Working Environment

• The office-based staff of the Association, both in the Aberdeen and Elgin offices, work in a modern, bright, open-plan environment in the centre of the town. The Aberdeen office is open from 9am-5pm and the Elgin office is open from 9am-1pm and from 2pm-5pm. Office-based staff are contracted to work 35 hours per week but there may be occasions when extra hours are required. These are covered by flexi-time and lieu time arrangements.
• The Association adopts a number of flexible working practices and demonstrates a general willingness to accommodate the needs of its staff e.g. part-time hours, flexible hours and some degree of home working.
• Grampian Housing Association is wholly committed to equal opportunities and maintains contact with a range of equalities groups to ensure that it fulfils this commitment in terms of the provision of both housing and employment.
• The Association has numerous policies and procedures in place which deal with the working environment and the legal framework within which we operate. These policies ensure that all staff are treated in a consistent, fair and transparent manner. Where appropriate, staff input into the policies and procedures is welcomed as is the involvement of the union (see below).
• The Association, which successfully gained Investor in People re-accreditation in 2004, recognises the importance of training for its staff. It is the aim of the Association to:
• (a) provide induction training for all new staff and for any employee who is transferred to a new department within the Association;
• (b) ensure adequate training opportunities are continually available to staff to enable individuals to perform well and contribute to the organisation especially as work content and other matters affecting the Association change;
• (c) provide sufficient training to individuals to equip them for promotion or for new and additional responsibilities;
• (d) provide sufficient information, instruction and training to ensure the health and safety of all employees.
  Staff will be granted approval and financial support for attendance at relevant conferences, courses, seminars and study towards professional qualifications.
• In March 2003, the Association recognised UNISON as sole collective bargaining agent for its staff (excluding the senior management team) with regard to their terms and conditions of employment. At present, there are two staff union representatives.
• A generally informal atmosphere prevails in the Association – we have dress-down Fridays for instance – and a number of social events happen throughout the year which bring staff together in a different setting.