Equality North East

S&D Training

S&D Training are a genuine ‘not-for- profit’ organisation. Staff are passionate about the work they do with participants and the company value their staff.

S&D’s objectives are to develop the skills of members of the socially and economically disadvantaged people in their care to enable them to participate more fully in society. To do this they have a very robust inclusive training programme available to all sections of the company.

S&D training hold the Positive About Disability Standard and due to the increased use of Occupational Health are able to use guidance to ensure potential and existing employees with health or disability issues to work comfortably and attend work regularly with support.

S&D encourage progression by offering extensive training and development for staff. Staff also receive awareness training on Drugs, Race and Disability every three years, along with awareness of difficulties and solutions for people who are Blind or Visually Impaired and Conflict Management.

The introduction of supervisory meetings for staff has proved to be useful and has reduced stress levels.

All staff are able to work flexibly and reduced hours are available to returners from maternity leave, parents or those just wanting to improve their quality of life. If staff are on long-term sick or recovering from a serious illness, a phased return to work is offered and support given.

The implementation of an attendance management policy has enabled employees who become disabled throughout their employment to consider adjustments to their work, hours or working environment to enable them to remain employed.

S&D recently reviewed their company payscale to ensure all staff are placed on a five point scale, comparable with their colleagues. Staff can also apply for a hardship loan if they need it.

They are members of the Skills Pledge which is a promise that, through training, they will work to boost the productivity and efficiency of their business while realising the full potential of their employees. They are also members of the Charter for Adult learning.

S&D’s learners are diverse and include 31 Returners to work, 34 lone parents, 37 ex-offenders, 26 homeless, 89 disabled and five BME.

All learners receive equality and diversity at company induction with a refresher on a quarterly basis.

Each year in June/July they hold a special Gender Stereotyping Project in collaboration with local schools which involved seven schools this year. The objective is to provide a structured programme of activities which allow young females to consider careers in the construction industry and to breakdown preconceived stereotypical ideas on the roles of males and females in the workplace.

S&D Training

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