We’re delighted to share that Bounce OT Stirling has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Living Pension Award, sponsored by APSE, at the upcoming Living Wage Scotland Awards Ceremony. The event will take place on Thursday 13 November at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh, and we’re honoured to be recognised for our commitment to fair, secure, and values-driven employment.
Living Wage & Living Pension: A Holistic Commitment
As a long-standing Living Wage Employer, Bounce OT has always prioritised fair pay and meaningful support for our team. The real Living Wage—currently £12.60 across the UK (£13.85 in London)—is independently calculated based on the cost of living, ensuring employees earn enough to afford essentials like housing, childcare, transport, and heating.
Our recent Living Pension accreditation builds on this foundation, reinforcing our belief that financial security in retirement should be a right, not a privilege. Many of our staff work in part-time or flexible roles supporting children and adults with disabilities, and this accreditation ensures their pension contributions meet a benchmark designed to support a dignified retirement.
“Being shortlisted for the Living Pension Award is a proud moment for Bounce OT. It reflects our deep commitment to creating a workplace where fairness, dignity, and long-term security are more than just words—they’re embedded in everything we do. As a small social enterprise, we’ve shown that it’s possible to lead with values and invest meaningfully in our team’s future. This recognition is not just for us—it’s for every organisation striving to make work better, fairer, and more sustainable.”
Callum (Founder & Executive Director)
The Impact: Culture, Confidence, and Community
Gaining Living Pension accreditation has had a transformative impact on Bounce OT:
- Staff morale and confidence have grown, with team members feeling valued and reassured about their financial futures.
- It has strengthened our reputation as a responsible employer, helping us attract and retain professionals who share our ethos.
- The process prompted a review of our wider benefits, leading to more transparent communication and deeper engagement around financial wellbeing.
We’ve proudly celebrated our accreditation by:
- Displaying the Living Pension plaque at the entrance to our therapeutic playroom (open seven days a week).
- Featuring the Living Pension logo on every page of our website.
- Sharing our journey through blogs, social media, and conversations with partners and funders.
- Promoting Living Wage Scotland materials in our office to educate staff and inspire others.
Beyond Accreditation: Building Secure and Stable Employment
Our commitment to secure employment goes far beyond pay:
- We offer a cashback healthcare plan through Westfield Health, accessed via our local Chamber of Commerce.
- Staff benefit from mental health initiatives like Duvet Days, birthday leave, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements tailored to individual needs.
- We regularly review staff satisfaction and policies to ensure our team feels heard and supported.
One standout example is our investment in career development. After a Therapeutic Play Leader expressed interest in progressing her career, we funded her college fees and provided paid study time. Within 12 months, she will qualify as an Occupational Therapy Assistant—a newly created role that enhances our services, improves retention, and offers increased pay and responsibility.
Why We Deserve This Award
Bounce OT deserves this award because we live our values. We don’t just meet standards—we promote them, celebrate them, and build upon them. Our holistic approach to employment demonstrates that small organisations can lead big change. We’re proud to invest in our people and create a workplace that supports growth, wellbeing, and long-term stability.
This recognition would honour the incredible efforts of our team and reinforce the importance of fair work across the third sector. We’re excited to celebrate with fellow changemakers in Edinburgh this November—and continue building a fairer future for our workforce and community.
