Marvin OnumonuThe North East Combined Authority’s ‘Shine’ accreditation scheme saw more than 100 local employers sign up in just two months.
The free programme is open to all organisations and is designed to help improve working conditions, promote inclusivity and support employee wellbeing.
Shine has four levels, from Subscriber to Advanced, and recent members include Metrocentre, Obrien Storage, Husqvarna, North East Education Partnership and Creo Comms.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness (pictured, right) said: “Our mission is to make the North East the home of real opportunity, and a big part of that is making sure this is a great place to work.
“We launched Shine just two months ago as part of the New Deal for North East Workers to champion good jobs and fair work across every corner of our region.
“I’m really excited that we’ve already got over 100 employers signed up.”
McGuinness added: “That’s 100 businesses showing their commitment to doing right by their people, and giving their employees the best possible opportunities in their workplaces.
“This just shows what we already knew – we’ve got great employers who want to get behind our mission.”
Gavin Prior, centre director at Metrocentre, said: “Achieving Shine accreditation is a proud moment for Metrocentre, as it reflects our core values and complements the progress we are making with our recent Investors in People Silver Accreditation.
“The Shine framework, through its five beams, provides valuable insight into where we are performing strongly and where we can continue to improve.
“Too often, careers in retail are undervalued. At Metrocentre, we want to change that by recognising the crucial role every individual plays in our success.”
Prior added: “Shine underlines our commitment to respect and fairness – principles that shape how we operate and how we support our people.
“Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and their contribution makes Metrocentre the thriving destination it is today.
“It is therefore vital that we continually evaluate and enhance our approach, ensuring a workplace that is both supportive and nurturing at every level.
“Metrocentre is not only a leading retail and leisure destination, but also a fantastic place to work. By living our values, we will continue to build on this success for the future.”
Helen Willan, people business partner at North East Education Partnership, said: “We decided to sign up for the Shine initiative because we share its commitment to raising employment standards, fostering opportunity, and creating fair, inclusive workplaces across the North East.
“The accreditation journey has provided an invaluable framework and practical support for building on our existing good practice, especially through the five Shine beams that focus on wellbeing, social responsibility, employee voice, opportunity for all, and fair work.
“Achieving the Foundation Award is a great first milestone, and we’re now working towards the Intermediate Award.”
Willan added: “Shine is helping us reflect, learn and innovate so the opportunities for staff and students in our partnership are stronger than ever.
“Importantly, this work also aligns with our recently refreshed core values, providing a strong foundation for how we grow and improve.
“Being part of Shine also connects us to a wider movement for positive change and genuine opportunity, while giving recognition to the North East as a region that champions fair work and opportunity for all.
“We look forward to progressing with our accreditation and helping showcase the North East as the home of real opportunity for everyone.”
Shine offers resources and guidance to help employers improve in areas such as employee health and wellbeing, community impact and sustainability, employee voice, inclusivity and upskilling, and fair pay and secure work.
McGuinness added: “We are really ambitious with our Shine programme, and we want to see 300 taking part by the end of the year – this could positively benefit over 100,000 employees across the North East so we’re aiming high.
“We’re increasing our service to go further and faster in supporting employers who want to improve or be recognised for best practice in employment standards and I’m pleased with progress so far.”
