Borders College’s Living Wage commitment recognised at national awards

@BordersCollege will attend this year’s Living Wage Scotland Awards 2021, having been shortlisted in the ‘Resilience Award’ category.

As an accredited Living Wage Employer, the College had to meet the criteria of being ‘an accredited employer who since the beginning of the pandemic has gone above and beyond to support their team and wider community.’

The College demonstrated this by providing its staff with the required resources to carry out their roles from home and the office effectively, with minimum disruption to student learning.

Tips on wellbeing and encouraging staff to take some time out, as well as adopting a flexible approach to working, were all recognised. Given the accreditation as a ‘Great Place to Work’ also proved that the College has gone above and beyond in its duties to staff.

Borders College staff also supported the local community through the provision of 3D printing of masks, sewing health care worker uniforms, delivering prescriptions and delivering shopping to vulnerable groups throughout the region.

Head of HR at Borders College Debbie Kerr commented:

“I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for this award and I am enormously proud of every one of our staff who, throughout, have shown their resilience, strength and commitment to our College; supporting each other, the people in our local communities, the region and further afield. They have demonstrated the values of our College and are a great team to work with.”

Living Wage Scotland aims to increase the number of employees in Scotland who receive the real Living Wage and formally recognises and celebrates employers who choose to go further than the government minimum.

The competition was intense this year, with only a few Living Wage Employers shortlisted for each category – a fitting testament to the College on their Living Wage commitment.

Borders College Principal Angela Cox said:

“I am extremely proud of the role Borders College staff played during COVID. Everyone contributed positively to ensuring our students continued in learning and providing support where necessary in our community. We recognise that it is our staff that makes Borders College the successful organisation it is and a great place to work.”      

The ceremony will take place on Friday 19^th November from 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm as part of the Living Wage Week celebrations and will be a virtual event, allowing nominees and their guests from further afield to attend.