SCVO were among a group of ten employers praised by social business, Flexibility Works. 

Third sector organisations, including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), have been praised for their approach to flexible working at a prestigious awards ceremony. 

SCVO and the Wise Group have been named one of Scotland’s top 10 employers for embracing flexible working in Scotland’s Flexible Working Awards, run by social business Flexibility Works.

The final list is a combination of organisations that have been offering extensive flexibility to workers for more than two years, as well as “new-found flexers” that have substantially increased flexible and other new ways of working since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The awards celebrate forward-thinking employers that understand how flexibility is good for people - helping them create more harmony between work and home life - as well as for business growth.

The winners were announced during an online ceremony last week to an audience of Scottish business leaders.

Caroline Christie, SCVO HR manager, said: “Offering greater flexibility to staff helps our people create a better work life balance and come to work more focused and more productive. We’ve been working hard to increase flexibility where we can, and we’re delighted our efforts have been recognised.

“We’re very excited to be included in the Top 10 Employers for flexible working.  Flexible working is important to us at SCVO and it is great to receive this recognition from Flexibility Works.  We will continue to strive to go the extra mile with flex.”

SCVO were one of four organisations within the Top 10 that received a special judges’ commendation, highlighting the entry and flexible working approach as exceptional by the judges.

In addition, three people were recognised as ‘flex influencers’ for their individual efforts to increase flexible working in their organisation. 

Lynn Houmdi from The Challenges Group/The Talent Loom was the overall winner, with Claire Carpenter from social enterprise The Melting Pot Edinburgh and Nicholas Scullion from Scullion Law both highly commended.

Nikki Slowey, co-founder and director of Flexibility Works, which supports employers across Scotland implementing successful flex, said: “Our judges were really impressed with how SCVO is nurturing a new way of working in Scotland.

“As final Covid restrictions end, the next six months will be a crucial transition for many employers from ‘Covid flex’ that was forced upon us to a more intentional and sustainable true flexibility. Employers like SCVO are brilliant for showcasing practical steps organisations can take, and the positive impact this makes.”

New research by Flexibility Works shows 84 per cent of Scottish workers already work flexibly, or would like to, up from 73 per cent before the pandemic. 

Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of employers say flexible working has had a positive impact on the business.