Charity's care of employees praised - as it prepares to expand

Scotland’s largest visual impairment organisation has received an award recognising its commitment to its employees.

Sister charities Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded, together known as Royal Blind Group, have achieved Investors in People accreditation.

The award comes at a time when the charities are about to create over 100 new jobs with their expansion into the west of Scotland, boosting the total workforce to around 600 employees.

Royal Blind is building a care home for visually impaired older people and Scottish War Blinded is constructing an activity and support centre for veterans. The new services will be located side by side in Paisley.

Royal Blind Group chief executive Richard Hellewell said: “I am delighted that Royal Blind Group has achieved the Investors in People accreditation.

“At Royal Blind Group it is essential for our workforce to feel supported and motivated to continue to deliver an outstanding level of service to the many visually impaired people who rely on our organisation in their day to day lives.”

Royal Blind Group offers salaries starting at the living wage and is already recognised as a Disability Confident Employer for its practice in employing and retaining disabled people.

Sheila Dick, HR administrator for Royal Blind Group, has worked for the organisation for 42 years.

She said: “In my years working for Royal Blind Group I have seen first-hand how both charities have grown and developed by successfully supporting and managing their staff. Many of our staff, myself included, have been with the organisation for the majority of their careers.

“I’m very proud to see Royal Blind Group receive the Investors in People accreditation.”