Publication date – 1st April 2026
Financial Year End – 31st March 2027
Introduction
The Freethinking Group (The Freethinking Group) specialises in providing media planning and buying services and has offices in Manchester and Edinburgh. As an Employee Owned Business, we exist for the benefit of our employees and as such maintain the highest standards of fairness and pro-worker policies in line with our company articles.
The Freethinking Group is committed to advancing the principles of fairness and equality in our working practices and treatment of employees and suppliers. We are further committed to advancing the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First criteria and specifically:
Appropriate channels for employee voice
- Providing a safe environment for dialogue and challenge – listening to our staff and acting on what they say: this includes suggestion boxes, Employee council, bi-weekly staff meetings; monthly all company meetings; regular feedback; confidential staff surveys and more.
Investment in workforce development
- Supporting learning & development across the organisation to create a culture of continuous improvement, high quality, and personal development. This includes: Investors in People accredited CPD programme with 24 hour annual training minimum; sponsored education including formal exams; induction and probation to support new employees; EDI training programme for all staff.
No inappropriate use of zero-hours contracts and no fire and hire
- The Freethinking Group does not and will not use either of the above practices
Action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace
- The Freethinking Group is committed to valuing diversity and advancing equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities. We believe that this is fundamental to the development of an inclusive working and learning environment in which all employees and learners can fulfil their potential.
- Employees are given dedicated time to complete EDI training or to work on Belonging and Equity (our bespoke EDI programme) initiatives.
- As part of Campaign Best Places to Work, we publish our gender pay gap annually and are committed to taking further action to address any gap.
Payment of the Real Living Wage
- The Freethinking Group pays the Real Living Wage and is accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.
- Subcontractors and suppliers are also required to pay the Real Living Wage
Declaration
This statement has been approved by the The Freethinking Group Board of Directors in consultation with staff representatives.
This statement will be reviewed and renewed in March 2027.
Simon Crunden, Managing Director
For and on behalf of the board of Directors on 1st April 2026
Martin Wilson, Account Director
Acting as employee representative on 1st April 2026