Fair Work Statement | Etopia Training

1. Approval and review
  Purpose and commitment
  
  Etopia Training is committed to Fair Work First, Scotland’s approach to driving high-quality work and fair workplaces. We believe fair work supports better outcomes for individuals, clients and communities, and contributes to a strong, inclusive and productive workforce. This statement sets out our Fair Work commitments and how we apply them in practice.

What Fair Work means

- a pay policy that includes a commitment to supporting the real Living Wage;
- fair employment practices.
- clear managerial responsibility to nurture talent and help individuals fulfil their potential.
- a strong commitment to the development of Scotland’s young workforce.
- support for learning and development.
- no inappropriate use of zero hours contracts.
- no inappropriate use of “umbrella” companies
- flexible working.
- flexitime; and
- career breaks.
- appropriate channels for effective voice, such as trade union
- recognition;
- investment in workforce development
- no inappropriate use of zero-hour contracts;
- action to tackle the gender gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace;
- fair and equal treatment of our contracted trainers
- payment of at least the Real Living wage;
- offer flexible and family friendly working practices for all workers from day one of employment; and
- oppose the use of fire and rehire practices.

2. Effective voice

We support effective voice through regular, structured communication and a culture of openness and respect. Employees have weekly team check-ins and formal review meetings (quarterly and annual), where feedback, ideas and concerns can be raised. We also provide an anonymous feedback route via a dedicated inbox (feedback@etopiatraining.co.uk) for employees and associate trainers. Where trade union recognition is applicable, we respect and support the role of trade unions as a channel for effective voice.

3. Investment in workforce development

We invest in development through structured CPD and performance review. Yearly appraisals include development planning, and employees are encouraged to build skills through ongoing learning. For trainers, CPD is embedded into how we work, including peer learning (e.g., trainers sitting in on each other’s delivery) and reflective improvement of training practice.

4. Secure work and appropriate contracts

Etopia does not use zero-hours contracts. All employees are employed on open-ended (permanent) contracts with confirmed minimum hours and work patterns, and contracts reflect actual hours worked. We do not impose compulsory overtime. Where overtime is agreed, it is paid at 1.5x the normal rate.

For training delivery we engage a small number of long-standing associate trainers, treated fairly and consistently. We do not engage workers through umbrella companies for this contract.

5. Fair pay (Real Living Wage)

We have paid all employees at or above the Real Living Wage since 2020. We review pay periodically to ensure it remains fair, competitive and aligned to our commitments.

6. Tackling the gender gap and supporting inclusion

We maintain equal pay for equal roles and are committed to inclusive employment practices. We seek to ensure recruitment, development and progression opportunities are fair and accessible. As a small employer we recognise workforce diversity can be more limited than in larger organisations, but we remain committed to championing diversity, equity and inclusion across our workplace and supply chain.

7. Flexible and family-friendly working

We offer flexible and family-friendly working practices from day one of employment. This includes the option for full remote working, flexible hours to accommodate family commitments and lifestyle choices, and providing equipment to enable effective home working. We do not expect staff to work outside agreed hours unless they choose to.

8. Opposing fire and rehire

We oppose the use of fire and rehire practices and do not use them within our organisation.

9. Modern Slavery and ethical supply chain

Published in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, Etopia takes steps to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains. We require independent contractors and relevant suppliers to agree to our Code of Conduct and expect fair and lawful working practices throughout delivery.

10. Monitoring, review and publication

This statement is reviewed annually by the Company Director and updated where required.
Employees can contribute through weekly meetings, review meetings, and the anonymous feedback channel.
Where requested by clients, we will provide relevant evidence of practices (e.g., Real Living Wage commitment, contract types, and effective voice arrangements).
This statement is approved by Etopia Training Directors and will be reviewed annually (or sooner if required) to ensure it remains current and reflects best practice.

Approved by: Ian McCallum, Company Director

Next review due: December 202
References:

Scottish Government - Fair Work First (Scottish Procurement Policy Handbook): https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-procurement-policy-handbook/pages/12/
Scottish Government - Fair Work First Guidance: https://www.gov.scot/publications/fair-work-first-guidance-3/
Fair Work Convention - The Fair Work Framework: https://fairworkconvention.scot/the-fair-work-framework/
Jonathan Pollinger - AI trainer: https://www.pollinger.ai/