First Bus has been named the first UK transport operator to receive Charter Mark accreditation from the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG) as the company seeks to strengthen its approach to inclusive hiring.
The operator has been awarded Bronze status under the SRAG Charter, which recognises organisations that demonstrate a commitment to “open, inclusive and diverse recruitment processes”. First Bus employs around 18,000 people across the UK.
The accreditation reflects efforts to widen access to employment opportunities for individuals who may face barriers in the labour market, including the long-term unemployed, neurodiverse candidates, veterans and those not in education, employment or training (NEET).
To achieve the standard, First Bus says it has implemented measures including board-level support for inclusive recruitment, targeted policies to improve workforce diversity and revised approaches to job advertising aimed at reaching underrepresented groups.
First says it will now work with SRAG to further develop its recruitment practices, with the aim of progressing to higher levels of accreditation over time.
Says Angela Renfrew, First Bus Director of Talent Acquisition and Early Years Careers (pictured, left): “This is a fantastic achievement for First Bus, as it demonstrates our strong commitment to the highest standards of fair, inclusive recruitment. Through SRAG we can access and support groups such as the long term unemployed, veterans, neurodiverse candidates, and NEET individuals.
“SRAG will also work with us to help raise our standards further, advising on areas for improvement and supporting us as we develop into a high standard social value recruiter.”
Kenny Boyle, CEO of PeoplePlus which created and sponsors SRAG, adds: “First Bus has attained Bronze Level, demonstrating its dedication to social value and social recruitment. Its efforts are very impressive. We are proud to have it as part of our Advocacy Group, and its commitment is making a valuable impact on individuals and society.”
