CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY 1
EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR OFFICETEAM
PASSIONATE
Contents
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What we believe...
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Corporate & Social Responsibility at OfficeTeam
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Our commitments
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Meet EAST, our Environmental and Sustainability Team
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Our awards
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Our internal initiatives
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Dedicated to a sustainable future
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So what are we doing?
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Community case studies •
Richard Pegg works with client Timberland in aid of Earth Day
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Mark Wake takes part in the Timberland Serv-a-Palooza day
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Jim O’Brien and the London Air Ambulance
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Daniel Mee paddles a total of 125 miles
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Andrew Trousdale gets tangled with a herb spiral
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John Dignan delivers for the Food Chain
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OfficeTeam’s Eastleigh branch scrub up on Give & Gain Day
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Simon Worsfold abseils down the Spinnaker tower
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OfficeTeam are all a flutter saving the butterfly habitat
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Andrew Borrill takes part in the Great British Bike Ride
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Jane Flannery runs for Cancer Research
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OfficeTeam’s Eastleigh branch is tickled pink!
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Greg Reed cycles to raise money for Pendleside Hospice
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OfficeTeam support national charity Crisis and by donating office supplies
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Elaine Buss volunteers as a counsellor in Harlow
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Joelle Ullathorne likes a knit & a natter
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Our Chief Executive Officer Jeff Whiteway is doing his bit
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Let us help you to improve your CSR credentials
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Working towards a better 2012
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WHAT WE BELIEVE... 3
OfficeTeam sees Corporate & Social Responsibility as part of a continuing process of building long-term value. We recognise good Corporate & Social Responsibility encompasses environmental, social and economic issues embracing all aspects of sustainable development, as well as the way we affect people through our business operations. As part of this, OfficeTeam are aiming to enrich the communities and the environment that our staff and customers are part of. As one of the UK’s leading office services and products providers, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the
local communities and environments in which we work. In order to achieve this, we have set serious commitments for 2012. These involve working together with our employees and our customers to develop forward thinking activities to help local communities, whilst developing market leading environmental initiatives to build a more sustainable future.
Jeff Whiteway Chief Executive Officer
CORPORATE & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY At OfficeTeam, Corporate and Social Responsibility is all about providing customers with excellent value and service in the most socially and sustainable way. Our commitment to this is embedded into our everyday business activity through our brand values. For 2012, we have even more exciting initiatives planned to help local communities across the UK. Including helping customers with community projects they are working on, supporting local initiatives and introducing our ‘Charity of Choice’ scheme.
Giving our customers a helping hand OfficeTeam understands that by joining forces and bringing together the efforts of our staff and customers, we can help to make a greater positive impact on local communities. Therefore, we encourage our OfficeTeam staff to help volunteer on community projects which customers have already organised. If you have a local community project you are working on in 2012 and would like some help from OfficeTeam, simply tell us when and where your activity is taking place and we will supply the volunteers!
Help a local project For all customers who have a passion for helping their local communities but just haven’t set the strategy out yet... Why not be part of ours? Every quarter in 2012, we will encourage OfficeTeam staff to take time out of their usual day-to-day role to volunteer to work on local community projects. Our aim is to complete 8 projects in local communities across the UK in 2012. These projects will be a mixture 4
of community activities chosen by our staff and our customers. If you would like OfficeTeam to take part in a community project close to your business’s heart, please submit your project by visiting; www.officeteamcares.co.uk/caringforyourcommunity
Supporting staff charities OfficeTeam encourages and supports its employees in their volunteering and fundraising activities. We are extremely proud of the OfficeTeam staff that already help with local community projects outside of work hours and we are also keen to continue to support the charities that are close to the hearts of our staff. Last year, OfficeTeam launched our staff ‘Charity of Choice’ scheme, whereby we make funds available and actively take part in fundraising activities to support the charities our staff choose. We will continue to support our staff throughout 2012. We hope that by working together with our customers and staff, we can help to make a real impact on local communities and enhance our support for charities in the future.
Pippa Maynard Company Secretary
OUR COMMITMENTS In order to drive real change within our organisation we have set the following objectives:
Corporate and social commitments Provide opportunities to encourage our staff to participate in community projects, by making time available to each member of staff for community based activities Support OfficeTeam staff in their fundraising for local projects and charities Seek the support of OfficeTeam volunteers for customer community projects
Respect for the environment Work with our customers to reduce their environmental impact by providing environmental initiatives and recycling services that are simple to set up and manage Create and supply a diverse environmental range of products to suit your business needs Provide our customers with meaningful and concise environmental reporting
www.officeteamcares.co.uk To find out how OfficeTeam can help your company, please contact your Account Manager or visit our website. 5
MEET OUR EAST TEAM To support our internal environmental launch, we have formed an Environmental and Sustainability Team (EAST). The Team consists of members of staff across the company who have a true passion for making OfficeTeam
a more environmentally friendly place to work. EAST work alongside internal staff at each OfficeTeam site, carrying out regular environmental audits, to ensure all of our sites are achieving the goals that we have set in place.
OUR AWARDS
OfficeTeam is pleased to announce we have won the Green Dealer of the Year Award in recognition of our continuous commitment to reducing our own environmental impact, as well as that of our customers. This is followed by two additional Green Apple Awards for our CSR policy and environmental website: www.officeteamcares.co.uk OfficeTeam are proud of our green credentials. The launch of our internal (EAST) Environmental & Sustainability Team, together with our (CSR) Corporate & Social Responsibility commitments, provides proof that we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the local communities and environments in which we and our customers work. We are delighted to have achieved a number of prestigious awards for our initiatives: • Green Apple Environment Award Winner 2010 – for our innovative Close the Loop paper recycling scheme • Green Dealer of the Year Award 2011 – in recognition of our continuous 6
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commitment to reducing our own environmental impact, as well as that of our customers Shortlisted for Edie Awards for Environmental Excellence 2011 Green Apple Environment Award Winner 2011 for OfficeTeam helping local communities and environments Green Apple Environment Award Winner 2011 for OfficeTeam’s Environmental website www.officeteamcares.co.uk Shortlisted for European Office Products Awards 2012 for our CSR staff volunteer projects
N GREPELE NT APVIRONME EN ARD AW NER WIN 0 201
WORKING TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE
“OfficeTeam’s extensive environmental initiatives have been particularly useful and helped Wragge & Co. embrace the environmental issues.” Wragge & Co.
Our customers can benefit from a range of innovative and award-winning environmental initiatives, sustainable products and measurable environmental savings, including: • • • •
Close the Loop paper recycling Sustainable packaging Furniture, toner and battery recycling Environmental appraisals and management reports
For more information on our environmental services please visit: www.officeteamcares.co.uk
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING OfficeTeam are dedicated to reducing the packaging waste we use in our delivery service. Therefore, instead of supplying products to your business in cardboard boxes, which create waste and cannot be easily reused, where possible we deliver supplies in OfficeTeam 100% bags (which are 100% recycled plastic, 100% reusable, 100% returnable, and 100% recyclable) or our 100% biodegradable and recyclable craft paper bags. Now in it’s 4th year of operation, our Packaging Back initiative has negated the need for us to produce over 385 tonnes of cardboard packaging waste – that’s over 2 million cardboard boxes! However, OfficeTeam are always looking into how we can improve our services and recently conducted customer research to identify key features they would like to see included within the packaging of our products. After extensive trials we have now engineered recyclable 7
paper bags which will be the ‘key’ to effectively implementing our packaging waste reduction scheme. In the next few months, rather than use our current recyclable plastic bags, we will use our new and improved 100% biodegradable and recyclable craft paper bags. These can be either reused or recycled. They come in small, medium and large sizes, whilst sustaining the same weight as our current packaging back bags.
By introducing our next stage we are ensuring that OfficeTeam continue our environmental pledge to reduce our cardboard and packaging waste. Customers will also be able to use their Close the Loop paper recycling bins to recycle their delivery bags as well as their paper waste.
CLOSE THE LOOP RECYCLING Our award winning paper recycling service is a closed loop system, which recycles customer paper waste and converts it back into recycled products for the future. • On delivery of your office products, our drivers will also collect your paper waste for recycling. Using a single van for delivery and collection, also helps to minimise your carbon emissions.
• Your paper waste is recycled into new paper products including our EcoTeam 100% recycled paper range. Therefore the waste we collect today will become the products you order tomorrow!
• Our customers’ paper waste is then collected by our paper supplier, and processed at our paper recycling plant - extending the life of paper fibre and reducing landfill.
• For confidential items, we also provide secure paper collection and destruction via our File & Data service. This can be tailored to your requirements with a regular on-site programme.
NATIONAL DELIVERY, LOCAL SERVICE We strive to deliver the highest standards and will always go further for our customers. Unlike other office supplies companies who use central distribution centres, OfficeTeam has multiple local stocking points across the UK – offering a fast and efficient service whilst also reducing carbon emissions.
Our OfficeTeam fleet of vans are fully owned, liveried and driven by our dedicated team of drivers. Our fleet of 220 vans include vehicles powered by electricity and bio fuel, and make over a million deliveries a year.
We are dedicated to helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint and therefore we can provide you with a delivery service that meets your business needs – whether you require a daily, weekly or monthly delivery, we would be happy to advise.
DEDICATED TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OfficeTeam is committed to building a sustainable future, with the aim to reduce any detrimental impacts our business activities cause to the local and wider environment.
The key to turning our commitments into a realistic outcome is our values. By encouraging staff to work by these values, we can ensure our environmental and sustainability commitments are met.
To do this, we have set clear objectives to help reduce our CO2 and waste output which have delivered sustainable results, leading to direct environmental savings. • 998 tonnes of waste paper saved from going to landfill through our Close the Loop service* • By using sustainable packaging in our deliveries we have saved 184,732 cardboard boxes from going to landfill*
Feedback is extremely important to us, hence the introduction of our Environmental and Sustainability Team (EAST), consisting of staff from different departments across the company who all have a true passion for making OfficeTeam a more environmentally friendly place to work.
In 2012, we have set our targets even higher to: • Increase the internal use of paper recycling by 100% • Increase the use of recycled, reusable bags in our delivery service by 50% and the reuse of delivery bags by 25%
Our EAST committee are responsible for monitoring all the internal recycling within OfficeTeam sites and act as a communication and feedback link between our staff and sustainability procedures.
Simon Worsfold, Environmental & Sustainability Director * Environmental savings recorded up until December 2010
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SO WHAT ARE WE DOING? More and more businesses are realising the importance of Corporate & Social Responsibility. However, managing to fit it into work schedules can be difficult. Therefore OfficeTeam have come up with two initiatives:
Making our customers’ Corporate & Social Responsibility team bigger.
OfficeTeam understand that by joining forces and bringing together the efforts of our staff and customers, we can help to make a greater positive impact on local communities. Therefore our staff are encouraged to help volunteer on community projects which our customers have already organised.
So what are we doing?
Each member of staff is offered the opportunity to use one working day a year at the expense of OfficeTeam to help volunteer with local communities and charities. We have had great response from our staff, please read on to find out more about what they have achieved...
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SAY HELLO TO RICHARD PEGG Area Sales Manager Richard Pegg takes part on Earth Day.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is run by Timberland, a global leader in the design of premium footwear, clothing and accessories for individuals who love the outdoors.
How did I get in involved?
Maintaining client relationships is always important, especially when it goes a step further. I have been involved with my client Timberland’s Corporate & Social
SAY HELLO TO MARK WAKE 10
Responsibility projects for the past 8 years. Recently I was joined by Alan Roberts and Carolyn Botton from the Croydon sales office as well as Timberland partner Harlequins Rugby Club. The main aim of the day was to build a perimeter hedge (alongside park rangers) to prevent erosion around the lakes of the Black Park and improve accessibility to the park for the local community, a task which will mean Black Park can be enjoyed by more people and improve conservation. Aiding Timberland will help to serve an estimated 46,000 hours to the local community (further enhancing Timberland’s pledge to be a carbon neutral business by 2015).
Web designer Mark Wake takes part in the Timberland Serva-Palooza day. I was very pleased to be invited to the event in Black Park. I had never had the opportunity to do anything like this before and it was very different from the usual day in the office. There were about 100 people based at our camp and countless more around the country. It was an amazing opportunity to meet everyone involved in the Timberland family and I was pleased to represent OfficeTeam and show our commitment to the environment. Over the course of the day, we undertook two activities. My personal favourite was a path widening task. This
involved clearing some trees along a path to make the path bigger and more accessible for people and animals. It also benefited the trees as those that were previously at the back were able to gain more light and grow better. With our axes and saws we got to work under the supervision of the park’s forestry team. The work we did was not only fun but essential, by us working for the day, it was one less thing that the forester had to do. It also helped the environment as the trees that we cut were used to create heaps and mounds that could be used by small woodland animals to make a home over winter. It was a truly an amazing experience and as an employee of OfficeTeam it was the perfect opportunity to take our values and beliefs and put them into practice.
SAY HELLO TO JIM O’BRIEN Area Sales Manager Jim O’Brien supports customer Gratte Brothers. This year I joined Gratte Brothers who have been named as one of the 6 principal sponsors of the London Air Ambulance on their website. Together with staff members of Gratte Brothers I visited the London Air Ambulance helipad at the London Royal Hospital (where a good head for heights was needed!). We got to witness first-hand the high demand for this service. This involved meeting the air crew, doctors and the nurses who all contribute to providing such a vital service. We also got to witness how causalities are transported from the helicopter into the hospital, and
how there is sometimes only a matter of minutes between delivering a causality to the hospital and their next emergency call-out. I am actively engaged in supporting this great service and this year OfficeTeam supplied 4 months free supply of A4 paper to them. Additional members of Gratte brothers also raised money to support London Air Ambulance. Proceeds were shared equally between the London Air Ambulance and the CLIC Sargent cancer charity. OfficeTeam are pleased to assist our customer in their support for the London Air Ambulance.
SAY HELLO TO DANIEL MEE Regional Sales Manager Daniel Mee paddled the ‘Devizes to Westminster’ canoe race in aid of Lymphoma Association.
Why did you get involved?
Who are the Lymphoma Association?
Devizes to Westminster is a 125-mile race from Devizes, Wiltshire down the Kennet & Avon Canal, and the River Thames into the heart of London. It is the longest non-stop canoe race in the world, and one of the great open-to-all endurance events in the world – a unique physical and mental challenge.
The Lymphoma Association was founded by patients in 1986 and is the only specialist UK charity that provides accurate medical information and support to lymphatic cancer patients, their families, friends and carers. Lymphoma is the most common cancer in the under 30s and the fifth most common cancer diagnosed overall in the UK. The Lymphoma Association offers free specialist information and support for patients and their families, and rely on voluntary donations to keep services running.
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The charity was a personal choice, as my wife has been involved with the charity for a number of years.
Why did you do it?
I took up the challenge along with Paul Sampson from GlaxoSmithkline last year. Preparing for such a challenge required 6 months of training. We paddled a total of 125 miles in just under 24 hours in a canoe just big enough for the 2 of us. The race took part over the Easter weekend, and the weather was kind to us, which meant there were clear skies and warm temperatures, although the slow flow on the river and a building head wind did take it’s toll at times. However it was all worth it in the end as we managed to raise over £600 through OfficeTeam.
SAY HELLO TO ANDREW TROUSDALE Sales Support Analyst Andrew Trousdale volunteers with the Biodiversity Action Team (BTCV).
Who are the (Biodiversity Action Team) BTCV? The Biodiversity Action Team carries out practical, conservation volunteering projects each lasting for one day. The Team works in partnership with a wide range of land managers, from local authorities and other public bodies, through to community groups, schools and private landowners. As well as tackling projects that help to protect and enhance our biodiversity, most of its activities also help to mitigate the effects of climate change, or help to improve access or interpretation of greenspaces to enable people to enjoy them more.
Why did you get involved?
As part of OfficeTeam’s EAST Team the environment is a critical aspect of my everyday life. Situated in East Leeds and surrounded by a landfill site, water works and an electricity substation, education centre Skelton Grange is a small green oasis in the middle of an industrialised area. Funded by the corporation as a means to offset it’s own impact it owes it’s existence to the National Grid.
Main aim
To build a herb spiral structure for attracting more bees to the area. Skelton Grange is currently staffed by a few full time employees and a core of volunteers, both of whom give children from some of the most deprived areas of Leeds the chance to learn about ecosystems and our environmental impact, whilst giving them the opportunity to learn about gardening and conservation. It also serves as a wildlife haven, and the project for the day was to build a herb spiral to attract more bees to the area. Bees pollinate over eighty percent of all our food crops, and the declining numbers in the 12
UK are a major cause for concern. The main purpose of the spiral is to control the conditions for herbs to grow from different climates. The elevation section is much warmer higher up, gradually getting cooler closer to the ground. The spiral had fallen into a poor state of disrepair, which the group needed to repair and to install a raised bed next to it, for children to grow things in. Once the old spiral had been removed, along with the other volunteers we prepared the ground to start rebuilding the spiral out of stone. The large sage plant that was established at the top was replanted elsewhere, as were many small strawberry plants that had taken root. The spiral was then laid out so that the lowest point was facing due south. Blocks were then moved from a stack in the car park and laid out so that it was easier to select the largest and best quality. All the stones we used were reclaimed from a chimney from a local heritage house, making the reuse of waste material an ecologically sound project. By rebuilding the spiral out of stone, it is not only more hardwearing but meant that it could capitalise on thermal mass (creating a small microclimate around the herbs). Despite having a few aches and pains at the end of the day, to be able to achieve so much and be given the opportunity to help and know that the children will benefit and enjoy the use of the centre, it has proven to be an invaluable experience. Skelton Grange is a BTCV site and relies almost entirely on volunteers to keep it running. This year they lose one subsidised part time member of staff due to budget cuts that face all organisations at the moment, so every help they get is gratefully received and appreciated.
SAY HELLO TO JOHN DIGNAN
John Dignan, OfficeTeam’s Standard’s Manager has been a volunteer driver and Inductor for a London-based charity called The Food Chain for the past 5 years.
Who are The Food Chain?
The Food Chain is a charity established in 1988, which – using a network of over 800 volunteers - provides meals and groceries to people living with HIV in London, and passionately believes that nobody living with HIV should have their chances of getting well and staying healthy hampered by lack of access to appropriate nutrition.
What do they do?
Using four borrowed kitchens across London, each week they prepare a full Sunday meal for over 500 people (including around 70 children), along with the carers and family of its service users. Once ready, the food is delivered by a team of volunteer drivers and navigators across London ensuring that the meals arrive fresh, hot – and in many cases in time to be taken with vital medication. As with many illnesses, appetite loss is extremely common with HIV, and along with the actual preparation and delivery of the food, they have to ensure that they plan menus that look appealing and accommodate personal taste, cultural preferences and medical needs. Proper nutrition not only supports a healthy immune system, but plays a vital part in preventing weight loss and muscle wasting. The nature of HIV and AIDS also means that people are not only vulnerable to infection, but through illness 13
and weakness are often isolated and unable to cater for themselves. The Sunday visit from The Food Chain volunteers is often a lifeline, delivering fresh and carefully prepared food along with a smiling face and in some cases, providing one of the few points of inter-personal contact for its service users. This year alone, the Food Chain will: • Prepare 36,520 home delivered meals • Provide 3,665 tailored food hampers to people in medical or financial crisis • Help 300 people living with HIV and their carers understand how to better self manage their condition using nutrition • Give 48 isolated people the opportunity to take part in a communal eating project to discuss the challenges of living with HIV over a meal The Food Chain has received significant support from both the National Lottery and the Elton John AIDS foundation. OfficeTeam also plays its part - by providing office supplies at a cost that minimises the call on the charities reserves. From office administration, through fund-raising and obviously in meals preparation and delivery, Food Chain has a constant need for volunteer help and support, so if anyone in the London area would like to join me and make a huge difference to the lives of those living with HIV and AIDS, a few hours of your time every month would be hugely appreciated. Every little helps!
SAY HELLO TO OUR EASTLEIGH BRANCH
The challenge involved both exterior and interior work which included weeding, lawn mowing, strimming, hanging baskets, sweeping the car park, removal of garden waste and trips to the local dump. Inside, the work consisted of restorating the doors of the building, which involved washing down the exteriors, filling any cracks, painting and varnishing. OfficeTeam also donated a few notice-boards which the team put up.
OfficeTeam’s Eastleigh team gets involved in Give & Gain Day.
What is Give & Gain Day?
Give & Gain Day mobilises employees to volunteer their expertise and time during work hours to support communities in greatest need. OfficeTeam staff at our Eastleigh branch were given the opportunity to assist Southampton Mencap in Southampton, which is independently funded. The charity seeks to improve the lives of people of all ages with learning disabilities alongside their families or carers living in Southampton. It provides a variety of services including a wide range of leisure activities for children/ young people and adults, a summer programme of activities, open meetings/ carers lunches, information and general advice.
Who took part?
This year the Team consisted of volunteers from different departments including: Karen Elliott, Georgie Bennett, Gillian Bow, Simon Worsfold, Sally Russell, Tomasz Wachla, Martin Wardell, Rob Flannagan, Lucy Pullen, and Robin Coteau.
What did you do?
Southampton Mencap was looking for some help in improving their local office reception and car parking areas, to make the centre more welcoming towards visitors. The team arrived earlier than expected and were all on site by 8.30am and working hard by 9am. They were given a deadline of 4pm to meet – so there was no time to waste. An OfficeTeam van was also arranged to bring the supplies to the site, which were mostly donated by the team. 14
A local supplier, Indigo Signs, had also kindly agreed to donate a new Welcome sign for their entrance hall, which was well received by Southampton Mencap. The team finished the day off with a well earned team beer in the local wine bar – unsuitably dressed! Southampton Mencap was delighted with the results of the volunteer’s efforts and are looking forward to showcasing their newly improved centre. The volunteers hope that their experience will encourage other staff members to engage with local community projects and to share their experiences in future.
SAY HELLO TO SIMON WORSFOLD OfficeTeam’s Environmental & Sustainability Director abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower.
I decided to don a climbing harness, hard hat and jump out of a high up window at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Several people thought I had a screw loose (nothing new there). Others thought I was doing it for the adrenalin rush. In reality, both of these were partly true. The primary reason however, was it gave me an opportunity to raise some money for a charity which I feel provides much support for children and families for whom a family member has died, or is dying. The charity concerned is SimonSays which aims to provide support to people who are faced with such situations. It is based in Hampshire and has been running for around ten years.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely! Firstly, thanks to people’s generosity, I succeeded in raising £480 for Simonsays which exceeded my expectations in the current economic climate. Secondly the experience of climbing out of that window with a rope around my waist 300 feet above the ground
was not something I had done before. The view was spectacular and I was in a place that not many people have been before. The total time taken to descend the 300 feet was around two minutes. The only aspect of the enjoyment which reduced as I descended was the view. After all, and as a good friend once reliably informed me, the view does improve the higher you go. Therefore the inverse must be true too. With views of the Nab Tower in the East across the Solent towards Lymington and the Needles in the West at the start of the descent to a close up view of a car park as I neared the bottom of the descent. The Tower is coated with Teflon to help keep it looking smart. Unfortunately it was like skating on oil on the way down – not particularly graceful! All in all, a great experience physically and a satisfying and rewarding feeling in terms of the money raised for such a great cause. To learn more about the work of simonsays please visit: www.simonsays.org.uk
SAY HELLO TO KELLY DE SILVA, SIMON WORSFOLD, SARAH ROSE, AND PIPPA MAYNARD Marketing Director Kelly de Silva answers how the Team contributed on a project at Farley Mount Country Park for the BTVC (BTCV Biodiversity Action Team).
an ancient woodland Local Nature Reserve. The land was starting to become overgrown with the possible threat of becoming un-inhabitable for the wildlife that live there.
How did you get involved?
We spent most of the day helping the BTCV Biodiversity Action Team to cut back small vegetation, trim back trees, weed unwanted shrubbery and contribute towards general woodland management. Although it was hard work it was worth it, knowing what our work was going to achieve. By the end of the day we had managed to clear almost 20 trees and restore the land for the first time in 150 years to its natural state for future generations to enjoy.
When we were asked if we wanted to contribute to a local project near to our Southampton offices we jumped at the chance. Farley Mount is an important area for conservation in the south of England. It is home to several species of butterfly including the Grizzled Skipper and the Dingy Skipper, as well as many plant species. The aim of the day was to clear the area so that the two species of butterfly could fully inhabit the area and to restore and open the overgrown area to make it a friendlier and more habitable space for wildlife. The area includes large open countryside and woodland, including chalk down grassland, Forestry commission plantation and Crabwood, 15
SAY HELLO TO ANDREW BORRILL Head of New Business Andrew Borrill raises money for Help For Heroes. I was invited to join Auditel, the leading UK Cost Management Company who I have successfully worked with over the last 18 months to join 6 of their Affiliates on The Great British Bike Ride to help raise money for local rugby charities and the ‘Help For Heroes’ charities. This started at Land’s End and finished at Twickenham Rugby Stadium on the day of The Middlesex 7’s Tournament. We were joined by the former England Rugby Captain, Phil Vickery and the TV Sports Presenter John Inverdale. The trip started with a coach ride at 6.30pm from Twickenham on Monday 4th of July and by 6.45pm I was
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in excruciating pain as The Auditel Team had agreed to have their legs waxed for charity and despite my protests I was duly stripped! Arriving in Land’s End we were met by The army who had erected 8 man tents and we tried to sleep with a gale force wind and driving rain bombarding the tents; not exactly the best preparation for Day 1 which involved 98 miles of very steep hills in Cornwall. Day 2 we left Tavistock Rugby Club and cycled a further 90 miles to Yeovil RFC. Day 3 was slightly easier with a mere 79 miles to Winchester and then Day 4 a leisurely 65 miles to Esher RFC. On Saturday all 78 riders and the support teams travelled together into Twickenham (10 miles) and rode a lap around the famous stadium and were warmly applauded by the rugby fans.
SAY HELLO TO JANE FLANNERY Customer Services Team Leader Jane Flannery takes part in Race For Life.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK work in the following areas where they can make the most impact: • Research – supporting the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK to investigate all aspects of cancer • Information – working to prevent cancer and help people cope with its effects by providing information for cancer patients and their families, health professionals and the general public • Influencing public policy – campaigning to keep cancer at the top of the health agenda
Why did you get involved?
When the father of my best friend Helen died a year ago of the disease, she mentioned that she would like to take part in the raising money for the charity and I decided to support her.
What did you do?
Events like ‘Race for Life’ are vital in funding Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. I have always enjoyed getting involved with charity events and supporting one of my friends was the perfect opportunity to raise money for a good cause. This year I chose to take part in Race for Life held at Aintree Racecourse.
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Our training routine wasn’t strenuous but consisted of taking Zumba classes, which was not only great fun but also a great way to prepare for the race as the music used in the classes are specifically chosen for its beat and tempo changes to assist your body movements from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another. Each and every major muscle group in the body is targeted to give you a thorough workout. After only a few sessions, I felt ready to compete! When 11.00am came on Sunday 26th June, I was ready and took the challenge along with several friends and my 10 month son Alfie. The course consisted of a 5km route which we were allowed to walk, run or jog round. With Alfie in his pram I managed to jog at least half way round the course. Working for a company who are committed not only to their customers, but also to raising and supporting their Corporate & Social Responsibility profile is an important factor for me. Overall, I managed to raise £115 from the day’s efforts and have already caught the fund-raising bug – I am sure I will back next year.
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SAY HELLO TO GREG REED
Between the 14th and 17th September 2011 I raised over £1,300 for Pendleside hospice by cycling from London to Paris. As I am not an avid biker this was going to be a challenge as the closest I had come to particpating on a cycle on this scale was the London to Brighton bike ride a few years ago with several members of OfficeTeam. I knew this was going to be a great challenge!
Who are Pendleside Hospice and what do they do?
Pendleside Hospice provides support for the special needs of people with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. They provide in-patient, day therapy, hospice at home services, and support for families / carers. All their services are provided free of charge and rely solely on the support of the local community they serve.
What did you do?
roads along the valley of the Canche River. The Artois region is scenic and includes the Spanish influenced town of Hesdin and its tremendous architecture and close proximity to the battle of Agincourt. We spent the night in Abbeville – which is steeped in history from the war and despite being destroyed in just one night, it has managed to retain its beautiful gothic church. 75 miles (approx)
Day 3: Abbeville to Beauvais
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Our journey involved passing through the picturesque Kent countryside, crossing the Channel and through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, including passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point evoked a real sense of achievement. And, our last day allowed us to explore the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic atmosphere of such a beautiful town!
Our route started by following the river Somme out of Abbeville. The Somme is most well-known for it’s battles and you cannot fail to be reminded of the thousands who lost their lives in the war. But the Somme is also a Celtic word meaning tranquillity… which summed up the feeling of the day as we cycled through this superb region. After lunch we enjoyed the countryside with a little less ‘undulations’ than previous days. We finished the day in Beauvais where the market square, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, was a true highlight. Several of the houses close to the Cathedral date back from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries. 70 miles (approx)
Day 1: London to Calais
Day 4: Beauvais to Paris
Our challenge began bright and early starting from Crystal Palace heading south en-route to the coast. Our long journey took us through Kent and our path winded down through traditional British countryside, along the North Downs Way before we reached the white cliffs of Dover. The ferry took us across to Calais and our first nights resting place. 95 miles (approx)
Day 2: Calais to Abbeville
La belle France! Stunning picturesque countryside awaited us in northern France as we travelled south through some beautiful quaint villages - we weren’t surprised to be greeted with a Bonjour Monsieur / Madame as we cycled through! We then cycled through Desvres, a market town known for it’s ceramics and continued with the windy 19
The final day of cycling and the big push to Paris, our final destination. We are treated to stunning countryside including spending our lunch break in a wooded area next to the River Oise. After lunch we near the outskirts of Paris where we could see in the distance - the familiar sights of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. We rendezvous in a park just north of Paris before joining together to cycle the last miles along a few of the famous boulevards. Our finish point can be seen for miles above the Paris skyline and on arrival the celebration began! 60 miles (approx) TOTAL MILES COVERED: 300! (approx)
DEDICATED TO HELPING LOCAL CHARITIES Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. They are dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change. OfficeTeam first got involved with Crisis 2 years ago when the charity contacted us for support in their Christmas appeal. This year OfficeTeam donated 50 A4 copier paper (500 ream), 400 Pens, 400 Pencils (HB), 40 Marker pens (black), 30 Highlighter pens, 50 Sellotape, 250
Envelopes, 20 Memory sticks, 30 Whiteboard markers, 30 Blu-tack packs, 450 Lined notepads, and 45 Pencil sharpeners. The items contributed enable Crisis to help thousands of people to take their first step out of homelessness. For eight days over Christmas Crisis set up nine centres across London, where volunteers provided 3,000 homeless people with companionship, meals, clothing and a range of services including accommodation; medical, dental, health and well being facilities; learning opportunities and entertainment; housing employment and benefits advice.
Elaine Buss - working with ADAS OfficeTeam Regional Sales Director Elaine Buss works with two clients once a week in Harlow. I am currently working part-
time towards a psychology and counselling degree and was required to do a placement as part of the course. I realised that I wanted to make a difference and after researching various options I found out about the agency (which
is funded by the government and part charity) and helps the local community by offering support from a practical and emotional level. After fully researching into the agency and what they do, I got involved.
Joelle Ullathorne - helping a good cause through a knit and a natter! Joelle Ullathorne (Marketing Print Administrator) is a member of a group that meets once a week for a bit of ‘knit and natter’. Recently the cause of the groups meet-up changed when Joelle, was informed of a charity based in 20
Lewisham that needed a bit of help with a community project. The community project – called Breakspears Road, helps young women aged 16-25 who are homeless, or potentially homeless, and are pregnant or have a child
under 5 years old. They are always looking for people to help and donate. Joelle, plus her group of fellow knitters jumped at the chance to get involved with the charity, resulting in the great idea to knit baby blankets, clothes and toys for the women and their children.
OFFICETEAM’S CEO IS LEADING THE WAY... ...with his new electric Smart Car.
OfficeTeam CEO Jeff Whiteway is leading the way with his new electric Smart Car.
ÂŁ4.77 on average per month, Jeff is setting an example by driving the way forward.
Over the past few months, Jeff has been using the car to get to and from work, saving an average of 4.5kg of CO2 emitted per journey.
The car is charged by electricity channelled directly from his home, resulting in both savings on petrol and his own contribution part toward saving our planet, something we would all want to consider.
With electricity costs amounting to the grand total of 21
HELPING YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Here at OfficeTeam we understand that Corporate and Social Responsibility never stands still. Even in this economic climate, we recognise the need to incorporate CSR into our work schedules and the importance of supporting local charities and projects.
Let our staff help you! We realise the importance of supporting our customers. Therefore as part of our commitment, we would like to offer our staff’s services to help you and your charity and community projects in 2012. We will be offering each of our 971 employees one working day this year to volunteer on a chosen project of their choice. That’s a total of 33,985 hours that can be dedicated to a good cause. We understand that not everyone can afford to take a day off work, therefore we offer each of our staff a fully paid working day at the expense of OfficeTeam to help you out. All you have to do is tell us when, where and our volunteers will be there!
For more information please email marketing@officeteam.co.uk
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Do you have a project you would like OfficeTeam staff to help you out with? Let us know and we will supply the volunteers! Email marketing@officeteam.co.uk for more information
When setting our targets, we try to look at areas in which we can make the most difference. Our aims: Either match or exceed the amount OffficeTeam donated to charities and community projects in 2011
To exceed the amount of hours completed by our staff last year for charity and community projects
Investigate ways in which we can improve upon our environmental initiatives
To continually support & encourage our staff in their chosen projects
To have a variety of projects across the country
Keep our customers informed of our latest CSR projects
Provide internal marketing to encourage our staff around the country to take part
WORKING FOR A BETTER 2012 23
WATCH THIS SPACE... GREEN APPLE
ENVIRONMENT AWARD WINNER 2010
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? SO HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? WWW.OFFICETEAMCARES.CO.UK 24