After creating over 180 apprenticeships and providing hundreds of work-experience placements for young people in the North of Tyne, RPS has become the 150th company to be accredited by the Good Work Pledge!

Rothwell Plumbing Services Group is proud to announce its accreditation as the 150th company to sign the Good Work Pledge, a campaign initiated by the North of Tyne Combined Authority to uphold the highest standards of employment practices and community engagement. This accolade underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering local talent, supporting the community, and promoting inclusive recruitment practices.

The Good Work Pledge sets forth stringent criteria to define what constitutes ‘good work,’ encompassing fair wages, a safe working environment, and support for employee well-being. As a family-run business deeply rooted in the North of Tyne community, we have long championed these principles, striving to create opportunities for young people and nurture a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Over the years, Rothwell Plumbing Services Group has provided invaluable work experience placements and fast-track interview opportunities for young people from deprived areas for almost 30 years. With a workforce of approximately 200 individuals spread across the North of England, we have made it our mission to empower the next generation and cultivate long-term, sustainable careers.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our workforce composition, with 22% of our employees being women, surpassing the industry standard of 14%. We take pride in our flexible working policies and inclusive recruitment practices, which have contributed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Beyond our business operations, we remain deeply engaged with the local community, dedicating countless hours to charitable causes and initiatives. From supporting community gardens to aiding projects aimed at assisting refugees, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the confines of our business.

In recognition of our community-minded efforts, Rothwell Plumbing Services Group was honored with the inaugural North Tyneside VODA David Bavaird Award for being a ‘Community Minded Business’ in 2023.

Mayor Jamie Driscoll said:

“There are jobs and then there are good jobs.

“We created the Good Work Pledge with input from local people and trade unions.

“It’s about supporting and celebrating companies that want to do the right thing. That means paying a decent wage, providing career progression opportunities and giving employees a voice in the workplace.

“Every single one of the 5,377 jobs we’ve created is backed by this pledge. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, good work matters now more than ever.

“Thank you to those companies and charities that have taken the pledge so far and congratulations to Rothwell Plumbing for becoming the 150th company to gain accreditation.”

Graham Rothwell, Chief Executive, Rothwell Plumbing Services said:

“We are committed to generating local employment opportunities across the area and have been working from North Tyneside for over 15 years.  As a time-served Heating Apprentice myself, we really understand the importance of creating opportunities and developing skilled workers into our business. We aim to help young people develop long term sustainable careers.

It’s fantastic to be the 150th business to be awarded to Good Work Pledge and is a testament to the local business community working together across the North of Tyne Combined Authority.”

As we celebrate this milestone achievement, we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting good work practices and fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity. We extend our gratitude to the North of Tyne Combined Authority for their leadership in championing this important initiative and look forward to continuing our collaboration in creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all.