Employer Standards | Raising Quality 2024
In August 2024, we achieved accreditation from The Careers & Enterprise Company. We completed an assessment against nine employer standards for careers education. These fall into the categories of
- Inspiring young people for their best next step
- Preparing young people to be career ready
- Collaborating for success
Achieving this accreditation demonstrates our commitment to excellence and quality in the training and opportunities we provide.
Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation (LIQA)
In July 2024, we were awarded NAVCA's LIQA for demonstrating the quality of our offer and impact in supporting local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations. This accreditation, valid for three years, is awarded following an independent assessment of a portfolio of evidence provided against a set of criteria based on the Four Functions of Infrastructure:
- Leadership and advocacy
- Partnerships and collaborations
- Capacity building
- Volunteering
By attaining the LIQA, we have demonstrated our ability to deliver each of these functions to a high standard. Our services are responsive to and deeply embedded within the needs of the local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, and we are dedicated to working in partnership to achieve our goals.
Bronze Award – Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
In June 2024, we were delighted to receive a Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). It is for employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and who pledge to support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community.
We're proud to be supporting those who serve.
The matrix Standard
From September 2023, we achieved matrix Standard accreditation! The matrix Standard is owned by the Department for Education and ensures the delivery of high-quality information, advice and guidance (IAG) services that enable people to reach their full potential.
Achieving the matrix Standard demonstrates our commitment to excellence and quality.
Cyber Essentials Certified
In July 2023, we became Cyber Essentials certified!
Cyber Essentials certification ensures that Communities 1st adheres to key data protection laws and industry regulations, helping us avoid potential fines and penalties. It provides a clear framework for implementing essential security measures, making it easier to comply with various regulatory requirements.
Herts Healthy Workplace [Level 1]
Having a healthy and happy workforce is good for an organisation. It improves productivity and increases staff retention.
We are proud to have achieved a Herts Healthy Workplace Level 1 in July 2023 and to be laying a foundation to begin to build a healthier workplace.
Mindful Employer
Mindful Employer is a national initiative supporting employers to take a positive approach towards mental health at work.
In June 2022, we signed The Charter for Employers Positive About Mental Health. This is not an accreditation or set of quality standards, but a set of values. By signing the Charter, we made a public declaration of our commitment to support the mental health of our staff.
Accredited Living Wage Employer
The real Living Wage is based on the cost of living and in July 2024 it is £12.00 per hour. By paying the real Living Wage, we are voluntarily taking a stand to ensure our employees can earn a wage which is enough to live on.
Disability Confident Employer [Level 2]
We have been awarded the Level 2 Disability Confident Employer from the Disability Confident scheme in April 2022.
Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. We aim to:
- Challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability
- Draw from the widest possible pool of talent
- Secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
Improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment.
