Working towards workplace equity: Vertas’ Gender Pay Gap Report

Vertas Group has released its Gender Pay Gap Report, demonstrating transparency and reinforcing its long-term commitment to closing the gender pay gap.

In line with UK law, and as an employer with more than 250 people, Vertas Group has published its gender pay gap information. The report, published in March 2024, covers the period from 2023-2024.

What is the gap?

The gender pay gap (GPG) is calculated by comparing the average earnings of all male employees across the business to the average earnings of females. All types of compensation are included in this calculation, including base pay, bonuses, and other forms of payment.

The Group is keen to reiterate that they don’t pay people differently based on gender. Despite this, a pay gap may persist due to factors such as differences in working hours or where specific industries are dominated by one gender. For example, as a multi-service facilities management provider with approximately 70% of business in the education sector, these roles are predominately carried out by women.

With this in mind, Vertas Group’s median GPG for 2024 increased slightly to 2.8%. Similarly, the mean GPG also widened slightly to 10.5%.

Committed to closing the gap

Vertas Group is pleased to report a low Mean GPG for the 6^th year running; however, it acknowledges there is still work to be done. This data serves as a roadmap, highlighting areas for improvement and where corrective action is needed to close the gap.

By openly sharing this information, Vertas Group not only endeavours to demonstrate its accountability but also reaffirms its commitment to driving meaningful change. At Vertas, this change focuses on three key areas: recruitment, community, and development.

The Group maintains a fair and unbiased recruitment process, prioritising behavioural-based recruitment to support women re-entering the workforce. Similarly, Vertas Group strive to create a culture that values diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating a community where colleagues are supported through initiatives such as menopause leave or flexible working options. Finally, the Vertas Group strive to create gender equality by investing in professional development for all employees, regardless of gender. Leadership programmes such as Aspire to Inspire are selected for on a gender-neutral basis and aim to support the growth of underrepresented groups.

Download the 2024 Vertas Group Gender Pay Gap Report here.

Kate Innes, Vertas Group’s Chief People Officer, said: “We are committed to ensuring our colleagues have the best opportunities to develop and succeed while being part of an organisation that promotes a fair and inclusive workforce. We recognise that closing the gap requires ongoing effort and that overcoming barriers will take time. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an equitable workplace.

Throughout 2023, we were keen to support women into senior leadership roles, which we are confident will significantly impact our Gender Pay Gap moving forward.”

Please be aware that this is a group report that includes the following associated companies: Vertas, Concertus, Oakpark Security, Diamond View, Vertas Environmental, Verse, Combat2Coffee Commercial, Schools’ Choice, and Churchill Catering. It’s important to note that data for Opus People Solutions is recorded separately as their GPG report includes temporary employees who are not directly employed by Opus.

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