Corporate Social Responsibility
Definition
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept whereby an organisation recognises that its business operations and processes may have an impact on social, economic and environmental issues outside of the workplace. It also represents a commitment to ensuring and maintaining socially responsible behaviour in an organisation and to meet any relevant legislation or use best practices if no legislation exists.
Who we are and what we do
Ark Wildlife is one of UK’s largest independent supplier of bird food and garden wildlife products, despatching across the United Kingdom. We are passionate about garden wildlife and are highly respected throughout the industry. We provide carefully selected natural food and products that benefit the wildlife as well as the customer.
We aim to combine our convenient online mail order website with a caring, helpful approach of a specialised shop using the enthusiasm of our committed workforce and the knowledge and drive from our Managing Director.
Ark Wildlife are committed to ensuring that any business undertakings are conducted as ethically as possible by following the policy below.
Objective
We seek to sustain a business that is successful and respected in its ethical standing by our stakeholders. These include customers, clients, investors, suppliers and the community. We embrace the role that our business plays on a day-to-day basis in contributing to a better society.
We are committed to sustainable development as a guiding principle within our work and office environment. Concern for the environment is an integral and fundamental part of this commitment. It is at the forefront of our minds. Our aim is to reduce the impact on the environment from our operations and implement best practices across the business. We are committed to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Policy
We are aware that the running of our business will, in many ways, affect our place of work, the community and the wider environment in which we operate. We believe that the way we run our business can and should make a positive difference in these areas and we aim to ensure that continued efforts are made to achieve that.
Our corporate social responsibilities are identifiable in the following areas:
Environment
Read our full policy HERE
With regard to the business’ impact upon the environment, we are committed, amongst other initiatives, to:
• Efficient printing and only printing when absolutely necessary, using recycled materials where possible
• Utilising an electronic records document management system and online services initiatives to reduce the need for paper
• Reducing the amount of waste produced by the business
• Ensuring that water/electricity is used responsibly by our staff
• Recycling materials as extensively as possible e.g. printed paper used for notes
• Reducing travel through using technology
• Packaging plays a critical role in the customer delivery experience, and we are committed to delivering products safely and sustainably
• We assess our packaging requirements closely to ensure we strike the right balance between sustainability and durability especially during transit to our customers
• We recycle our used cardboard by converting it into shredded packing material for despatch of orders
• Appoint an Energy Champion to promote and encourage energy saving measures throughout the business and provide regular updates on progress.
Charitable/Community work
Ark Wildlife is keen to support and become involved in community initiatives and charitable work. We do this in the form of sponsorship, donations to national and local
charities which may be suggested by our staff, and the funding of community projects.
Every suggestion is given due consideration.
Education
We recognise the importance of education in our community. We actively encourage our employees to continuously develop their knowledge of the wildlife around us, our products and the environment. Employees are actively encouraged to share that knowledge with the wider community, whether that be with our customers or through our website.
Our Employees
We value our employees and nurture an environment of growth and learning, while providing a safe environment, whether office based or at home, for our staff to achieve their maximum career potential.
We keep our staff informed of our policies and procedures and we encourage them to share their ideas with us on both internal processes affecting them, and the way our service is provided to customers and clients. We maintain an open and honest approach in all our communications.
Equal Opportunities
Read our full policy HERE
We are committed to providing an environment of equal opportunities for all members of our workforce. No account of any of the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010 shall be taken to a detrimental effect in any decision involving recruitment, promotion, provision of facilities etc.
Business partnerships
We will strive to engage with local suppliers and businesses where possible to meet the business’ operational needs, in-order-to support businesses within our area and decrease our carbon footprint.
In respect of our entire CSR initiative, we expect similar standards from our suppliers and business partners.
Our Customers
Our customers are extremely important to us and we ensure that they receive the very best customer service through clear communications, via our website, by email and by telephone. We welcome customer feedback and implement change to continually improve the service offered where possible.
Ongoing commitment
We are fully committed to the principle of CSR and aim to ensure that no relevant policy decisions are made within the business, without first evaluating the potential CSR impact.
