Putting ponies AND people at the heart of our mission… 

As a newly accredited Real Living Wage employer, this milestone in the charity’s 32 year history demonstrates its commitment to valuing every team member for the incredible contribution they make. The Sanctuary has become part of a national movement of 14,000 organisations who believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. There are only 151 accredited Living Wage Employers in the whole of Devon. That means the minimum rate of pay for their employees is £12 per hour. 

So, in the light of some other local charities streamlining and cost-saving, why has The Mare and Foal Sanctuary pledged this? 

Appreciation and Value
Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for our cause drive our success. By becoming a Real Living Wage employer, we want to demonstrate how much we value and appreciate their contributions. 

Recruitment and Retention
Offering the Real Living Wage helps us attract talented individuals who share our vision and values. It also strengthens our ability to retain our current amazing team, ensuring continuity and stability within the Sanctuary. 

Reputation and Commitment
This accreditation enhances our reputation as a responsible and caring employer. It reflects our commitment to ethical practices and sets us apart as a charity that genuinely cares about the well-being of its team. 

Irene Breckenridge, Head of People and Culture says: ‘We understand that the current cost-of-living challenges and the difficult news about other charities facing staffing cuts can be concerning. In light of these realities, we have taken this proactive step to ensure that our team members feel supported and appreciated. By committing to pay the Real Living Wage, we aim to alleviate some of the financial pressures that many of them face, allowing them to focus on the important and impactful work they do every day. ‘We believe this step will bring numerous benefits, not only for our team but also for our broader mission. By investing in our employees, we are investing in the future of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. We are confident that this will lead to even greater achievements and positive impacts for the communities and equines we serve.’ 

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s core values are Kindness, Care and Knowledge and the charity is currently offering a range of full and part time job vacancies. Further details are available here.