First for First Bus in social value charter mark

SRAG has awarded Bronze Charter Mark status to First Bus, an important step for the operator, as it strengthens efforts to widen access to employment and embed fair, inclusive recruitment practices across its operations. As a major UK employer, the company currently has a workforce of around 18,000 people.

The Bronze accreditation is part of the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group's Charter, which is awarded to organisations that commit to open, inclusive and diverse recruitment processes. It reflects action to improve representation from groups that can face disadvantage in the labour market, including the long-term unemployed, neurodiverse individuals and those ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEET).

To achieve the standard, First Bus has demonstrated board-level backing for inclusive hiring, developed policies that actively support underrepresented groups, as well as advertising roles in ways that reach candidates furthest from the labour market.

Angela Renfrew, First Bus Director of talent acquisition & early years careers, said:

“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.”

Angela Renfrew, First Bus Director of talent acquisition & early years careers

Kenny Boyle, CEO of PeoplePlus which created and sponsor the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group, added:

"First Bus has attained the Bronze Level, demonstrating their dedication to social value and social recruitment. Their efforts are very impressive. We are proud to have them as part of our Advocacy Group, and their commitment is making a valuable impact on individuals and society."

The partnership will see SRAG work closely with First Bus to further develop its approach, with the operator aiming to progress to higher levels of accreditation over time.

First Bus will be formally presented with the Bronze award at a ceremony in Manchester on 13 May.