A major Scottish waste management company is driving forward its latest plans as a champion of inclusivity and accessibility.
Perthshire-based Binn Group, one of the country’s largest independent integrated recycling and waste management companies, has already pioneered ground-breaking mental health and well-being initiatives for its 140-strong workforce.
Now Team members are committed to the government’s Disability Confident scheme to formalise the work they have also been doing to support those with disabilities and learning difficulties.
Binn Group has attained Disability Confident Level 1 (Committed) accreditation and Chief Executive Allan MacGregor said they would work diligently through Levels 2 (Employer) and 3 (Leader) to ensure those with any form of disability or learning difficulties would be afforded every opportunity to fulfil their aspirations and maximise their talents.
“Disability is no barrier to being able to find a suitable role within the workforce where people’s talents can contribute enormously to a company’s success,” he said. “At Binn Group we believe in making sure we provide a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment to provide opportunities for all.”
Binn Group’s “open door for all” policy was cemented in 2021 when they directly employed two people with learning difficulties and disabilities through the Perth and Kinross Employability Network.
Although the company already provide additional facilities including accessible toilets, prescription safety goggles and access ramps, Group Health and Safety Advisor Keith Jackson explained additional risk assessments were carried out at their extensive Ecopark site to ensure the team members safety. The Employment support team are instrumental in the additional risk assessments and work closely with Binn Group and the team members.
“We understand how making small adjustments can have a big impact on individual team members,” said Keith. “Our two workers through the Employability Network, Scott and Christopher, have provided a great contribution to the company and thoroughly enjoy being an integral part of our large team here. Their work provides them with routine and a sense of community and they’ve settled in well and have easily integrated within the team.”
Councillor Andrew Parrott, Convener of Perth & Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee said: “Binn Group is a fantastic example of how effectively employers can work with employability agencies to recruit people with barriers including disabilities to find long term employment.”
Councillor Peter Barrett, Perth & Kinross Council’s Equalities Lead added: “We’re pleased to support their inclusive approach to having a diverse workforce enabling individuals to live fulfilling and rewarding lives and to gain jobs where they feel they are valued team members in the organisation.”
Binn Group are also champions of mental health in the workplace, introducing a new employee assistance programme which provides mental health services that all team members can access free-of-charge – including counselling, CBT and psychiatry, as well as financial and legal assistance.
The company are also expanding the number of Mental Health fitness champions within the organisation who offer an on-site first point of contact for anyone that is struggling with anxiety, depression or any other mental health issues.
“We’re delighted to have signed up to this government initiative,” said Allan MacGregor.
“We want to be the best we can be as regards accessibility and inclusivity and we plan to progress our certification to the next level through further improvements such as making our recruitment process more accessible.
“Making Binn Group a business that is accessible to all is an important part of our ethos and we will continue to adapt and evolve as an employer who sees the potential in everyone.”
Caption: Binn Group workers Scott Philips and Christopher Simpson who joined the workforce through the Perth and Kinross Employability Network pictured with company Health and Safety Advisor Keith Jackson.
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For further information please contact PR Maureen Young on 07778-779-888
Notes to Editors:
About Binn Group
Established in 2001, Binn Group, a family run company, is one of Scotland’s largest independent and leading providers of integrated recycling and waste management services, with around 140 employees.
The Ecopark is a multi-facility site with a twin line commercial and industrial Material Reclamation Facility (MRF). A range of materials are recycled including metals, plastics, cardboard, aggregates and soils, and the site also boasts an anaerobic digestion plant, and in-vessel and green-waste composting systems. Plans are also progressing for the development of a world first Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Facility, and a small Energy from Waste plant.
The site is also the location of four 2.3MW turbines (Binn Wind Farm), which form the core of a new private grid project, with the planned additions of battery and solar technologies also expected to improve the baseload availability of renewable energy. This will transform power use at the site, with a proposal under consideration for a 25MW private grid connection to Perth.
About Disability Confident
Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. They’re changing behaviour and cultures in their own businesses, networks and communities, and reaping the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.
The Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and to:
- Challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability.
- Draw from the widest possible pool of talent.
- Secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working.
- Improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment.
It also helps identify those employers who are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace. The scheme has 3 levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey, these are:
- Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
- Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
- Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)
All employers join the scheme at Disability Confident Committed (Level 1), and progress through the levels to achieve the one that’s right for their organisation.
For more information visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk