Guide
Meet Fair Work First requirements
UK-wide
If your organisation applies for Scottish public sector grants, you must meet the Fair Work First criteria. Since 1 July 2023, two criteria are mandatory — failure to meet them can disqualify your grant application.
What counts as workers' voice
You must provide appropriate channels for workers to have their views heard. Acceptable approaches include:
- Trade union recognition: formal recognition agreement with a relevant union
- Staff forums or councils: regular meetings with elected employee representatives
- Employee surveys: systematic gathering and acting on workforce views
- Open door policies: documented processes for raising concerns (smaller organisations)
What happens if you do not comply
Grant bodies assess compliance at application stage. Non-compliance with the two mandatory criteria (real Living Wage and workers' voice) may result in your application being rejected or funding being withdrawn.