Good Employment Chatter

The Good Employment Charter

Introducing the Good Employment Chatter Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on fostering positive workplace practices. Join us as we engage in candid conversations with individuals across various sectors, delving into their experiences, challenges, and guiding principles. Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical tips to promote good employment practices in your organisation and beyond. read less
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Episodes

Chatter About Fair Work: Lessons from Employers of the Year and the Living Wage Foundation
28-08-2024
Chatter About Fair Work: Lessons from Employers of the Year and the Living Wage Foundation
In this episode of Good Employment Chatter, we explore what it means to be a good employer amidst current external challenges. Host Ian MacArthur is joined by Sophie Little, Senior Programme Manager for the North West at the Living Wage Foundation; Donald Moore, Chair at One+All; and Chris Smallwood, who is transitioning from his role as Managing Director at Anchor Removals to a business consulting role. Listen as Sophie discusses the balancing act employers face, managing rising costs while upholding fair wages and secure hours. Chris reflects on his experiences at Anchor Removals, winner of the 2023 Employer of the Year award, highlighting how maintaining living wages can be managed despite financial pressures. Donald, from One+All, which won the 2022 Employer of the Year award, emphasizes the importance of investing in lower-paid colleagues for overall business success. The conversation also addresses the gig economy, diversity and inclusion, and the environmental responsibilities of employers. Discover how these award-winning leaders foster high employee retention and customer satisfaction through values-driven leadership and gain insights into the evolving landscape of good employment practices. Join us for an insightful discussion on the real challenges and rewards of being a good employer today. Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) Facebook (https://bit.ly/3PMawtv) LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) TikTok (https://bit.ly/3PJ7HcM) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m  The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers.
Chatter with Louise Brown: Transformative Leadership at Wigan and Leigh College | Episode 2
17-10-2023
Chatter with Louise Brown: Transformative Leadership at Wigan and Leigh College | Episode 2
Join us in a powerful conversation with Louise Brown, Vice Principal Corporate Services of Wigan and Leigh College, as she shares her incredible journey of transformation and leadership. From her early experiences of responsibility to navigating imposter syndrome, Louise's story is one of resilience and determination. Discover how emotional intelligence played a pivotal role during the challenges of COVID-19 and learn about the cultural transformation she spearheaded at the college. Gain insights on the importance of open communication, trust, and the value of knowing your strengths as a leader. Don't miss Louise's inspiring take on whether true leadership can be taught, and find out which historical figures she'd love to meet for a coffee! Resources relevant to this episode: - Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter - Leadership for Good Employment: A Discussion Paper (https://bit.ly/3QaIDwI) - Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter and Wigan and Leigh College: Schools Learner Pack (https://bit.ly/3FaYkh6) and Educator Pack (https://bit.ly/46G53vo) - Connect with Louise on LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3tqrYwf) - See more information about Louise’s win at the Good Employment Awards! (https://bit.ly/3rL08dG and in our video (https://ow.ly/veg050PUXEw) - Learn more about Cancer Research (https://bit.ly/3Q9vjHZ) and Wigan and Leigh Hospice, causes close to Louise’s heart (https://bit.ly/3PHgaNu) - See a collage of some of Louise’s recent charity runs, and leadership achievements (https://bit.ly/3QbhqKw) Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on: - Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO), - Facebook (https://bit.ly/3PMawtv), - LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) - TikTok (https://bit.ly/3PJ7HcM) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m  The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers.
Chatter about Inclusion: Fostering an Inclusive Working Environment | Episode 9
08-08-2022
Chatter about Inclusion: Fostering an Inclusive Working Environment | Episode 9
Whilst you can measure equality, and count diversity, without inclusion these numbers hold no weight. Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires extra attention, and is focused on the kind of environment that is fostered for employees to work and thrive in. In this episode, we'll speak about what inclusion means, and about how this can be applied to workplaces, to create truly inclusive working cultures.  In this episode, we cover several key topics including: (2:20-13:25) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners. (13:33-26:42) A conversation with Mo Isap, Founder and CEO of IN4 Group. What is inclusion, separate to equality/diversity, and why is it so important to consider in the workplace and in communities more widely?  (26:49-46:58) Why is it important that workplaces become inclusive, and how can this be implemented/continually managed? Discussed by Gillian Drakeford (Senior Executive with over 25 years experience), Helen Houghton (Senior Advisor at Acas) and Lisa Adkin (Diversity and Inclusion Lead at TalkTalk).  Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: CIPD - Building Inclusive Workplaces Report: https://bit.ly/3PO64ZI Inclusive Employers - What is Inclusion?: https://bit.ly/3b27z7Q Acas - Making sure your workplaces are inclusive: https://bit.ly/3vgk1Yx
Chatter about Faith and Culture: Accommodating Beliefs and Cultural Difference in the Workplace | Episode 8
01-08-2022
Chatter about Faith and Culture: Accommodating Beliefs and Cultural Difference in the Workplace | Episode 8
Accommodating employees of different faiths and cultural backgrounds is key to ensuring diversity in the workplace – and ensuring that employees are working in a way which suits them and their lifestyles. In this episode, we'll speak about how employers can support people of faith, and people of cultural difference, and the factors to consider that may impact working styles, routines, and preferred communication techniques.  In this episode, we cover several key topics including: (01:56-11:45) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners. (11:50-43:56) How can employers create workplaces that are inclusive to people of faith – both virtually and in person? Discussed by Rabbi Warren Elf (Co-Chair of Faith Network 4 Manchester), Professor Amna Khan (Senior Lecturer at MMU), and Furqan Naeem (Community Organiser at Citizens UK).  (44:04-59:28) A conversation with Gillian Drakeford, a Senior Executive with over 25 years of retail experience including in IKEA UK & Ireland, China and the Netherlands. How can employers accommodate and manage cultural differences at work? Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: Acas Guide on Religion or Belief Discrimination: https://bit.ly/3z6oQVx  Inclusive Employers - How to Understand and Celebrate Faith in the Workplace: https://bit.ly/3J24Bgn  The InterFaith network - Religious Festivals Calendar: https://bit.ly/3PP8pnT  Diversity Resources - Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: https://bit.ly/2HwjZE8
Chatter about LGBTQ+: Creating Trans-Inclusive Workplaces | Episode 7
25-07-2022
Chatter about LGBTQ+: Creating Trans-Inclusive Workplaces | Episode 7
Good employers will understand that it’s important to ensure all employees feel welcome, respected, and represented at work. However, more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff have hidden their sexuality or gender identity at work for fear of discrimination. In this episode, we'll speak about transgender inclusion in the workplace. We'll also speak through definitions you need to know, and how employers can overcome common barriers to the workplace for the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, we cover several key topics including: (2:00-09:05) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners (09:13-33:41) How do employers create an organisation that is trans inclusive? Discussed by Tara Hewitt (Associate Director of Inclusion and Engagement at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust), Ollie Petrovic (Onboarding Specialist at The Co-Operative Bank) and Steven Woods (Software Developer at AutoTrader UK) (33:48-49:36) A conversation with Carl Austin-Behan, LGBT Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester. What are common definitions that employers need to know - and what barriers do LGBTQ+ people often face in the workplace? Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: Welcome to St Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure (book): https://amzn.to/3aSdRa2  The Transgender Issue: An Argument For Justice (book): https://amzn.to/3PFnbwM Gendered Intelligence (training providers): https://bit.ly/3v0hnGg  LGBT Foundation: https://bit.ly/3v4vE4Z  Stonewall - List of LGBTQ+ Terms: https://bit.ly/3cvaq9Z The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers, Borough, Turning to You, These Times.
Chatter about Gender: Supporting Women in Male Dominated Industries | Episode 6
18-07-2022
Chatter about Gender: Supporting Women in Male Dominated Industries | Episode 6
Gender inequalities are apparent in workplaces across the world – made clear in aspects such as pay, level of opportunity, and representation across an organisation including at senior level. In this episode, we’ll speak about gender diversity, and specifically women in male-dominated industries. We’ll then move on to speak about sexual harassment, with a focus on the ‘Is This Okay’ campaign – launched to spark conversations across Greater Manchester about the impact of such abuse. In this episode, we cover several key topics including: (2:06-10:54) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners. (10:58-37:22) Gender Equality at work: how can we promote and support women in male dominated industries? Discussed by Daphne Doody-Green (Head of CIPD North), Craig Carney (Head of HR at Seddon Group) and Hannah Schilling (Business Manager at Enercret) (37:26-47:23) A conversation with Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor of GM. What are the key insights from the 'Is This Okay' campaign, and what can Greater Manchester employers do to tackle sexual harassment in their workplaces?  Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: Support services relevant to sexual harassment: Survivors Manchester (https://bit.ly/3zmiZg7), St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (https://bit.ly/3B6QhRD), The Survivors Trust (https://bit.ly/3zlV3ta), Support on stalking and harassment (https://bit.ly/3PFbF5b), Support on domestic abuse (https://bit.ly/3ojraUb) CIPD - Gender Pay Gap Report: https://bit.ly/3csaUNV GMCA - Information about the 'Is This Okay' campaign: https://bit.ly/3ITMg4R GMCA - Video for the 'Is This Okay' campaign: https://bit.ly/3yP3GLi DeltaNet International - Improving Your Diversity and Inclusion Culture:  The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers, Borough, Turning to You, These Times.
Chatter about Age: Creating Age-Inclusive Workplaces | Episode 5
11-07-2022
Chatter about Age: Creating Age-Inclusive Workplaces | Episode 5
Creating environments that encourage and retain the employment of both younger and older workers is crucial to developing truly diverse organisations, with the range of skills and experience needed to thrive. In this episode, we'll speak about how to create age-inclusive working environments, and how the language and imagery of an organisation must be utilised with this in mind.  We cover several key topics including: (01:57-09:21) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners (09:24-33:06) What are the benefits of having an age-diverse workforce, and how can employers manage this? Discussed by Rose Marley (CEO at Co-Operatives UK), Devon Poyser (Equality and Inclusion Business Partner at Southway Housing) and Lee Harland (Work Experience Placement Officer at Oldham College)  (33:09-43:06) How can an employer be age-inclusive in their use of language and  imagery? Led by Kim Chaplain (Specialist Advisor on Work at the Centre for Ageing Better) Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: GMCA and The Centre for Ageing Better: Age Friendly Employer Toolkit: https://bit.ly/3RNlkb3  The Centre for Ageing Better: Age-Inclusive Image Library: https://bit.ly/3yW7jiJ OECD - Action Plan: Reaping the Benefits of the Multi-generational Workforce: https://bit.ly/3v3HsEw  ONS - Statistics regarding over-50's and their employment during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://bit.ly/3okEbgg The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers, Borough, Turning to You, These Times.
Chatter about Race: Anti-Racism and Supporting Refugees | Episode 4
04-07-2022
Chatter about Race: Anti-Racism and Supporting Refugees | Episode 4
Employers need to both encourage and sustain racial inclusion in their organisation, and take a stand against discrimination and abuse when it occurs.  In this episode, we'll speak about white allyship, anti-racism, and supporting refugees into employment:  (2:05-10:43) Employment Law Update from Adam Haines, Partner and Aaron & Partners (10:54-41:53) Action, Allyship and Anti-Racism. What is the role of white allies, and how can an organisation take an actively anti-racist stance? Discussed by John Herring (Strategic Lead at the GMHSC), Sandra Kerr (Race Equality Director for Business in the Community) and Curtis Cole (Writer, Actor and Director for Odd Arts) (42:00-57:28) The recruitment of refugee workers: what is the best practice, and how can employers support? Led by Matt Powell, CEO and Founder of Breaking Barriers Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: The Race at Work Charter: https://bit.ly/3yWhOTl  Race at Work Charter Resources: "Race at Work: Black Voices" Report (https://bit.ly/3ofQgTY), Race at Work Scorecard Report (https://bit.ly/3IVOl0d), Anti Racism and Allyship in the Workplace Guide (https://bit.ly/3Otdy37), Managers Guide for Supporting Ethnically Diverse Women (https://bit.ly/3v6Gnfc)  CIPD - Tackling Racism in the Workplace Resources and Guidance: https://bit.ly/3zmH46D The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers, Borough, Turning to You, These Times.
Chatter about Disability: Supporting Neurodiverse and Disabled Colleagues | Episode 3
27-06-2022
Chatter about Disability: Supporting Neurodiverse and Disabled Colleagues | Episode 3
Disability is a spectrum with a wide range of appearances and capabilities – with some forms of disability being visible and many others harder to spot. In this episode, we’ll speak about disability and neurodiversity. There are numerous proven business benefits to hiring a diverse workforce, however there are still significant barriers in many UK workplaces for disabled candidates. In this episode, we cover several key topics including: (2:07-10:57) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners. (11:07-30:20) How to create a organisation that is neurodiversity inclusive – providing the correct support at recruitment stage through to employment stage & beyond. Discussed by Chris Dabbs (Chief Executive at Unlimited Potential), Kate Omonigho Pearson (Head of Social Justice at Genius Within), Lorna Culpin (Assistant Director for the Neuro-Diverse Centre for Excellence at EY). (30:30-46:56) A conversation with Andy Walker, Engagement Coordinator at Breakthrough UK. What are the key insights from a disabled people’s panel, that will provide advice to employers on how to improve their recruitment and retention techniques? Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: Unlimited Potential: The Meaningful Employment of Autistic People Report: https://bit.ly/3PqLYFg  Breakthrough UK: Resource Links: https://bit.ly/3PqM1kq Neurodiversity Hub: Resources for Employers: https://bit.ly/3IXKWOG  The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers, Borough, Turning to You, These Times.
Chatter about Working Parents: Creating Family Friendly Workplaces | Episode 2
20-06-2022
Chatter about Working Parents: Creating Family Friendly Workplaces | Episode 2
Being an organisation that truly supports working parents is crucial – with it being directly linked to rises in gender equality, and a greater ability to attract, retain and motivate employees. In this episode, we'll speak about how employers can create family-friendly workplaces, where parents can speak up, and have their needs accommodated. We’ll also be speaking about flexible work, and the particular benefits this can provide to working parents. We cover several key topics including: (1:36-14:06) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners (14:15-37:47) How do we create workplaces where working parents are accepted, can speak up, and can have their needs accommodated? Discussed by Joanne Waterworth (Senior Relationship Manager at Working Families), Jay McKenna (North West Regional Secretary at TUC) and Beckie Taylor (CEO and Co-Founder at Tech Returners)  (37:55-51:21) The benefits of flexible working for parents. How should this be managed, and why should employers consider greater flexibility? Discussed by Professor Jill Rubery (Director of the Work and Equalities Institute at the Alliance Manchester Business School) Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: Every Student Counts: Mind the Gap - Exploring the Needs of Early Career Nurses and Midwives in the Workplace: https://bit.ly/3B62aHu  Working Families: Employers Page: https://bit.ly/3RPKZ36  TUC: Good Work Plan - Proposals to Better Support Families: https://bit.ly/3RIMcJg   Good Employment Charter and CuroCarers: How to Support Working Carers: https://bit.ly/3cy3QPG  The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers, Borough, Turning to You, These Times.
Chatter about Pay Gap Reporting: Collecting Equality Data | Episode 1
13-06-2022
Chatter about Pay Gap Reporting: Collecting Equality Data | Episode 1
Being able to identify disparities, inequalities, and lack of representation is crucial to developing a fairer and more inclusive organisation moving forward. In this episode, we’ll speak about pay gap reporting – why it’s important, and what steps employers need to take to report on this correctly. We’ll also be looking to the reporting approach in other countries, and how looking internationally can help employers get ahead with their own strategies. In this episode, we cover several key topics including: (1:54-9:36) Employment Law Update led by Adam Haines, Partner at Aaron & Partners. (9:38-30:54) Pay Gap Reporting. Why is it important, and how can we report on it in a way that is fair and consistent? Discussed by Sam Booth (Chief Executive at Pro-Manchester), Ewelina Niziolek-Wilson (Head of People and Training at Castlefield), and Mark Russell (Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Manager at KPMG). (30:56-42:48) Understanding global pay gaps/wage trends, and how looking internationally can inform a UK business’s approach. Discussed by Christine Aumayr-Pintar (Senior Research Manager at Eurofound). Connect with The Good Employment Charter: Connect on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3CSB3NO) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3kSV9BA) Check out the Charter Website: https://bit.ly/3CXj09m Resources relevant to this episode: KPMG - Pay Gap Reporting Dashboard: https://bit.ly/3RSdJZ1 CIPD - Gender Pay Gap Reporting Guide: https://bit.ly/3v4LGvy Eurofound Website: https://bit.ly/3aXAudh  Equality and Human Rights Commission - Gender Pay Gap Reporting: https://bit.ly/2GviqTl  The music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks featured: Dirtbike Lovers, Borough, Turning to You, These Times.