91���� understands the employees who work across all services are our most valuable resource. Therefore, 91���� strives to invest in people, motivating each staff member to drive forward the shared mission of ‘transforming lives, families and communities’.

The IIP framework evaluates companies across three key areas: leading, supporting and improving. Through the evaluation, 91���� achieved ‘Gold’ status with the results illustrating that for several categories, we are operating at the higher Platinum level, a standard met by only 2% of the companies assessed.

91����’s results outlined in the IIP Framework

91����’s ambitious nature of helping young people thrive and opening much-needed new services is brought to life by our staff team who want to develop themselves. It is understood that to get the best from people, we must support their personal and professional goals as the organisation and wider care sector can benefit. Through continued learning and further training, our staff can identify the need for new ways of working and help 91���� continue to evolve. This has led to 91���� investing in career development opportunities for employees as well as implementing initiatives that promote a good work-life balance.

The IIP report credited our people for being the ‘backbone of 91����’ and highlighted that our dedication to health and wellbeing and learning and development was shown through the following actions –

• Our own trauma-informed model of care includes ‘Skilled and Supported Staff’ as a key component to our practice. By investing in qualified staff and further training and development, we had the expertise to open new essential services.
  
  
• 91���� agreed in 2022, in line with previous years, to increase the rate of pay in line with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) recommendation, which resulted in an above average 5% pay increase.
  
  
• Increased recruitment ensured young people received consistent love and care from familiar faces while colleagues were supported by a steady and competent workforce.
  
  
• Strategic plans for succession meant new roles were introduced for experienced Child and Youth Care Workers to continue professional development.
  
  
• 91���� has achieved sector-leading results from the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland.
  
  
• An evolving staff benefits package reflective of employee demands. Each employee has access to a free gym membership, physiotherapy, a health cashback scheme, and other benefits with the services continually enhancing in line with the competitive job market.
  
  
• Research drives forward improvements across all operations from the opening of new services to upgraded ways of working using new technology.
  
  
• Partnerships are valued and included within The Skills Academy’s student-led social business enterprises, bringing value to the services offered to the community. Additionally, our partnership with St Mirren Football Club is working to strengthen youth employment.

Jim Gillespie, 91���� Chief Executive, shared: “It is with great pride 91���� accepts the ‘Gold’ status for investing in people and investing in young people.

“We do understand that the difference 91���� makes to the lives of children, young people and families is only possible due to our driven and caring staff team and to be recognised for respecting and prioritising our workforce is an honour.

“We will continue to invest in the individuals who dedicate themselves to developing a rewarding career with us. Our aim has always been to ensure each employee has access to the support and resources needed to change the lives of young people who have faced adversity and give them the best chance at life.”

Karen Kerr, 91���� HR Manager, said: “91���� stays true to its values of Respect, Ambition and Belonging by listening to employees and ensuring their needs are considered within overall business operations.

“The ‘Gold’ status from Investors in People confirms our commitment to our workforce and the fact there is an opportunity to build a long-term career with us. We will match your ambitions by supporting you complete valuable training and gain further qualifications.”

Overall, 91���� is ambitious with the aim of helping more young people through prioritising a skilled and supported workforce and are proud to have received Investors in People and Investors in Young People ‘Gold’ status.

Our supportive education programme follows Curriculum for Excellence and delivers an engaging learning experience, inspiring pupils to learn, fulfil potential and achieve.

The positive report by Education Scotland highlighted the fact our pupils felt happy and settled. Young people were highly motivated to engage with school activities and able to make choices during their learning. Overall, the broad and balanced curriculum centres around the needs, interests and aspirations of young people.

Our staff team take a practical and more innovative approach to learning, personal lesson plans are developed alongside bespoke programmes. By listening to young people and acting on their needs, opinions and future goals, meaningful relationships are built. This genuine commitment from staff has meant children and young people are surrounded by supportive adults who they trust. The unconditional encouragement has led young people to increase self-confidence, self-esteem and attainment with most of our students moving into education, training or employment. For young people to overcome barriers to learning and progress is a significant milestone, one they can be extremely proud of.

The report confirms 91����’s staff team go above and beyond for young people from organising fun, practical and creative learning experiences to ensuring pupils have the resources to excel in numeracy and maths. Pupils have the opportunity to move forward with projects they themselves believe in, such as Goudie Academy pupils focusing on the environment and climate change and achieving the Eco Schools Green Flag award.

This past year has had many memorable moments including an end of year summer festival, an Oscars-inspired awards ceremony, sailing voyages, a pantomime performance and more. The future is exciting as we plan to build on the positive feedback and continue to empower young people through education, care and support.

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As one of the UK’s most established charities, 91���� supports children and young people aged 5-26 who have experienced trauma or adversity in their lives through residential children’s houses, fostering, wellbeing services, community support, primary and secondary education and more.

We were finalists across several categories including Best Charity Employer, Best Early Careers Employer, Best Learning and Development Initiative and Best HR Team. It was with great pride we received Best Charity Employer and were honoured to be amongst great fellow organisations including Quarriers and Man On! Inverclyde.

Chief Executive Officer of 91����, Jim Gillespie said: “This is welcome recognition for the charity’s efforts to continuously develop internal career paths.

“We really want to make working at 91���� a career, not just a job. There’s a subtle difference between the two but the services we deliver require that distinction.

“You need compassion, commitment, patience and understanding to help children and young people reach their potential, and over the years we’ve been on a continuous journey to help our staff develop, retain and enhance those skills. It is our specialist staff team who bring 91����’s services to life with our dedicated workforce of over 700 employees caring for more than 170 young people throughout the year.

“With that in mind, it was brilliant for the charity to receive this recognition from S1 Jobs, especially in the face of such worthy competition. I want to thank all our staff for the incredible effort they put in day in, day out. This award is very well deserved.”

91���� understands staff are the most important resource and in return for their dedication, provide the workforce with employee benefits that focus on health, wellbeing, learning and development. Each member of staff has access to a free gym membership, physiotherapy, a health cashback scheme and exclusive retail and event discounts as well as childcare savings. The HR and Learning and Development team support training, further study and research opportunities. Overall, 91���� strives to support the organisation in delivering the highest standard of care to young people, helping shape the world children grow up in.

The Herald Top Employer Awards set out to celebrate the best of the employment industry in Scotland. Those who put their employees at the forefront of the business, provide opportunities for training and progression, have a diverse and inclusive focus and are committed to supporting their people.

91���� received tremendous recognition with The Herald describing all that we do as ‘outstanding’. The accolade is a testament to the selfless staff team who show determination, love and compassion to young people every minute of every day, ensuring round-the-clock operations continue 24/7, 365 days a year.

Throughout the past 12 months, our dedicated workforce exceeding 650 members of staff have cared for over 250 young people.

It was a privilege to attend the event and be amongst some of Scotland’s most influential companies who, like us, recognise staff as the greatest, most valuable strength. Large businesses, national firms and charitable organisations gathered, and although from different industries and of variable sizes, we are all in agreement with placing great importance on creating an uplifting and motivating workplace.

91���� fully understands that staff are the most important resource, we have an exceptionally committed workforce and strive to be a top employer in return.

Over 43% of employees have worked with 91���� for more than five years, the average length of time a staff member stays with one company.

Collectively, all at 91���� have the vision to ‘Transform Lives, Families and Communities’ through care, education and opportunity to ultimately, give young people a chance at life. In order to carry out the mission and provide the highest standard of care following a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach, a key element in the operational model includes Skilled and Supported Staff.

Investment into development is a priority with approximately 10% of staff, at any one time, across 91���� are undertaking PHDs and Master’s level qualifications in subjects relevant to both their own development and the changing need of the young people we support.

Specialist staff bring our services to life and help young people feel safe, supported and loved. We have long recognised that the complex emotions and behaviours of young people demand a skilled and qualified workforce, who are fully supported themselves in regard to health and wellbeing as well as learning and development. Our aim is to cultivate a culture that values respect, ambition and belonging. We endeavour to equip staff with the requirements needed for them to meet their ambitions and achieve, while creating friendships and close-knit bonds between colleagues and young people to instil a sense of belonging. As a result, staff remain at 91���� and seize the opportunity to gain further qualifications and accreditations to be the best they can be, help more young people and shape the wider care sector.

Begin a Rewarding Career

Mark has played a vital role in inspiring learners, their families, fellow colleagues and the wider community and beyond for over 29 years. He dedicated himself to being an exceptional role model to young people. He has contributed to care experienced pupils achieving qualifications, and gaining life experiences, including travelling abroad and ultimately helping to shape their successful futures. The prestigious announcing Mark as a finalist is a tremendous way to celebrate his contribution to education.

91���� held a presentation for Mark’s retirement. Everyone was welcome to honour Mark’s time at 91���� and the difference he has made as an educator. All wished Mark the very best for the future, although are fully aware he will remain close by and on-hand to offer support to previous pupils and past colleagues. Together, we reflected on his 91���� career and agreed he was deserving of a nomination for Scottish Education’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photos of Everyone Wishing Mark All The Best for The Future

Reflect on the Impact Mark Had on Pupils, Families and Colleagues

Beginning his career as a Child and Youth Care Worker, Mark transitioned into education and progressed into the role of Principal Teacher, followed by Deputy Head Teacher. Mark completed a Master’s degree in Business with a focus on developing a Business Model for vocational training and tertiary education services within 91����. Mark has grasped opportunities to gain extensive qualifications and undertake further education and training to ensure his teaching methods develop and evolve in line with the ever-changing needs of young people.

As well as focusing on career development for himself, he has in tandem implemented ways to help pupils achieve qualifications, gain work experience and form aspirations to secure a job which they enjoy. Mark helps ensure young people have access to gain qualifications in line with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), offering a variety of subject choices, as well as a high level of support with literacy and numeracy. Mark has incorporated employability skills into course delivery and assessment to ensure pupils are equipped with knowledge and skills reflective of the current job market.

An example of the difference Mark has made to the lives of his pupils can be demonstrated through a previous pupil who Mark was a guidance teacher and mentor to. The young person is now a full-time employee at 91���� within the catering department, having gained all the relevant qualifications with Mark’s support and motivation.

“Mark is funny, caring and a hard worker. He has helped me by providing a work experience placement that I know will benefit me in the future”.

Young person

Mark goes above and beyond to enrich the experiences of young people. The study trips he organised and fundraised for are excellent examples of why he deserves the Lifetime Achievement Award. At 91����, pupils are often care-experienced and have previously faced trauma and adversity. They have unlikely travelled out with their local area and have low expectations of taking a plane trip. However, due to Mark’s commitment, several educational excursions were made possible.

As part of the educational tours, two pupils travelled to Ecuador, spending time with local people and improving their poor housing conditions through the “Determined to Succeed” initiative. Through ‘Classroom for Malawi’, five pupils and six staff members built two classrooms and funded a teacher. The trip cost over £30K and involved fundraising activities across two years. A trip to Baltimore in America to make a stand for Civil Rights involved six pupils and four teachers. Each journey, from the process of fundraising to arriving and making a difference was a huge achievement.

The travel experiences gave care experienced pupils an understanding of the wider world, gaining awareness of culture and differences; a perspective they would not have learned without Mark’s involvement and tenacity. The fundraising aspect taught students entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, as well as helping towards other qualifications. Fundraising gave an insight into the meaning of community, increasing awareness of philanthropic issues and instilling moral values. Pupils worked together and recognised their power and responsibility in making a difference. Through the entire experience, pupils gained life skills that equipped them with the motivation to be a positive force in the wider community and beyond.

Mark leads on organisational funding projects to ensure the school has the resources available to fully support pupils moving forward to positive futures. Through initiating employability and tenancy projects, young people have received extra tuition and additional support to gain national qualifications, including the Tenancy Award – a qualification that prepares care-experienced young people to sustain independent living.

Mark has an open-door policy and offers full support to his fellow teachers. Mark has led by example by completing his Master’s qualification and has influenced colleagues to undertake continued professional development opportunities. The approachable nature he possesses is appreciated by staff.

“Mark has always offered support and been there with advice, sharing his experience of undertaking further study allowing us to relate to him. If there is help needed anywhere then Mark is first to be there”.

Principal Teacher, Tracey Jardine

Overall, Mark’s fundamental principle in teaching is to build meaningful relationships and connections. Throughout his career, Mark has sometimes been the sole, consistent adult in young peoples’ lives. He has nurtured the academic and vocational abilities of pupils while providing them with opportunities to experience the wider world and gain valuable life skills.

Mark has been instrumental in bringing to life 91����’s overall goal to empower young people to believe in themselves, feel a sense of belonging, fulfil their potential, achieve and work towards a positive future.  Mark genuinely represents 91����’s inspiring learning and development culture, encouraging both pupils and staff to be ambitious. By leading by example, fellow teachers have looked up to Mark and together, have strived to provide the best educational experience possible for pupils.

Jim was recognised for his strength of leadership throughout the pandemic, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and our 695 staff. Under his direction, our charity ensured the continuation of vital 24/7 services, whilst maintaining pace in developments to meet the needs of young people in our care.

Announcing the award, judges recognised the significant investment made throughout 2020 into 91���� services and the commitment to supporting young people and staff.

Areas of investment during this period included:

• The opening of Bute – a specialist residential care house for young people with complex mental health needs
• The opening of Ness and Tay – two new therapeutic residential houses for younger children
• A new primary year’s campus in Lochwinnoch
• A new fostering hub at Hamilton
• The opening of Puddle Lane, an innovative early learning and childcare nursery
• Significant refurbishment across 91����’s campus in Paisley

Jim Gillespie said: “I was very pleased to accept the award on behalf of the extraordinarily dedicated and capable team at 91����. Covid-19 has brought significant challenges for all those who work in our sector.

“The fact that our charity has maintained exceptionally high standards whilst expanding the range of crucial services we provide, underlines the selfless dedication of everyone in our team.”

The Scotland Excel Supplier Excellence Awards celebrate the innovation and excellence demonstrated by suppliers supporting the delivery of public services across Scotland. Specifically, this award recognised our achievements in developing a successful Child and Youth Care Worker Development programme. This 12-month programme provided a mix of training, qualifications and experience to support trainees into becoming successful child and youth care workers. It was developed to encourage those with the right soft skills to carve out a rewarding career in care.

This vital programme has enabled 91���� to recruit successful, permanent employees that have greatly increased our charity’s talent pool. This has not only strengthened our workforce but has enabled us to provide an outstanding level of care and support to the young people at 91����.

As many of the young people we support have experienced significant trauma, the programme ensured that trainees understand the nature of trauma and are able to practice in a way that is ‘trauma-informed’. Our training plan therefore ensured that all participants undertake the relevant therapeutic, trauma-informed training available to all 91���� employees.

The programme also creates employment opportunities within the community, attracting candidates looking for a change career path. This has seen us welcome employees from the building trade, taxi driving and those previously unemployed.

Marie Duncan, Learning and Development Manager at 91���� said:
“Winning the workforce development award is a wonderful achievement for the many people involved in our ‘staff in training’ programme. This truly has been a project that wouldn’t have been successful without the commitment, hard work and energy from Directors, the L&D team and the staff and mentors on the ground. The award recognises this work and is a proud moment for us all.

This programme has seen 91���� take an innovative approach towards recruitment which has attracted fresh talent into the organisation. The award will allow us to showcase this work and support the continued growth of the programme in the coming years.”