Options recognised with Fair Employment Charter Accredited Level

Options is proud to announce that it has achieved the Fair Employment Charter Accredited Level, awarded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The accreditation recognises employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to fair employment practices and creating workplaces where people can thrive. Rather than focusing solely on policies, it looks at the real experiences of employees and how organisations support them through healthy, fair, inclusive and just working environments.

To achieve the Accredited Level, organisations must demonstrate their commitment to four key principles:

• Healthy – creating safe, supportive environments that prioritise physical and mental wellbeing.
• Fair – providing fair pay, secure work and balanced working arrangements.
• Inclusive – building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to develop.
• Just – ensuring people have a voice, opportunities to progress and equal access to careers.

For Options, this recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects both our values and our belief that support work is skilled, professional and incredibly important. Every day, our colleagues use their knowledge, compassion and expertise to support people with learning disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries to live happy, fulfilling and independent lives.

We know that delivering high-quality, person-centred support requires talented and dedicated people. That’s why being a good employer is so important to us. The Fair Employment Charter recognises not only the quality of our employment practices, but also our commitment to supporting, valuing and investing in the people who make such a difference every day.

The way we support people is closely connected to the way we support our colleagues. Our values are built on respect, inclusion, opportunity and putting people at the heart of decision-making. We believe that when colleagues feel recognised, listened to and supported, they are better equipped to provide the high-quality support that transforms lives.

Achieving the Fair Employment Charter Accredited Level demonstrates that our commitment to fairness, wellbeing and inclusion is embedded throughout the organisation. From investing in learning and development opportunities, to promoting wellbeing and encouraging colleagues to share their views and experiences, we strive to create a workplace culture where people can grow, develop and succeed.

Kevin Peacock, Chief Executive of Options, said:

“We are delighted to receive the Fair Employment Charter Accredited Level. This recognition reflects the culture we have worked hard to build and, most importantly, recognises the amazing colleagues who make Options what it is.

Support work is skilled work. Every day, our teams use their expertise, dedication and compassion to help people achieve their goals and live the lives they choose. We want our colleagues to feel valued, respected and supported, and one of the most important ways we can demonstrate that is through our commitment to fair employment practices.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement, but we also know there is more to do. As an organisation, we want to see a social care sector that offers better pay, terms and conditions for the talented people who work within it. We will continue to champion and support positive change across the sector, ensuring social care is recognised as the skilled and vital profession it is.”

As Options continues to grow and develop, this accreditation provides further reassurance that our people-first approach is making a positive impact. It recognises our commitment not only to being a responsible employer, but also to ensuring that the talented and dedicated people who support others across our organisation have the opportunities, support and encouragement they need to thrive.

We would like to thank all our colleagues for their ongoing dedication, professionalism and commitment. Their skill, passion and expertise make a difference every day, helping the people we support to live the lives they choose and deserve.