Presented by Business in the Community, the CommunityMark recognises businesses that are leading the way in supporting local communities. The sought after standard is given to companies who put community at the heart of their business.
The CommunityMark involves a rigorous assessment process that is designed so that only the best companies are recognised. Stansted joins an exclusive network of only 34 businesses in the UK to hold the status.
The airport’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme was highly recognised, in particular its education and community outreach projects.
Andrew Cowan, Stansted Airport’s Chief Executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted and hugely honoured to receive the Community Mark accreditation. Earning trust is crucial to the long term success of the airport which is why corporate responsibility is firmly embedded in our DNA.
“In the last 12 months alone, we have opened an award winning education centre - the Aerozone - which has welcomed 3,000 youngsters from across 100 schools and colleges in the region, doubled our employee volunteering targets, introduced innovative aircraft navigation technology to reduce the impact of noise disturbance on local residents and helped almost 500 people find a new job on the airport.
“We are genuinely committed to ensuring that the business operates in a responsible fashion and is fully engaged in working with the East of England to develop a positive and effective sustainability strategy that delivers real value and change to benefit communities.”
The airport was presented with the CommunityMark at Business in the Community’s National Gala Dinner, supported by Fujitsu, the 2015 Responsible Business of the Year, on 11 July 2016.
Commenting Stephen Howard, Business in the Community’s Chief Executive said: “I congratulate Stansted Airport for joining the exclusive network of CommunityMark companies. Business has a vital role to help create vibrant and prosperous communities. CommunityMark holders are at the heart of this movement, demonstrating an impressive commitment to identifying and responding to social needs. Crucially, these companies understand that excellence in community investment not only has a positive and valuable impact on society, but also creates real business benefits. We hope their example will inspire many more businesses to put responsible behaviour at the heart of how they do business.”
Image:(left to right) Stansted Airport’s Chris Wiggan, Marcella M’Rabety and Neil Robinson collecting the CommunityMark award. Pictured are others winners of the award
Examples of community projects
Cambridge
The airport has supported a number of events in the Cambridge area including the Cambridge Network Jobs Fair and the Soham and Sawston careers fairs. Students from Cambridge UTC and Melbourn Village College also benefited when airport staff attended their mock interview days.
Colchester and Braintree
One of the projects highlighted for special recognition was the airport’s £500,000 Aerozone education centre. The hub opened last year to boost STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and showcase airport apprenticeships and careers to young people. Over 80 students from Colchester Institute and The College at Braintree have visited the education facility since November 2015.
Stortford
Girls from Birchwood High School and Bishop’s Stortford College attended the Aerozone earlier this year as part of an airport’s ‘Girls in Engineering’ initiative. The event aimed to give girls an insight in the world of aviation and engineering and inspire them to consider a career in what is still perceived to be a male dominated sector.
Dunmow
Airport staff have backed a number of projects in the local area including working alongside the Volunteer Centre Uttlesford to support community projects such as Daisy May Farm in Elsenham and the Gardens of Easton Lodge in Dunmow.
Saffron Walden
Volunteers from Stansted Airport put in some hard graft painting and clearing out a yard so the Saffron Walden County High School can offer animal care courses as part of next year’s curriculum.
*******
For further information about the CommunityMark, including the full list of achievers and their case studies, visit www.bitc.org.uk/communitymark
_____________________________________