Vernon Building Society has become the latest organisation to be welcomed into the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, underlining its commitment to progressive workplace practices across its network of branches in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

The Stockport-based mutual, which employs around 100 staff, met the Charter’s rigorous criteria covering secure employment, fair pay and high-quality people management.

Its formal admission was marked by a presentation from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to Darren Ditchburn, chief executive of Vernon Building Society.

The Charter is a voluntary scheme designed to elevate employment standards across the region, promoting principles including inclusive recruitment, flexible working, and employee wellbeing.

By joining the initiative, Vernon becomes part of a growing movement of employers pledging to uphold seven key pillars of good employment, all rooted in equality, diversity and inclusion.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ditchburn said the Charter aligned closely with the Society’s longstanding values.

“We’ve always been passionate about creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver the best for our Members,” he said.

“We champion fair pay, including our commitment to paying the Real Living Wage, flexible working, and an inclusive culture that puts our people first.”

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The Society’s membership comes as it celebrates its centenary and passes a milestone of more than £500m in total assets for the first time. Ditchburn attributed this success to the commitment of Vernon’s workforce and said joining the Charter was part of a broader effort to recognise and support that contribution.

“Offering a working environment in which they can flourish and being part of the Good Employment Charter helps us demonstrate our commitment to them in return,” he added.

Burnham praised the mutual’s achievement and its leadership example. “Congratulations to Vernon Building Society for becoming a Member of the Good Employment Charter,” he said.

“Your commitment and dedication to promoting the characteristics of good employment is fantastic to see. Becoming a Member of the Charter is an accomplishment that employers like the Vernon should be proud of.”

The Charter continues to expand across the region, encouraging businesses of all sizes to prioritise secure jobs, fair wages and inclusive workplace culture as the cornerstones of sustainable growth.