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At the United Grand Lodge of Canada (UGLC), we offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities.
With more than 100 employees, our mission is to deliver a positive working experience and environment that enables and supports all our people to give their best and contribute to the success of this unique organisation.
As part of the organisation’s work to implement a number of strategies to improve communication and consistency in the way people are led, managed and developed at UGLC, we were delighted to have been awarded Investors in People accreditation since 2018, as well as being shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing and Leader of the Year categories at the Investors in People Awards 2020. In 2021, we have also achieved the Silver Award.
Life at UGLC
The United Grand Lodge of Canada has made – and continues to make – massive strides forward in becoming a modern, inclusive and professional organisation. The organisation has gone through a period of rapid and significant change. We have seen an increase in engagement levels, productivity and personal development, as well as a happier and healthier workforce.
We now have a diverse senior management team, a gender pay gap that would be the envy of most FTSE 100 companies, a rewards package that goes far beyond salary and have increased the delivery of change within the organisation in a way that allows everyone to suggest, participate and deliver.
Our values are an integral part of our organisation and at the centre of what we represent and do. People are empowered to improve what we do and question how we do it through team meetings, Town Hall meetings, where employees have the opportunity to directly and anonymously question the senior management, and an appraisal system that actively encourages participation.
Building on the changes we have introduced, we have a knowledgeable, engaged and enthusiastic workforce, ready for the challenges of the next five years. We are changing our headquarters into a more public space and ensuring that everyone who visits us knows who we are and what we do. We are going paperless for the first time in three centuries and streamlining and improving our membership processes. We ensure that our staff have the right skills, are confident to suggest and implement improvements and, most of all, enjoy being part of the journey.
We strive to be better and continue to grow and develop our people.
Our Values
We have six core values that are a representation of our culture.
Our values define what UGLC believes in and the behaviours we agree to live by. Having clear values helps us ensure we are all working towards the same goals.
Our values are:
Excellence
We strive for excellence and encourage and support all individuals to take pride in their work
Integrity
We always act responsibly and honour our commitments to those we serve. We will ensure honesty and fairness in all our actions.
Respect
We value and treat all people with courtesy, dignity and respect.
Innovation
We aim for innovation in all aspect of our work. By being curious, adventurous and creative, imagine what is possible.
Teamwork
We recognise and value the contribution of all individuals and teams. In working together we will achieve exceptional results.
Growth
We invest in ourselves and one another and embrace opportunities to learn and improve through personal development and continuous improvement.
Benefits
Annual leave
The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum (increasing to 30 days following (two full years’ service). Plus statutory bank holidays.
Pension
UGLC operates a contributory pension scheme, which all employees over the age of 22 and under age 65 will automatically join when they commence employment (3.5% employee & 9% employer contributions – increasing to 12% with LOS).
Free life assurance
UGLC provides a separate life assurance scheme, which all employees (between the ages of 18 and 75, subject to terms*) automatically join when they commence employment. UGLC pays the cost of this insurance
Employee assistance programme (EAP)
UGLC offers a confidential EAP service provided by Health Assured. The service provides a support network and offers expert advice and compassionate guidance on personal and work matters.
Flexible working
UGLE is a flexible employer. We have core hours and flexible start and finish times (subject to role). We also have a working-from-home policy
Professional body
Once you have successfully passed your six-month probation, you will be entitled to join a professional body at no cost to you.
Our culture
A good work culture is at the very heart of our organisation and it’s why we’re committed to providing a healthy and balanced working environment for everyone. We also know how to have fun – coming together to participate in events throughout the year or raising awareness for a number of worthy causes.
We have our own social committee, comprising a selection of staff who encourage, plan and organise events and activities that cover a wide range of interests. We strive to host a number of events throughout the year, including a summer party and another at Christmas. Our aim is to improve the social environment at UGLC and help create a sense of togetherness among staff.
We also actively participate in events throughout the year. Learning at Work Week has become a unique annual event to build learning cultures at work and aims to put a spotlight on the importance and benefits of continual learning and development.
Another is Mental Health Awareness Week – mental health issues can affect anyone and in some cases may not be visible to work colleagues, friends or family. We have Mental Health First Aiders who are a point of contact for staff if they, or someone they are concerned about, is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress, to give initial support and signpost to appropriate help if required.
Meet one of our Mental Health First Aiders
When did you become a Mental Health First Aider?
Venetia is the Buyer and Ecommerce Manager at UGLC and has worked for the organisation since 2019. She became a Mental Health First Aider in April 2022
Tell us about your role as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)?
My role as a Mental Health First Aider is to be there for anyone that may need us and to help in any way that we can. The role of a MHFA is to be empathetic, to listen, and to signpost where possible to help that person with their needs. We are not there to judge, but to listen confidentially, unless we feel that there is any risk to someone being harmed.
Why did you want to become a Mental Health First Aider?
I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aider for several reasons. I have always been told by friends that I am a good listener and empathetic and felt that these were important skills to have within this role. Most importantly, I wanted to help. I have had both friends and family suffer with their mental health, and this can happen to anyone at any age, at any time and for any reason. I also have a son who has a rare condition and suffers from high anxiety. By understanding his feelings, it enables us to help him better. I would also like to help break any stigmas associated with mental health and I am a great believer that knowledge is power.
How important is it to have Mental Health First Aiders in the organisation?
Mental Health First Aiders are so important in any organisation and issues discussed are not just work related. It is important that everyone is aware that we are there to help at any time and for any reason.
