Our pillars of responsibility explained
Our Corporate, Social & Environmental Responsibility (CSER) strategic plan, development, monitoring and reporting process is based on five pillars which reflect the various areas of business activity the Brakes Group engages in, to deliver a more sustainable future for all.
Environment
We are committed to being a leader in our industry sector by reducing the effect we have on the environment. We will strive to drive down food miles, reduce fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become more energy efficient. A significant amount of our business activity relates to supplying chilled and frozen food to our customers, the energy consumption and fuel used to provide this service is very significant – by reducing consumption we reduce our costs as well as helping to protect the environment.
Responsible sourcing
We are committed to trading fairly, ensuring everyone in our supply chain is treated with honesty, fairness and respect at all times. Responsible sourcing is central to all our procurement decisions and Brakes has an Ethical Sourcing Code of Practice that must be adhered to at all times. Sustainability is a key consideration whenever or wherever we are sourcing products for our customers. We are committed to animal and farm welfare assurance schemes; protecting the fishing industry and fish stocks and ensuring our people and suppliers consider the environment at every part of the procurement and supply chain.
Health & nutrition
As a leading foodservice supplier in the UK, France, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland we are committed to promoting nutrition, health and wellness through the products we supply to our customers. We also provide customers with information, guidance and advice so that they can make informed and healthier menu choices for their consumers. We have customers from all sectors of the foodservice market ranging from schools and hospitals to top London restaurants. We have a responsibility to our customers to provide them with the support they need to help improve the nation’s diet.
Community
We are dedicated to working with charities that improve healthy eating for those who lack access to nutritional food and that assist young people into work. We aim to bring our own expertise and financial support to our communities in support of these core principles while adding value to Brakes and all its stakeholders. We will launch our Community Engagement Strategy in 2012 to support this activity. This will include policies, processes, measurement and targets for all charitable activity undertaken by the group and our people.
Our People
Brakes Group employs over 10,000 dedicated people across the UK and Europe. We are committed to making our organisation ‘a great place to work’ and helping to develop each and every one of our people to their full potential. All our people should feel valued and respected and know that their views really count and will be listened to. We are also committed to providing our people with a safe and stimulating workplace.
