HebCelt Joint Statement: Fair Work First

HebCelt are committed to the Scottish Government's  Fair Work First Principles and ensure that our workforce are fully supported in their roles. As HebCelt is a charity body, most of our festival is run by a volunteer workforce, who sign up to volunteer their time and skills to support the festival, for the enjoyment of all, as well as to enhance their own experience. The Statement below has been jointly agreed by the HebCelt Board of Trustees and our small number of employees.

Respect: All teams across the festival volunteers and paid workforce, are treated with respect and dignity and their standing and personal worth is recognised. All members of our workforce are required to sign up and agree with the terms of engagement with HebCelt. Throughout the planning phase and when operational, the workforce will be aware of their responsibilities and expectations, as well as what else is happening across the teams, to ensure a shared goal of delivering the festival.  We have strong policies addressing bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation in the workplace. Staff are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity at work and have a personal responsibility for ensuring that they treat others with the way they would expect to be treated themselves.

Opportunity: By providing all employees with the policies and procedures put in place by HebCelt Trust for their employment, there is an understanding of expectations for the Board and for their employment. HebCelt is an equal opportunities organisation and our policy is that all participants, from attendees to volunteers, are able to participate and enjoy the Festival without discrimination. Working personnel of HebCelt are made up of a diverse group of people from a variety of backgrounds and we always look to support those with different needs to be able to participate fully in their role, so that nobody feels discriminated against. There is no gender pay gap within HebCelt, and we recognise the importance of female input in the workplace, currently with a 5:3 ratio of women to men sitting on our HCF Trust. We also provide training for specific roles and look to develop our workforce by providing new opportunities and experiences, reviewing performance in paid roles and providing opportunities to develop and evolve in their role.

Effective voice: HebCelt has effective communication running throughout the organisation, with teams feeding in from all levels of operations. The HebCelt Board work alongside the Festival Operations Coordinator and coordinating teams to ensure that there is open communication and planning throughout the year. Our volunteer teams, all within different specialist areas are led by volunteer team leaders and deputy team leaders. By including our volunteer team leads in the planning process, we ensure that there are regular opportunities to communicate and take ownership of roles and operations. HebCelt has clear policies on reporting concerns and volunteers and staff are given opportunities to feedback on their experience.

Security: HebCelt is an accredited Real Living Wage employer and we ensure that those within paid roles are all paid at least this. Pay rates are reflective of the varying levels of roles carried out. Paid staff are employed directly by us and therefore are not captured under umbrella companies. Our full time and part time employees throughout the year are able to work remotely, and on a flexible, family friendly basis.

Fulfilment: HebCelt is committed to developing and maintaining a fulfilling working environment, and at its core there is a team of volunteers who give their time and expertise to the festival, because they enjoy doing it. Our returning volunteer rate of just over 46% is testament to the fulfilment that our workforce have when working on HebCelt.