The facilities management company Mitie has launched its 2020 Social Value Report, setting targets for the next five years. The report covers what the contractor calls the five pillars of its Social Value Strategy: Employment, Responsibility, Community and Environment, and Innovation.
As a UK employer of 47,500 colleagues, Mitie has set diversity goals, committing to increase the percentage of women on the Group/Executive Leadership Teams to 40 per cent and the percentage of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues to 20pc by the year 2024/25. It’s currently 18pc and 3pc respectively.
Mitie says that it has committed to increase its support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, charitable and social enterprises (VCSEs) within its supply chain. The firm has signed up to Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), which is supporting Mitie in identifying new VCSEs to include within its supply chain.
As for community, the firm has set targets in three key areas: supporting the armed forces, health and well-being, and colleague volunteering. In recognition of the significant strides Mitie has made in supporting the armed forces, such as introducing ten additional days paid leave for its forces Reservists, it was awarded the Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in July.
In February, Mitie launched its Plan Zero commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2025, while also helping customers reach their own sustainability targets. The FM firm has over 750 EVs in its vehicle fleet; and has a target of increasing recycling rates to 80pc. Where recycling isn’t possible alternative methods, such as processing waste into fuel for heat and power, will be used, to ensure that Mitie reaches zero waste to landfill by the year 2024/25.
Simon King, Director of Sustainability and Social Value at Mitie, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the progress we have made over the past 12 months to drive or deliver social value, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with an ambition to lead our sector, and UK business more widely, we’re committed to picking up the pace and going further. With these tough new targets, a plan of initiatives and events, and a focus on finding innovative solutions, we’re committed to leaving a positive legacy in the communities in which we work.”
Photo courtesy of Mitie; the company’s first electric van, outside Edinburgh Castle.
