Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and support services firm, has released its 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report, representing the programme of activity which will guide the company to a sustainable future and create a positive social impact.
The Report maps out how Compass will harness change, responding to new consumer needs and in doing so create value for the business, its clients and its people.
Divided into four pillars; sourcing, people, environment and health, the Report outlines key commitments and initiatives in these areas to achieve a clear set of goals.
Responsible sourcing is at the core of Compass Group’s activity and is fundamental to the success of the business. Under this pillar Compass has;
• Identified several categories including milk, fish, beef and sugar, as well as uniforms and paper, where responsible buying practices can make a significant positive impact.
• Committed to the use of 100% cage free eggs by 2025.
• Ensured all tea, coffee and hot chocolate is ethically sourced by the end of the decade.
With approximately 60,000 colleagues, people are the foundation of Compass, made clear through the company’s investment in a number of programmes.
• Named in National Apprenticeship Services Top 100 employers, in March 2016 Compass Group UK & Ireland committed more investment to its apprenticeship programmes by aiming to deliver 1,500 apprenticeship starts by the end of 2017.
• In April 2016, Compass also launched its industry-leading ‘Women in Food’ programme, with a target to have female chefs form 50% of its chef workforce by 2020.
The Report outlines Compass’ commitment to the environment through cutting down on food waste, contributing to the effort to combat climate change and working towards a lower carbon future.
The company has;
• Set out an ambitious target to reduce food waste by 10% against its 2016 level by 2020, teaming up with Winnow to use “smart scales” to track food waste in kitchens.
• Partnered with FareShare to send surplus food products which are still within date and fit for consumption to the charity to be turned into meals for those less fortunate.
Incorporated within the Report is Compass’ 2020 Health Strategy which;
• Details the aim to remove 40 million calories from the company’s meals between 2016 and 2020.
• Ensures every restaurant offers a balanced meal option of less than 500 calories per day and includes one of the recommended five a day.
• Compass is also shortly due to launch its new health website to inform consumers on a range of health and wellbeing topics.
Dennis Hogan, Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented, “Our corporate responsibility programme guides our business and we’re committed to playing our part in creating a sustainable future and making a positive social impact.
“While we’ve already accomplished a great deal, we recognise there’s still more we can undertake to ensure we’re a truly sustainable business. I’m confident we’ll succeed with the support of our colleagues, our consumers and our partners.”
Compass has invested significantly in its corporate responsibility programme and in 2016 appointed a new Head of Corporate Responsibility, Duncan Gray, who will oversee the implementation of the commitments outlined in the Report.
Duncan Gray, Head of Corporate Responsibility, commented, “Our Corporate Responsibility Report is a marker in the sand, outlining key commitments for our business over the coming years. The content of this Report is the culmination of the hard work which has taken place in our organisation to be an ethical and transparent business. I’m confident that as our business continues to grow, so will our list of CR achievements.”