Our values underpin the organisation
Gender issues, women specific
WHiST is committed to offering gender specific services for women. We actively challenge any discrimination against women within our own organisation and others. We endevour to raise awareness among our membership, other agencies, decision makers and other professionals on the impact that gender awareness can have on policy making and improving the provision and delivery of services for women.
Enablement
From a recent training event about our values, project users selected enablement as the main value of the organisation.
Equality
We are committed to equality and work to help women overcome the barriers preventing them from accessing services and support. We provide opportunities for their progression and improvement in their quality of life. We ensure that our activities and information are accessible to all.
Integrity
We strive to work in an honest, open and accountable way with everyone involved. We respect the integrity and dignity of our members and work to include women at all levels throughout the organisation.
Collaboration
We acknowledge the expertise of other agencies and we work collaboratively to address local needs. We work alongside other agencies and have ongoing effective partnerships with several agencies who deliver their services from the organisation e.g. the Credit Union, North East Council on Addictions.
We participate in the wider community through our involvement in local forums and we link in with other gender specific organisations and initiatives throughout the region.
Professionalism
We constantly strive to provide high quality services, to communicate effectively and ensure continuous organisational learning and development.
Sustainability.
We will strive to reduce our waste and carbon emissions through consuming less, recycling, using non-toxic and biodegradable products and purchasing from local suppliers. Where possible, we will purchase services from women’s organisations/businesses and use sustainable, fair-trade and organic goods.
Quality Assurance
We operate within the PQASSA framework (Professional Quality Assurance Standard for Small Organisations) Using this structure ensures that we keep all of our policies and procedures up to date and operating effectively. PQASSA is a nationally recognised framework of quality standards.