With over 160 years’ history of working in the built environment and as a significant employer, John Laing has always acknowledged its responsibilities to communities, staff and the environment.
A strategic and integrated approach
The company has developed a top-level policy statement explaining its position on Corporate Responsibility. This is supported by a detailed Community Policy that outlines their community objectives and their approach to integrating community across all functions of the business, from guiding core business operations to investing in communities through the John Laing Charitable Trust.
There is strong leadership on the community agenda within John Laing, every member of staff from CEO down has a personal CSR objective which forms part of their appraisal and therefore is linked to their annual bonus.
Through the John Laing Charitable Trust, the company has developed a number of community partnerships with leading charities that have specialist skill sets aligned with the company’s key areas of activity. The company aims to provide support in the areas in which they are able to make the most difference. These are most commonly areas in which they have specialist sector knowledge, combined with projects in areas where they have established local connections and extensive local knowledge.
John Laing's three tier structure to community involvement:
Strategic Level: The Prince's Trust
John Laing is a patron for 'The Prince's Trust Construction and Business Services Leadership Group'. This innovative partnership with The Prince's Trust has linked the power of their industry sector to support young people who face barriers in their lives and provide them with better opportunities.
Project Level: Trafford Hall
Trafford Hall is the home of the National Communities Resource Centre. This charity offers support to all those living and working in low income communities in the United Kingdom to develop their skills, confidence and capacity to tackle problems and reverse poor conditions. John Laing has been working with Trafford Hall as community partners since its establishment over 10 years ago, initially refurbishing the facilities, and then providing grants towards the purchase of the Hall. Major grant funding to Trafford Hall continues to this day, with John Laing working with Trafford Hall to part fund their major refurbishment proposals, which by 2012 will create a carbon neutral facility. John Laing also funds a £50,000 a year programme at Trafford Hall, “DIY Community Action and Small Grant Programme”.
Individual Level: Allington House Reading Group
A group of 20 employees have created a reading rota and support Arsburnham Community school on a weekly basis. This project extends to staff adoption, with further financial assistance when requested by the school for items such as school trips, either through charitable donation, matched giving or make a difference.
For details about the other projects and community initiatives that led to John Laing achieving the CommunityMark, please visit http://www.laing.com/csr/1132.htm
