Wates Group achieves Platinum in BiTC CR Index

7 June, 2010

The Wates Group has achieved Platinum status in the Business in the Community
Corporate Responsibility Index announced today, the only construction services group to achieve this level this year. 

“For Wates, corporate responsibility is about good business and is at the heart of everything we do.  Take our Zero Waste Targets, we said we will send zero non-hazardous waste to landfill by 2010 and we are close to achieving this because we recognise the importance of being a business that is sustainable on all levels,” said Paul Drechsler, Chairman and Chief Executive, Wates Group.  “Achieving Platinum status in this leading independent assessment of commitment to corporate responsibility is a fantastic achievement for the Group and all the people at Wates who drive this agenda and are passionate about continuing this success through and beyond 2010.” 

Wates has a number of innovative schemes to benefit local communities. From the Dolly Parton Imagination Library that gives thousands of children across Luton a book every month from birth until the age of 5, so supporting the local literacy agenda. To Wates annual Community Day where the employees, supply chain and customers work together on local projects, which resulted in over 10,000 man hours and over 80 projects in 2009.

The key to Wates’ success is its people and fundamental belief in boosting skills.  In addition to a thriving apprenticeship programme, Wates Building Futures has helped the unemployed to develop relevant skills and provide opportunities back into the workplace. 26 programmes have been delivered to date with over 310 people successfully completing the accredited programme. Of these, over 60% move into employment or further training. 

Full details of the BITC CR Index for this year can be found at www.bitc.org.uk

To download a pdf of this press release click here

Categories: CR, people, awards, national

Tags: BiTC, building futures, Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index