FLEET Best Practice Guidelines
Supporting and celebrating organisations that are genuinely committed to fairer, safer, and more inclusive workplaces.
What is it
The FLEET Best Practice Guidelines are for any organisation operating in the UK in the Seafood sector, regardless of size, operation or income.
It is designed to recognise, showcase and celebrate workplaces of any size that are actively creating fairer conditions, building inclusive cultures and committed to continuous learning and sustained improvement.
Whilst this is a framework for organisations in the UK Seafood space, the guidance focuses on the human power in the work, and is not an indication of the quality of seafood - there are other standards for that!
Why it matters
The UK Seafood sector is vital for the United Kingdom and the thousands of families that work in fisheries. We know there are many talented and passionate people in the industry.
However, research continues to show that women’s contributions, though imperative to its success, often go unrecognised, where informal working arrangements often leave people without work protections and where women and LGBTQ+ individuals are still invisible and unsafe. (Read the research here)
There is currently no UK-wide recognition framework designed specifically for the UK seafood sector that addresses gender and inclusion.
Who can apply
The FLEET Framework has been designed to be accessible to organisations of every shape and size across the UK Seafood sector. Whether you’re a solo sole trader, or an international processor, if you’re operating in the UK and are committed to doing better for your people, and want to celebrate that, then apply now.
Owner operators
Vessel owners
Processing and packing
Retail, wholesale and distribution
Ports, harbours and associated services
Industry associations and representative bodies
Aquaculture and fish farming
FLEET is free until April 2027. No minimum size. No prior accreditation required.
What you’ll gain
Achieving the FLEET Framework connects you with a growing community of seafood organisations committed to doing things better. FLEET opens doors to support, visibility and collaboration.
FLEET organisations are listed on the WIF website, green-lighting companies for prospective new recruits, and are offered free job advertising on the WIF website.
A recognisable, celebrated sector specific digital badge to wear with pride.
Free access to resources, tools, and guidance from the WIF team and their community partners.
Visibility across WIF platforms.
Connection with a community of like-minded seafood organisations in the UK
The process
We’re keeping the FLEET Framework process straightforward and we’ll support you the whole way.
If you’ve already established workplace policies, and developed a great workplace culture, then applying will involve showcasing this through auditing, testing and a questionnaire.
If you’re just starting out, or needing some direction, then we’re here to help. Whether through 1:1 chats, group sessions, access to webinars, e-learning or specialist consultants, we can ensure that you’re given the expertise and passion to work through the FLEET Best Practice Guidelines.
You don’t have to have everything in place before you apply, but you must demonstrate genuine progress and a real commitment to improvement.
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Complete a short form expressing your interest. Include some information about your organisation.
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Work through a simple accessible assessment across the five FLEET pillars. We’ll provide support for completing this.
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If you have them, share your policies, practices that demonstrate your commitment and success. This doesn’t have to be perfect.
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The WIF Team (including our Community Ambassadors and Community Partners) will review your submission and evidence.
We may be in touch with some clarifying questions. We’ll arrange a virtual meeting.
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Successful organisations receive their FLEET digital badge, valid for one year.
You can use this on letterheads, in email footers, on your website, or anywhere else.
We’ll also feature successful orgs on the WIF website and regularly on social media too.
The FLEET badge is a great way to attract and retain talent.
Fair work
Fair work and opportunity.
Putting an end to the informal arrangements that disadvantage workers, support for flexible working, transparent pay, clear contracts, and formalised policies even in family businesses.
Learning
Learning, accountability and continuous improvement
Empowerment
Voice, representation and participation. There are meaningful wats for women to contribute nad influence decisions in your business. There are leadership pathways and connections to networks and associations.
Equity
Fair recruitment practices, proven training on unconscious bias put into action, reasonable adjustments where needed.
Trust
We trust in your workplaces processes and culture to protect every employee.
Strong, consistently applied processes to prevent and respond to harassment, bullying, and discrimination
Safe and confidential reporting mechanisms, with clear follow-up and protection from retaliation
A culture of respect and professionalism across vessels, ports, and onshore environments
Leadership that models expected behaviours and takes action
Confidence among workers that issues will be taken seriously and resolved fairly