Fair Work Convention – Reflecting 10 Years on
Formed in 2015, The Fair Work Convention set out goals for 2025, aiming for a world-leading working life in Scotland where fair work drives success and wellbeing alongside prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society. As the third sector, it’s valuable to reflect on the principles of fair work and consider what progress we’ve made.
The cost of living crisis diverted most of our attention to the need for fair pay. While the National Living Wage continues to lag behind the Real Living Wage in Scotland, most would consider that progress has been made in lifting earnings for the lowest paid.
However, Fair Work goes beyond just pay. The Fair Work Framework sets out five key areas for us to focus on as fair employers:
Effective Voice
For individuals, having an effective voice at work is essential. In the third sector, local democracy sits at the heart of everything we do, advocating for the voices of those with lived experience. We must ensure these principles are reflected in our workplaces, giving staff and volunteers a real voice in shaping our services.
Opportunity
Ensuring Fair Work is available to everyone is essential. Fair opportunity enables people to access work equally and is a key aspect of the Fair Work Framework. Organisations should aim to be diverse, recognising the talents and strengths of all sections of society, which can contribute positively to our organisations.
Security
Financial security is key to personal and family stability, enabling better planning and long-term decisions – like investing in pensions.
In the third sector, this is often out of reach due to reliance on short-term, annual funding cycles. That’s why TSI (Perth & Kinross) continue to call for fairer, more sustainable funding that supports the legitimate calls of workers for security of employment. The Living Hours campaign also champions this goal by encouraging employers to commit to better standards around hours and income security.
Fulfilment
Fulfilment often stems from positive, supportive workplace relationships that promote a genuine sense of belonging – closely aligning with the principle of respect at the heart of fair work. It’s a dimension that should naturally thrive in the third sector, where the care we extend to service users can and should be reflected in how we support the staff and volunteers who make our work possible.
Respect
Respect in the workplace is fundamental to health, safety, and overall wellbeing. When people are treated with dignity, it helps prevent workplace-related illness and injury, and fosters an environment free from bullying and harassment.
By respecting our staff and volunteers, we not only reduce risk and liability – we also improve communication, strengthen team dynamics, and create a culture where people are empowered to do their best for those we serve. This builds trust in our work and reinforces confidence in the wider sector.
Reflecting on the Fair Work Framework
After reading the framework, its worth taking a moment to reflect. Where do you sit within this framework? Have you made progress? Have you maintained that progress? For sure, if the third sector can get this right, we will be more than champions of fair work. We will be architects of a better, fairer society.