The Senedd Commission has been recognised for its exceptional support of its staff in 2021.
Work-life balance charity Working Families has announced that the Senedd has been awarded a place on its list of the top ten family-friendly employers in the UK.
The Senedd Commission employs staff who administer and support the parliament’s functions, from clerking and administering the Plenary and Committee meetings, to ICT services, public engagements and events, to security and managing the Senedd’s buildings.
To earn a place among the top 10, employers are assessed using Working Families’ Benchmark. They are scored on four key areas to build a comprehensive picture of their flexible and family-friendly policies and practices that specifically support parents/guardians and carers.
Ensuring flexible arrangements for those with caring responsibilities was one of the reasons the Senedd was commended for its work.
Lowri Williams, Head of Human Resources and Inclusion Services, said; “We’re extremely proud to have been recognised for making the Senedd a positive place for working parents and carers in 2021. During a challenging year of extreme uncertainty, it’s especially important for employers to do what they can to support their staff and this award reflects the value that the Senedd places on each of its employees.”
One of the ways in which the Senedd encourages a supportive environment is through working with dedicated staff networks to enable issues and solutions to be discussed with colleagues. The employees’ Teulu network brings together working parents and carers to provide support to each other and a platform to share ideas on maintaining a family friendly work-life balance.
Meriel Singleton, Chair of the Teulu staff network, said; “The inclusion of the Senedd Commission in the top ten for working families is a testament to the hard work across the organisation to be an inclusive employer, with policies designed to help and support those working for the Senedd to be able to have a good balance in life and work.”
Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families, said; “After an incredibly difficult year for employers and employees alike, we’ve been blown away by the high standard of this year’s entries. If anything, it’s been more competitive than ever, as more and more employers realise just how vital it is to offer flexible, family friendly policies and a positive, inclusive culture to attract the most diverse talent. I’d like to congratulate each and every worthy member of our Top Employers list 2021.”
