Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been recognised at the House of Commons for its leadership in promoting fair, secure and inclusive work for employees.
The trust, which has been accredited as a living wage, living hours, and living pensions employer, has been recognised due to its commitment to providing its workforce with fair pay, secure hours and stability, both now and in the future.
In order to better reflect and represent the communities it serves, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust launched an Early Talent Programme to create pathways into careers in conservation and the wider environmental sector. It also moved away from unpaid traineeships and deepened its commitment to staff wellbeing by offering both income and future financial security.
Dr Jo Smith, the trust’s chief executive, and Alex Rogers, director of values and resilience, attended the Living Wage Foundation’s Parliamentary Reception last week, where MPs, employers and leaders celebrated the impact of the real living wage on individuals and communities.
Smith said: “It has been exciting and humbling to hear how other employers are doing great things to transform workplaces and lives. We’re proud to be recognised for doing the right thing and to be among some of the most inspiring employers in the country.
“At Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, we believe a fair and inclusive workplace is essential to tackling the climate and nature crises. Our commitment to equity helps us to build a stronger, more diverse team that can deliver meaningful, lasting change for people and the planet.”
Rogers added: “We’ve seen first-hand the difference that fair pay and accessible opportunities can make. Hearing from participants about how the real living wage has changed their lives has been incredibly powerful. But the work doesn’t stop here. There’s more to be done to break down barriers and connect new audiences with green jobs. We’ll continue growing our Early Talent Programme, and we encourage others in the sector to do the same, so that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to help shape a wilder, more sustainable future.”
