Staff who join the Green Action Trust, Scotland’s leading environmental regeneration charity, tend to stay. The organisation says many have remained with it throughout its 30-year history, bringing a family feel to the workplace.

The charity attributes its high staff retention rates to its working practices — it introduced hybrid working and flexible hours long before it became mainstream. Its location helps, too. The organisation's base is in Shotts, a village half-way between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The dog-friendly workplace offers good lunchtime woodland walks, plus allotments and bee-keeping for staff. On-site facilities include a drying room and gym area, and cycling to and from and within the workplace is encouraged.

The trust is aware its salaries do not always match those of the private sector but, as well generous pension contributions, it pays good mileage and cycling rates for business journeys. It also supports staff development by paying membership costs of relevant bodies. Everyone is provided with life insurance and the employee assistance package includes round-the-clock GP access, along with financial and mental health support.

On top of that, staff have the chance to employ the enthusiasm and commitment the trust says is the hallmark of its employees, into its projects. They include promoting the John Muir Way, the 134-mile, coast-to-coast walking trail across central Scotland. There is also the 10,000 Raingardens campaign to increase the number of raingardens across the country. These are areas of plants and vegetation designed to absorb water and reduce flooding.