We have a strong track record in community engagement and investment, operating the best community-based initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, tackle social exclusion, improve employment chances and promote sustainability and diversity. Whilst it is not possible to list here all the projects with which Compass has been involved, outlined below are just a few of the many good news stories from 2009. Further examples can be viewed online at www.compassgroup.com/CR09.
Our Canadian business and Hydro Quebec have entered into a partnership agreement which offers the local indigenous peoples of the Innu Pakua Shipi and Unamen Shipu the opportunity to work alongside the culinary and facilities management teams of Compass Canada. The programme provides practical vocational training, experience and mentorship in areas such as foodservice, housekeeping and facilities management, which will serve to maximise employment opportunities with Hydro Quebec and projects underway on their traditional lands.
We value our membership of Business in the Community (‘BITC’), a UK based organisation which seeks to inspire, engage, support and challenge companies to continually improve the impact they have on society and the environment.
We were delighted that our UK based Junior Chefs’ Academy programme has retained its Big Tick in the education category for 2009, awarded by BITC. The award recognises businesses that have demonstrated significant impact and high quality management of their responsible business practices and who can demonstrate a positive impact on both society and the business. The highly successful Junior Chefs’ Academy, which attracts, develops and trains new talent for the hospitality industry, has been in operation since 2003 and now includes 47 courses run in 20 colleges across the UK and Ireland. In 2009, Compass expanded the Academy to focus on three different skill levels, linked the Academy to its apprenticeship scheme and started on the path to NVQ accreditation. By the end of 2009, more than 3,600 young people will have experienced a flavour of the hospitality industry.
As a result of the combined efforts of our UK based employees, this year we are proud to have raised over £250,000 for our partner Cancer Research UK. Fundraising initiatives have included a charity cricket match at The Brit Oval cricket ground in London, supported by clients and suppliers, as well as employee sponsorship as part of the J P Morgan Challenge sponsored run held in London. We will continue to support Cancer Research UK with fundraising initiatives during 2010.
During the year to 30 September 2009 charitable donations were £5.6 million (2008: £1.5 million).
