RBH joins the GM Good Employment Charter

RBH employees during a previous Living Wage Week

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is the first employer in the Rochdale borough to become a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.

Greater Manchester is the first area of the country to adopt a Good Employment Charter. The Charter was developed collectively by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Mayor of Greater Manchester - working alongside local councils, trade unions, employers, and employees.

RBH becomes a member of the charter last month after being a supporter since February 2020.

The charter outlines seven key characteristics of good employment. These are secure work; flexible work; paying the real living wage; engagement and voice; good recruitment; positive people management; and employee health and wellbeing.

Gareth Swarbrick, RBH Chief Executive, said: "I am extremely proud of how our employees and tenants have worked together to tackle the challenges of the past year. It has never been more important to be a good employer and to protect and support the health and wellbeing of our employees. I am delighted that the charter team has judged that we meet the seven key characteristics of good employment. This gives us a strong foundation upon which we can continue to improve.”

Sophie Wilkinson, who is an apprentice at RBH said: "I love the sense of community here, and you can tell RBH appreciates everyone who works here because even apprentices are paid the real Living Wage. I feel well looked after and I have enjoyed getting to know the ins and outs of RBH and all the different things RBH does for the community. I feel really lucky to have this opportunity and I am proud to be part of it."

Ian MacArthur, Head of the Good Employment Charter, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome RBH as a member of the charter. Good employment standards are the bedrock of productive and successful organisations, especially during the challenges presented by the pandemic.

“RBH has demonstrated excellent employment practice and moreover have set a culture that seeks to continually develop as an exemplar. My congratulations to the leadership, management and staff on achieving charter status and I look forward to working even closer to promote the benefits of good employment across Greater Manchester.”