LEONARD CHESHIRE DISABILITY

That this House congratulates Leonard Cheshire Disability on becoming the first charity in Scotland to achieve the coveted Investors in People Platinum Award; understands that the charity also achieved Gold Standard in the Investors in Young People Good Practice Award and the Investors in Health and Wellbeing Good Practice Award; is aware that this distinction coincides with the 70th anniversary of the founding of this charity which has, since 1948, delivered pioneering social care at the heart of Scottish communities, earning praise for its ambitious and positive approach; notes this charity is rapidly expanding with a number of innovative volunteering and employment programmes for those with disabilities and additional support needs; acknowledges the organisation's commitment to invest in staff and create a positive working environment; recognises the charity's initiatives to strengthen staff engagement, such as enhanced employee benefit packages, paying staff above the Scottish Living Wage, and creating a strong philosophy around learning and development; commends Leonard Cheshire Disability on the vital work it does in supporting people with disabilities and additional support needs; further recognises that Leonard Cheshire Disability is an excellent example of an organisation that provides an outstanding service, whilst also placing an emphasis on valuing and empowering staff; and believes that the accolades this charity has earned will make it an employer of choice within the social care sector and that by recruiting and retaining the best staff, it will continue to deliver support of the highest quality.