered for BITC’s shortlist for the Agile Organisation Award and be named the category winner at the Wales Awards for Excellence 2012.
Hayley Dunne, Chwarae Teg Agile Nation Project Manager explains what the judges will be looking for: “Through the Agile Organisation Award, we are looking for initiatives that demonstrate a flexible approach to job design and the work environment which has resulted in a positive impact on employees and the business as a whole. We know there are some fantastic examples of businesses out there and we are encouraging these companies to consider submitting an entry.”
Gwyn George, the Aberdare based firm of solicitors have been working closely with Chwarae Teg to create a supportive working environment that takes advantage of flexible and remote working practices, said: “For all staff, in order to keep them motivated and productive, we believe it is essential that they are adequately remunerated and properly trained. It is equally important that they are provided with the facility of flexible working which investment in modern technology now facilitates and which will be key to operating a successful business in the future.”
The Agile Organisation Award is one of eight categories being run through the Wales Awards for Excellence which recognise, reward and celebrate businesses who improve their overall impact on society. The Awards cover workplace, community, supply chain and environmental issues, and are firmly established as the primary means to identify and celebrate best practice and communicate the positive impact of Welsh business on society and the environment.
Wales Director for BITC, Simon Harris, said: “We welcome this new partnership Chwarae Teg which will reward businesses who are contributing to equality and diversity in the workplace. This is a very important part of being a responsible business – as well as being of huge benefit to employees, it offers considerable business benefit.”
The deadline for award entries is 5 March 2012. Submissions for the Agile Organisation Award are offered an extended deadline of 30 March 2012.
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Did you Know?
"Companies with 30% women in senior positions are more likely to have a culture where all women thrive"
- London Business School
