Newcastle College has been recognised for its commitment to being a great place to work. The College has been awarded the North of Tyne Good Work Pledge, a scheme that recognises those businesses in North Tyneside committed to providing good jobs and looks after its workforce.
Launched in 2020 by North of Tyne Combined Authority, the Good Work Pledge is built around five pillars:
- Valuing and Rewarding your Workforce
- Promoting Health and Wellbeing
- Effective Communications and Representation
- Developing a Balanced Workforce – putting diversity and inclusion front and centre.
- Social Responsibility
Newcastle College, which currently employs around 1,200 people, has received an Advanced accreditation under the scheme, meaning it meets all five pillars of the pledge.
It joins a select group of local companies, including Sage and Northumbrian Water, to be recognised for their commitment to building a thriving workforce that supports the North East economy.
Lisa Hamilton-Murray, Deputy Principal of Newcastle College, commented: “We’re thrilled to have received the Advanced Good Work Pledge from North of Tyne. As a college, our vision is to develop the skills and talents of our students to succeed in modern enterprise and make a positive contribution to the prosperity of the North East.
“It is impossible to realise this vision without the strength and skills of our passionate and talented team of colleagues. We are committed to creating a motivated and skilled workforce, all of whom play a pivotal role in providing our learners with the education and support they need to succeed and go on to make an impact in our local community and economy.
“As part of NCG, Newcastle College aims to be an employer of choice. We are committed to ensuring that we provide good jobs and recognise, value and nurture everybody who contributes to what we do. We have also recently launched a Wellbeing Strategy for colleagues, which recognises that providing good health and wellbeing support, and promoting good physical, mental and psychological health and wellbeing, not only increases productivity in the workplace but supports employees to lead healthier and happier lives, both at home and work.”
Mayor Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor said: “For an economy that works for everyone, Good Work is essential. It boosts companies’ productivity and boosts workers’ quality of life.
“Our Good Work Pledge encourages and supports employers to see the benefits. Our aim is for every employer in our region to sign up to it.
“Newcastle College is to be congratulated on achieving the Good Work Pledge Advanced Level and becoming part of a community of best practice in responsible employment.”
The Good Work Pledge is just one of the ways in which Newcastle College has been recognised as a good employer. NCG, the national college group that it is part of, has recently been accredited as a Living Wage Employer, meaning everyone working at the college receives a fair wage that can support a decent standard of living. Newcastle College launched its Strategy to 2030 earlier this year, setting out its role in the region to support its learners, partners and communities, as well as its commitment to its colleagues.