1. Our commitment
The Mark Milsome Foundation (the “Foundation”) is committed to being a responsible and fair employer. We believe that everyone who works for our Foundation should receive a wage that enables them to meet the costs of everyday living. We are therefore committed to paying all directly employed staff at least the Real Living Wage, as calculated and published by the Living Wage Foundation, and to reviewing our pay rates annually when the Real Living Wage rates are announced.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate based on the cost of living and is distinct from the statutory National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees and freelancers whose services are employed by the Foundation, regardless of their role, working hours or length of service. Where practicable, we will also seek to ensure that organisations and individuals working on our behalf, including contractors and suppliers, are paid fairly and are not disadvantaged by our procurement or commissioning practices.
3. Annual review
The Foundation will review its pay rates following the annual announcement of the Real Living Wage rates by the Living Wage Foundation. Where a new Real Living Wage rate is higher than an employee’s existing rate, the Foundation will increase their pay to at least the applicable Real Living Wage rate from the date determined by the Foundation following the annual review.
4. Responsible employment
Our commitment to the Real Living Wage forms part of our wider commitment to fair, inclusive and responsible employment practices. We recognise that paying a fair wage supports the wellbeing and financial security of our staff and helps us attract and retain talented people who contribute to achieving the Foundation’s charitable objectives.
5. Governance
Responsibility for implementing this policy rests with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, with day-to-day responsibility delegated to the Foundation’s Chair and Treasurer. This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains appropriate and reflects changes in legislation, recognised living-wage rates and the Foundation’s employment practices.
Effective as of: February, 2026
Approved by Samantha Wainstein, Foundation Chair, active March 2022-February 2026 The Mark Milsome Foundation