Putting something back

We take our responsibilities to the communities in which we operate seriously. Our community and education programme aims to give something back to the communities we serve. We know that our employees are proud to support these programmes and it is important in maintaining trust with all of our stakeholders.

Our community involvement programme focuses on the three areas where we think we can make the biggest difference:

• improving health
• enhancing education
• protecting the environment.

In each of these areas, many of our projects are run in partnership with other organisations, charities and community groups. These long term partnerships give us more scope to impact the community in a positive and sustainable way, while benefiting the business by enhancing our reputation.

In 2008, we contributed more than £6.6 million to the community through charitable donations, community investment (including employee volunteering) and commercial activities. In deciding how and where to invest, we are guided by overarching principles and feedback from our stakeholders.

We also support our employees in the work they do in the local community, and recognise and reward the effort put in, through our volunteer awards scheme, payroll giving and match-funding scheme.

Industry recognition, 2008

Last year, we were very pleased to achieve one of the first CommunityMarks from Business in the Community (BitC). This new national standard aims to highlight and recognise companies which deliver sustainable, long-term community programmes.
Many of our individual community and educational programmes also received external recognition in 2008:

• Our Climate Cops Education programme, which helps schools across the UK become greener and more sustainable, picked up three awards:

  The IVCA Clarion – Climate Change Communication Award
  The Green Organisation - A ‘Gold’ Green Apple Award
  The Utility Industry Achievement – Environment Award

• Didcot Power Station received a ‘Big Tick’ award from BitC for its education programme, which gives students the opportunity to participate in science and engineering activities.

• Our Health Through Warmth scheme, which gives help to vulnerable people in cold, damp homes, and is run in partnership with several external partners including the National Health Service and National Energy Action, received the National Housing Federation Partnership Award.