Our people

Here at the Coal Authority our people are at the heart of our organisation. To keep delivering our work we need to continue to grow and develop the skills of our people as well as invest in the future. We want to be seen as an employer of choice that offers exciting careers, invests in and develops our people and is diverse and inclusive.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion The Coal Authority is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. This means more than just giving everyone equal opportunities; it’s about allowing people to be themselves at work, welcoming difference and letting them know that their contribution is valued. Through our membership and affiliation with Stonewall, Disability Confident and Inclusive Employers, we have the support from diversity and inclusion experts to make sure inclusion becomes an organic part of our working life.

We’re committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and would welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates and people with disabilities, as they are currently underrepresented within the organisation. Appointments will be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

Earlier this year, we published our first gender pay gap. Although we have made some progress we realise we still have a lot more to do. We’re committed to further reducing the gap over the coming years so would also like to encourage females to consider coming to work for us. We have a wide range of career opportunities and also offer flexible working and other excellent benefits.

Supporting our people

After engaging with staff and our customers, in 2018, we launched our first people plan which focuses on development, wellbeing and inclusivity for all. It outlines how we can create a sustainable highly skilled, diverse and motivated workforce that will enable us to deliver our business and be fit for the future. Over the last year, the plan has really come to life and is helping us become a truly great place to work.

Our people plan also includes our equality, diversity and inclusion action plan. We focus of different areas each year and run various events and activities to raise awareness. We also have various networks set up including Women’s, Women in STEM, Men’s, Staff Engagement and LGBT+. We also have a vegan and vegetarian group as well as a wellbeing group. All groups meet regularly throughout the year and often arrange for guest speakers to join them.

Wellbeing

The wellbeing of our people is really important to us. We have 16 mental health first aiders and all our managers have attended mental health first aid training. Our wellbeing group have facilitated a range of activities and events from lunchtime walks, massages to tips to improve sleep. We also have a wellbeing garden which produces some amazing fresh vegetables for staff to enjoy.