Good Work Standard resources

Thank you for registering your interest to start your journey to become an inclusive business and make a mark in Brent.

Here you'll find a range of available resources and links based on the four pillars of the Good Work Standard that can help your business.

Make sure to bookmark this page so that you can come back to it.

Workplace wellbeing

Brent’s Bikes for Business - Organisations in Brent can get help in switching to cargo bikes for deliveries of goods and services. The Council is offering free advice and one-off subsidies to help businesses switch to either using a third-party cargo bike delivery service or to put towards the purchase of their own bike. The subsidies available are up to £1,000 and are available until March 2024.
Workplace health needs assessment - This document provides practical advice for employers on workplace health and a tool for carrying out workplace health needs assessments.

Skills and progression

Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme - Through the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme, local businesses have an opportunity to apply for up to £27,000 for the training and assessment costs associated with a new apprentice. If you are an employer that would like to benefit from the free funding available, please complete the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme application.
Digital Training - Our recently launched skills hub on Wembley High Street delivering Digital training.
Publicity and advertisement opportunities - Brent council offers businesses organisation unique promotional opportunities to reach their target audience and potentially new markets. These opportunities include sponsorship, print and outdoor- tailored to suit business requirements and or budget. We have marketing specialists that can provide you with various options for marketing in using local knowledge to get the best results.
Skills Development - Our Adult Education department, Brent Start, can offer training courses to upskill employees, this includes accredited courses such food safety.
Small business market place - Brent council can offer the use of the foyer of the Civic centre, and or other locations for a small business market place event possibly twice a year. The purpose of this event would be to promote local business, giving them an opportunity to grow their audience and customer base.
Workspace Directory - Brent council is committed to increasing the amount and type of affordable workspace across Brent so we can deliver business and employment growth in the borough. We have several schemes and programmes currently underway.
The Brent Green Business Guides - Tools for businesses on becoming more green and sustainable.
Brent Business Climate Charter - The launch of the Brent Business Climate Charter for businesses will be taking place this year. By signing the Charter and making pledges, businesses demonstrate a commitment to sustainable principles. Those who sign the charter will be offered a range of benefits and support, including audits, access to a carbon calculator tool and promotion from the Council (subject to eligibility and availability).
Business Events - A variety of business events & networking opportunities for local businesses, including meet the buyer events.

Diversity and inclusion

Disability Confident - This government scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace. Find information on how to sign up.
Neurodiversity in the workplace toolkit - This toolkit provides information and advice that can be used to help make workplaces more inclusive for neurodivergent workers.
Jobs Brokerage - Brent Works offers a free job brokerage service linking local employers to local talent. They have upcoming events where business’ will have the opportunity to work with a dedicated account manager who will be able to support their recruitment needs. This includes the opportunity to attend West London’s biggest annual careers fair at Wembley Stadium free of charge and to be featured as a lead employer in up to 3 employment related events.

Fair pay and conditions

Business Rates Discount Scheme - Brent Council offers a business rates discount to employer who have been accredited by the Living Wage Foundation. This discount has been set at five times the accreditation fee, which varies depending on the size of workforce and the type of organisation (maximum discount could be up to £5,000 for large employers)- limited to one discount per employer.
Financial Harmony - A financial education and guidance provider who exist to educate, empower and enable people to make informed financial decisions by teaching fundamental money management skills and financial literacy. They are currently delivering courses in Brent commissioned by BCAP, for both young people and adults. We could look at funding a series of workshops or a programme for Brent employers working toward paying the LLW. By providing businesses with a financial health check, we will be enabling them to identify a route to paying the LLW.
London Living Wage - For organisations wanting to demonstrate their commitment as a responsible employer, Living Wage accreditation is the best place to start. By paying the real Living Wage, employers are voluntarily taking a stand to ensure their employees can earn a wage which is enough to live on.
Discounted FSB membership - The Council have partnered with the Federation of Small Business to offer a substantial reduction for a two-year FSB membership for eligible Brent businesses. This two-year membership will provide tailored business support services to help you grow your business and support you in any challenges you may face. This includes 24/7 legal support, legal and tax insurance protection, on-demand training, exclusive webinars and more. Find out more about the benefits of the membership. This membership is available to sole traders, micro businesses (1-9 employees) and small businesses (10-50 employees).

Businesses who have signed up to the Good Work Standards membership have priority access to this reduction until November 2023.

Last updated 10/08/23