LYVA Labs is recognised with Fair Employment Charter as a fair and inclusive place to work

LYVA Labs has been recognised in the ‘aspiring’ category of Liverpool City Region’s Fair Employment Charter. The certification celebrates city region employers who offer fairer standards of employment and practices in the workplace, for employees.

Liverpool City Region’s Mayor, Steve Rotherham, set up the charter to acknowledge regional businesses that enshrine good practices into their workplace and policies, in the additional hope that examples of positive workplaces will help to up working standards in businesses where improvement may be needed.

CEO, Lorna Green, said: “We are proud to have been awarded this charter, after working hard to ensure people we employ can enjoy a positive and fair working environment, with tailored opportunities. Our commitment to equality extends to the investments we make into businesses in the region, with 80% of our investments so far going to traditionally underrepresented business founders, which include women and people from ethnic minority groups.”

The charter has two categories: aspiring and accredited. LYVA Labs has achieved the first stage of accreditation: aspiring. Businesses must evidence good practices in four categories for this level: health and safety in the workplace; fairly paid and secure work; inclusivity; and being a just workplace. Examples of LYVA Labs’ policies and practices towards a fair and inclusive workplace include:

Health and safety in the workplace, LYVA Labs has an office at The Spine, which is certified as a WELL Platinum Standard building.

Inclusivity: LYVA Labs employs people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles; the team is 40% female, 25% BAME, and 13% aged twenty-five and under; our values promote collaborative working; a training and development budget is accessible to all staff.

We also recognise the importance of mental and physical health inside and outside of the workplace and have qualified mental health first aiders; flexible working; regular social events; discounted gym membership at Lifestyles Gyms; one day’s leave a year to volunteer for a charitable cause.

LYVA Labs is a just and accessible workplace: LYVA Labs staff have a voice via our ‘speak up’ policy and access to union membership. We offer apprenticeships and work experience opportunities via our Talent Programme, and have developed partnerships with Sciontec, the City of Liverpool College, Brighter Futures, and other organisations, which enable us to host student projects and offer workshops and STEM events for younger people.