Changeworks, a leading social enterprise and charity in Scotland, has been recognised for its commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce to enable climate action, winning the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Built Environment-Smarter Transformation Accelerate to Zero Awards 2025.
The recognition highlights Changeworks’ ongoing leadership in embedding equitable, fair and inclusive policies and Fair Work principles at the heart of its mission to decarbonise Scotland’s homes. As Scotland’s net zero target approaches, Changeworks believes that tackling the climate emergency must go hand in hand with delivering Fair Work. A just transition means creating secure, high-quality, and equitable green jobs, ensuring no one is left behind as the nation transitions to a low-carbon future.
Changeworks’ approach shows how Fair Work drives both climate and social impact, benefiting workers, communities, and the wider economy.
This award adds to a growing list of achievements that demonstrate Changeworks’ commitment, including attaining Investors in People Platinum and Investors in Diversity Silver accreditations.
The organisation has been a Real Living Wage employer since 2015, promotes open communication and effective voice across its workforce, and champions equality, diversity and inclusion through initiatives such as staff networks, flexible working policies, and mental health first aid support. By embedding these practices internally, Changeworks is a leading voice for demonstrating how to implement Fair Work.
Changeworks has also been officially verified through the People and Planet First accreditation. To earn the accreditation, Changeworks met five standards: a clear purpose to solve social and environmental problems; operations that prioritise people and planet; a self-sustaining revenue model; the reinvestment of surpluses towards its mission; and a structure that locks in purpose for the long term.
This accreditation places Changeworks as part of a global movement of organisations proving that business can be a force for good – putting people and planet first.
Liz Partington, Deputy Chief Executive at Changeworks, said: “We’re delighted to win the BE-ST award, which shows that Changeworks is recognised as a sector leader in diversity and inclusion. A just transition to net zero can only succeed if it’s fair and inclusive. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and this award reflects the commitment across our organisation to creating an equitable, supportive, and purposeful workplace.”
Stephen Good, CEO at BE-ST, said: “The reality is that, at the current rate, our sector won’t reach gender equality quickly enough. It’s great to see organisations like Changeworks be celebrated at the Accelerate to Zero Awards, leading the way for improving equality in the sector with a clear, strategic approach to diversity and inclusion. Their work shows an understanding that meaningful change happens when these principles are built into both organisational culture and day-to-day delivery.”
Changeworks continues to lead by example, sharing best practice with industry, collaborating with government and community partners, and supporting a fair and inclusive transition to net zero.
The organisation invites businesses and partners who share its Fair Work values and climate ambition to collaborate in scaling its impact across Scotland and the UK.