Putting something back

We take our responsibilities to the communities in which we operate seriously.  Our community and education programmes aim to give something back to the communities we serve.

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 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 they put in through our volunteer award scheme, payroll giving and match-funding scheme.

CommunityMark

In 2008 we were awarded one of the first ever CommunityMarks from Business in the Community. The national standard aims to highlight the real changes businesses can make through long-term investment in the community and to recognise those companies who are making a positive contribution.

The CommunityMark is the only recognition of its kind in the UK and is endorsed by both Government and leaders in the voluntary sector. In 2008, 21 companies in the UK received the award - of these, we were the only utility company.