Annual Report 2016 | Page 32

Annual Report 2016

STRATEGIC REPORT

1,076

acres at Blithfield designated

for biodiversity

“ South Staffs Water raised over £ 35,000 for WaterAid during the year .”

- Equality and fair treatment All businesses are committed to a positive working environment , free from any discrimination or unfair treatment . Every reasonable effort is made to provide equal opportunities for employment , training and promotion , having regard to employees ’ particular aptitudes and abilities and regardless of their gender , race , age or disability . If an employee becomes disabled , we endeavour to keep them in the workforce by making reasonable adjustments to their role , or looking for redeployment opportunities within the Group if necessary .

Environment Wherever possible , the Group aims to have a positive effect on the environment , both through activities carried out and a policy of responsible sourcing .

South Staffs Water has installed a nesting raft to encourage common terns to nest and breed at the 1,313 acre Blithfield Reservoir Estate . With 1,076 acres designated as SSSI ( Site of Special Scientific Interest ), the reservoir provides valuable habitat for wildlife , including many different bird species . The raft is situated in public view to help inspire and educate . Additionally , projects undertaken as part of South Staffs Water ’ s ongoing partnership with the Wildlife Trust include wildlife meadow planting and support for an environmentally friendly fun day .

SSI Services is developing a responsible sourcing policy , where particular consideration will be given to the sustainable procurement of goods and materials that may be utilised throughout the division . This includes the division ’ s fleet , where a new contract was secured for the provision of newly-launched Caddy and Transporter vehicles which feature BlueMotion Technology as standard .

Car sharing and video conferencing are encouraged by Echo to reduce their carbon emissions . During the year , Echo ’ s digital programme went live , with the aim of switching from paper billing to digital where possible , thus reducing the amount of paper and postage used . Echo also began a programme of delivering used newspapers to Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary ( Northern Ireland ’ s only Equine Sanctuary ) to be used for bedding for the animals in their care .

Communities The Group ’ s charitable support programme focuses on giving something back to the community , both locally and further afield .

The Group made charitable donations of £ 238,000 during 2015 / 16 . In addition , South Staffs Water continued its support for WaterAid , raising over £ 35,000 during the year . Activities supported by the South Staffs Water Employee Volunteer Scheme included restoration of a chalk stream at Cherry Hinton , Cambridgeshire , a day of painting and decorating with the Albion Foundation , and manning water efficiency stalls at community events to raise awareness and educate the public around the topic .

SSI Services currently supports numerous community initiatives by providing financial and practical support including , during the year , fundraising and donations to St Giles Hospice , via family fun days , sponsorship of local sporting teams including rugby , football and cricket , and financial support for staff associated with community fund raising activities .

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