OCTAVIA HOUSING SET up its own charitable foundation which runs an employment and training programme, 21 charity shops, and gives advice on money and debt. The group covers west and central London and the 285 staff, almost three-quarters of whom are women, feel that Octavia encourages charitable activities (82% positive) and makes it easy to be eco-friendly (72%). Both scores are in the top 20 among mid-sized organisations. An employee assistance programme and free fruit are provided to workers, who say the job does not interfere with their duties at home (72%). They do not feel under so much pressure at work that they are unable to concentrate (67%). www.octaviahousing.org.uk
