Vernon Building Society has joined the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, having met its high standards for fair pay, secure work, and excellent people practices.
The Society was formally welcomed into the Charter at a ceremony where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham presented Chief Executive Darren Ditchburn with a plaque recognising Vernon’s commitment to good employment. The voluntary membership and assessment scheme is aimed at raising employment excellence across the region and impacts thousands of employees, including almost 100 colleagues across the Vernon’s head office and six branches in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Chief Executive of Vernon Building Society, Darren Ditchburn said: “We’re proud to become a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. We’ve always been passionate about creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver the best for our Members. We champion fair pay, including our commitment to paying the Real Living Wage, flexible working, and an inclusive culture that puts our people first. This commitment strengthens our Society and contributes to the wider economic and social wellbeing of our community."
The Charter sets out seven characteristics of good employment, all underpinned by the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. These are: secure work, fair pay, inclusive recruitment, flexible working practices, support for health and wellbeing, employee engagement and voice, and effective people management.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Congratulations to Vernon Building Society for becoming a Member of the Good Employment Charter. As our movement keeps growing, your commitment and dedication to promoting the characteristics of good employment is fantastic to see.
“Becoming a Member of the Charter is an accomplishment that employers like the Vernon should be proud of. You are making a positive impact and setting a high standard for others to follow.”
Ditchburn concludes: “The Vernon has reached a century as a mutual, with total assets of over £500m for the first time its history, thanks to the dedication of our hardworking colleagues. Offering a working environment in which they can flourish and being part of the Good Employment Charter helps us demonstrate our commitment to them in return.”