Dumfries and Galloway’s only region-wide disabled people’s organisation – DG Voice – is celebrating after being awarded prestigious triple accreditation by Living Wage Scotland: Living Wage Employer, Living Hours, and Living Pension status.
The accreditation recognises the charity’s commitment to ensuring all staff receive at least the real Living Wage, predictable and secure working hours, and meaningful support towards a decent retirement.
This makes DG Voice the first charity in the South of Scotland and the first employer in Dumfries and Galloway to meet all three demanding standards simultaneously.
“As a disabled people’s organisation, fairness, dignity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do,” said DG Voice’s Chief Executive, Kim Dams. “We cannot credibly champion the rights of disabled people unless we provide our own staff with a genuine living wage, stable hours and long-term financial security.
“This triple accreditation is a powerful statement that disabled people and those who support them deserve fair pay and conditions, not just warm words.
“I hope that when larger organisations see that we, as a tiny charity with limited resources, can make this commitment it inspires them to do the same. We would be happy to help any organisation to work towards this accreditation and to Disability Confidence.”
Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said: “We are delighted that DG Voice has achieved Living Wage, Living Hours and Living Pension accreditations. They join a significant and growing movement of employers across Scotland who aim to protect workers against low wages and insecure work.
“Employers recognise that security and stability can help create a happier, healthier and more motivated workforce and we hope to see many more employers join DG Voice in going further than the minimum.”
These accreditations go significantly beyond the government’s National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. The real Living Wage is calculated annually according to the actual cost of living and is currently £13.45 per hour across the UK (£13.85 in London).
Living Hours guarantees workers predictable scheduling and enough guaranteed hours, while Living Pension requires employers to make meaningful contributions that help staff build a decent retirement income.
By achieving all three, DG Voice demonstrates leadership in ethical employment practices within the voluntary sector, particularly among organisations led by and for disabled people.
The charity will continue to campaign for systemic change so that disabled people across society can access fair pay, secure work and financial security, while embedding these principles firmly within its own operations.
About DG Voice
DG Voice is a user-led disabled people’s organisation working to promote the rights, equality and full participation of disabled people. Through advocacy, support services, training and campaigning, the charity challenges barriers and empowers disabled individuals to live independently and contribute fully to society.
For further information about DG Voice, our activities and services please email [email protected].
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