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Corporate and Social Responsibility
Stobart Group’s ‘Stop, Think, Act’ campaign is now
recognised as a benchmark across the industry, and has now
been adapted and implemented by many other leading
businesses operating in the sector.
The Group recognises that involving and engaging with its
workforce at every level leads to the positive Health and
Safety culture that it aims to build on and develop. Over the
past 12 months this approach has resulted in the
development, revision and enhancement of the Safe Systems
of Work (SSW) that affect every Eddie Stobart driver during
their working day. A comprehensive new Driver Handbook
has been developed that includes all the core SSWs and is
now being distributed during training days to all the Group’s
drivers. An accompanying DVD has also been developed to
further reinforce and advertise the need for constant
adherence to safe working practices.
Sites within the Group continue to demonstrate the highest
operational standards, with positive comments recently
received on the control and commitment to Health and Safety
standards at the Group’s 450,000 sq ft Daventry site. These
were relayed by the Local Authority after the completion of
an Emergency Planning Exercise aimed at testing On-Site and
Off-Site Plans through a major site fire simulation.
Internal audits remain a key focus area for the Group’s Health
and Safety Department, with every operation receiving at least
one audit per year. All sites are showing signs of continual
improvement, with compliance and areas of special focus
showing an overall improvement.
Business Systems: Reducing Risk
The transport and logistics industry faces increasing challenges.
Each year customers become ever-more engaged in Health,
Safety, Environment and Quality whilst constantly driving to
further improve punctuality and pricing.
Stobart Group’s business strategy is underpinned by its Brand,
People, and Business Systems, it is the coherent development
and improvement in all areas that will allow the business to
achieve its vision.
Extensive Business Management Systems (including Policies,
Procedures, and Continuity Plans); aimed at reducing risk
and ensuring legal, company and client requirements are
consistently met and complied with; are documented
throughout the organisation, they encompass Health,
Safety, Environmental and Quality controls.
Many of the Group’s Business Management Systems have
formal accreditations and certifications including ISO9001,
ISO14001, OHSAS18001, EFSIS, and MHRA. These systems
ensure the Stobart Group maintains its accreditations,
protects its licensed driver’s compliance, and reinforces the
brand and company profits.
‘Stobart Gateway’ is the Group’s internal web-based
information hub. It ensures that the business’ systems are
available to every employee.
Each year a comprehensive risk-based internal audit programme
is carried out by experienced auditors. This stringent programme
reviews and establishes compliance levels, with over 300
internal audits taking place throughout the Group annually.
Business risk and compliance standards are constantly
measured and reviewed at Director level within each
operational division, and Board level at least once a month.
This process encompasses use of a balanced ‘score card’ that
includes economic, customer and brand, process and people
perspectives; ensuring that management have the reliable
information with which to shape the future of the Group
and make the vision a reality.
Charitable Giving
Stobart Group understands the importance of helping people
through charitable donations and contributions; both within
the communities associated with its operations and nationally.
The senior management lead by example – the CEO and
COO are both Directors of, and major financial contributors
to, Carlisle Youth Zone. This important new local initiative
provides social opportunities for the young people of
Cumbria. Andrew Tinkler and William Stobart’s philanthropic
ethos is echoed throughout the Group, with many of Stobart
employees involved in volunteering; giving all-important time
and energy to a range of good causes.
Amongst the Group’s charitable highlights during the past
year has been the sponsorship of Ronan Keating’s annual
‘Emeralds and Ivy Ball’, which helped raise over £730,000
for Stobart Group’s adopted charity of the year, Cancer
Research UK, as well as the Marie Keating Foundation.
Stobart contributed over £150,000 to this event, equating
to a contribution of £1 for each mile covered by a special
charity truck during the year. In 2010 Stobart also sponsored
the Rock Ball which raises money for a Crohn’s Disease
charity, and has contributed to numerous other good causes
including Help for Heroes, Kidscape and Air Ambulance
charities.
In addition to its charitable work, Stobart Group continues its
engagement with local communities through the sponsorship
of key sporting organisations. Stobart Group is one of the
longest continual sponsors in the English football league. Its
backing of Carlisle United Football Club has helped the team
win a national trophy this year and to continue its respected
youth development programme. Stobart also sponsors the
Widnes Vikings rugby team which has recently been granted
a Super League licence. Finally Stobart Group has provided
support to the Professional Jockeys Association, enabling it
to introduce a scheme to insure horse racing jockeys against
career-ending injury or illness.