b'Partner News Spring 2022 31EnterpriseHow small and medium enterprises can make a big CSR impact VVB partnered withAs our industry becomes ever moreAs an infrastructure SME we often have the conscious of its socioeconomic impact, itssame social value requirements as larger tier Business in the Communitya constant challenge for SMEs like ours to1 contractors. BITC has worked with us to find a way of making a big impact with theidentity how we as an organisation can still to develop an innovativelimited resources at our disposal. have significant social impact even with a corporate and socialsmaller employee base.To allow us to maximise our efforts, VVB responsibility (CSR)has been partnering with Business in theAs part of the partnership our employees Community (BITC) since March 2021.have been able to support charities and strategy writes community schemes by:BITC works with member organisations Chris Garrow, Head ofto continually improve their responsible Providing interview and employmentSafe, Sustainable andbusiness practices, leveraging collectivecoaching to groups disproportionalityimpact for the benefit of communities.impacted by COVID-19.Wellbeing at VVB.Assisting vulnerable people to developMembers of BITC include large corporateconfidence and basic digital/IT skills.organisations, small-medium enterprises Providing financial and HR advice tothrough to micro-organisations workingcharities.within a local community.Donating workwear, materials andfurniture to start up community supportWorking with our BITC Relationshipcharities.Manager, VVB has made fantastic progress in our approach to responsible businessLets talk about race and mental practices, including:health in the workplace equality, diversity, and inclusion Were proud to partner and work with BITCcommunity investment and engagement and have also committed to its Race atemployment programmes Work and Mental Health at Work charters.de-carbonisation health and wellbeing These set key development objectives for our business in these areas and help In 2021, we completed our first BITCimprove the wider societal issues connected Responsible Business Tracker submission,to race and mental health in the workplace.which provides a benchmark against other member companies allowing us to adaptVVBs safe, sustainable and and revise our strategy accordingly.wellbeing strategy is available to view online at vvb-eng.com/safe-A safe, sustainable and wellbeing strategysustainable-wellbeing/. We were extremely pleased with our first year results and have developed an exciting safe, sustainable and wellbeing strategy based on the output.'