Article 10 August 2021

Leading the way in Social Value

Our clients are improving their social value activity – with expert help from Mitie.

The 2021 Mitie Social Value Report details how the organisation met or exceeded all 13 of its ESG targets for FY20/21 – and we’re committed to helping clients set and achieve targets too.

A range of activity that aligns with Mitie’s social value pillars – Environment, People, Responsible Supply Chain, Community and Innovation – is already underway at a number of partner organisations.

Employment

Through the Government’s Kickstart scheme, which provides funding to employers to create work experience for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit, five young people recently joined our Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contract. During a six-month facilities support placement the participants will receive all the help they need to boost their confidence and thrive in the workplace. One participant successfully applied to join the Mitie facilities management apprentice scheme, so Kickstart is clearly having a positive impact.

Environment

Conserving a rare limpet colony was critical for Mitie’s team in Gibraltar as they repaired rock armour sea defences at the HM Naval Base and the Ministry of Defence Estate on our Permanent Joint Operating Bases contract. As one of only two locations in the world where the rare species of limpets occur, operatives were required to place rocks gently by hand to avoid causing any damage. The local Environment Agency also helped to ensure all possible care was taken to preserve the limpets while shoring up the 1.5km long defences.

Innovation

Security personnel on Mitie’s Co-op contract have been equipped with SmartTag SmartWater, a hi-tech ‘invisible paint’ spray, to deter violence against shop staff. Co-op is the first retailer to use the spray, which glows brightly under UV light, stays on skin and hair for several weeks and can be used as evidence in court. The forensic tag proved successful in trials in Sheffield and is now being used in around 400 Co-op stores. This innovative solution saw Mitie Security make the shortlist for ‘Best Use of Technology’ at the British Security Industry Association Awards, in May 2021.

Read our Social Value Report 2021 >

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