Handcrafted Workwear

At Handcrafted, the blue livery plays an important role in identifying you as a trusted and responsible member of the team. As soon as you have completed your initial safeguarding training and have the necessary DBS clearance, you will be issued with uniform blue shirts and hoodies.

The uniform identifies you as a 'safe' person for trainees and residents. You should wear it at all times during work so that trainees and residents can easily recognise you and know where to go for help or guidance.

Also remember that, when wearing the Handcrafted uniform, you are representing the organisation. This means that your conduct should reflect the values and professionalism of Handcrafted, both inside and outside the workplace. Be mindful of how your actions and behaviour may impact Handcrafted's reputation.

Workwear Care

You are responsible for keeping your uniform clean, presentable, and in good condition. This reflects not only on you as an individual but also on Handcrafted as a whole.

If your uniform becomes damaged or worn out, notify your Line Manager for a replacement. However, it remains your responsibility to ensure that your uniform is well-maintained in the meantime.

While Wearing your Blue Top

Always conduct yourself with professionalism while in uniform, whether you are on or off duty. This includes interacting with trainees, residents, colleagues, and the public. Wearing the uniform signifies that you are a reliable and safe individual within the Handcrafted community. Uphold this trust by adhering to all organisational policies and demonstrating consistent, responsible behaviour.

Returning workwear

Staff must return all workwear when they leave the organisation. Returned items will be placed in the second-hand workwear box for reuse.

Workwear Allocation

Initial Workwear Allocation

All staff will receive workwear when they join and complete initial training:

• Staff who work three or more days per week will receive two hoodies.
• Staff who work two days per week or fewer will receive one hoodie.
• All staff will receive t-shirts equal to the number of days they work each week. For example, a full-time member of staff working five days per week will receive five t-shirts.
• Some roles will receive additional workwear (e.g. safety boots, softshell jackets) depending on their need as assessed by their line manager.

Line Managers are responsible for notifying the Workwear Coordinator (current contact: Immi Young) of their staffs requirements for t-shirts, hoodies and softshells. Any additional workwear should be sourced by the Line Manager.

Replacement Workwear

Staff who need replacement workwear must speak to their Line Manager first. Line Managers will decide whether the request is appropriate.

Where a replacement is approved, the Line Manager must email the Workwear Coordinator, including:

1. The number, type and size of workwear required.
2. The reason replacement workwear is needed.

The Workwear Coordinator will place and print workwear orders once each quarter. A reserve stock will be kept where possible; however, replacement workwear outside the quarterly order cannot be guaranteed. New workwear will be prioritised for new staff.

Second-hand workwear

A second-hand workwear box will be available at the Chester-le-Street Hub. Items in this box are available on a first-come, first-served basis.