NES recognised as Equally Safe at Work accredited employer

NES recognised as Equally Safe at Work accredited employer

NES has been awarded Equally Safe at Work Development accreditation, achieved thanks to the support and commitment from colleagues across the organisation.

We have improved our understanding of gender inequality in the labour market and strengthened our policies, procedures, and support for staff. Our aim, throughout, has been to address gender inequality and to ensure a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.

Through participating in the programme, we have implemented gender-sensitive employment practices and taken meaningful steps to prevent violence against women.

Advancing gender equality at work

Equally Safe at Work was developed by Close the Gap, Scotland’s expert policy advocacy organisation working on women's labour market participation. This innovative employer accreditation programme is designed to support employers in the public and third sector to prevent violence against women (VAW) and advance gender equality at work.

Karen Reid, Chief Executive of NES, said:

“Yesterday we celebrated 115 years of International Women’s Day, and I am delighted to share the news of our Equally Safe at Work accreditation. It is through our focus on improvement, collaboration, and support for and from each other that will help progress equality in the workplace – a workplace where we all thrive.”

Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director of Close the Gap, said:

“We’re delighted to award development accreditation to NHS Education for Scotland which is a sector leader on gender equality at work. Violence Against Women affects all aspects of women’s lives, including the workplace. It can make it difficult for victim-survivors to do their job well, prevents them from progressing, and in some cases forces them out of their job altogether. For employers, this can mean reduced productivity, the cost of managing unplanned absences, and higher staff turnover.

“The Equally Safe at Work programme is a tried and tested way for employers to improve their practice, tackle the gender pay gap and better support victim-survivors in the workplace. Employers that take steps to advance gender equality at work are more innovative, more productive, better able to manage skills gaps, and are more protected from the costly risk of discrimination.”

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