As part of Winvic’s commitment to developing its people and leaving a positive legacy through CSR and social value, the latest cohort of 16 employees from the Voyage Leadership Programme undertook an important project aimed at increasing the company’s spend with Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Their efforts culminated in a compelling business case, which led to the formation of partnerships with two new suppliers, that will enable Winvic to further enhance its positive social impact.
Winvic has numerous initiatives that focus on developing and supporting all its employees and the company’s early-career professionals are no different, these initiatives continue to attract the best and brightest employees. Winvic’s Voyage Future Leaders Course, in collaboration with Curium Solutions, is helping employees to develop and grow, drive excellence and work towards becoming future leaders of the business. The programme aims to empower the participants with the skills and insights they need to excel both as leaders and as individuals through a series of leadership development modules.
Social responsibility and employee wellbeing lie at the heart of Winvic’s Sustainability Strategy. A core goal of the Community Pillar is to enhance the economic, social, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of local communities, while the People Pillar focuses on improving employee wellbeing and fostering a positive workplace culture. Therefore, the Voyage cohort was tasked with analysing, conducting market research and proposing solutions to help Winvic increase its spend with VCSEs and enhance employee wellbeing. The programme was a success with the group’sproposals resulting in two new VCSEs being added to Winvic’s supply chain.
In September 2024, Winvic commenced its first session of First Aid Training for 21 employees with new supplier, ABC Life Support. The service delivers physical and mental health first aid training with an aim to instil confidence in first-aiders to act when an incident occurs. As a result of Winvic’s collaboration with ABC Life Support, the VCSE has been able to deliver a subsidised course to Phoenix Milton, a vibrant charity and social enterprise supporting people with learning disabilities and complex needs. Phoenix Milton make a range of paving and garden accessories from wood and concrete working toward the goal of a society where the contribution of everyone is respected and valued.
To support its commitment to fairness, inclusion and dignity, Winvic will further its support for VCSEs by switching its traditional method of purchasing period products to Hey Girls. In doing so, helping to ensure Winvic a happy, healthy, and inclusive place to work for all. Hey Girls, is an award-winning period product social enterprise with a mission to eradicate period poverty in the UK, improve access to quality products and increase education about period health. Winvic’s partnership with Hey Girls means that for every product purchased, one is donated, contributing to the reduction of period poverty across the UK. Winvic has started rolling out Hey Girls across its sites and head office in September 2024 and will continue to install product dispensers and refills across all new projects going forward.
Rebecca Schwarz, Head of HR & People Development said: “We are excited to put into action the initiatives created during this leadership development course and to continue guiding the cohort through the process of bringing their ideas to life. Our commitment to developing young minds means we have excellent relationships with education and training partners across the country. We are very excited to be working with our new provider, ABC Life Support, that also aims to make a difference.”
Emma Alderman CSR Manager and Community Pillar Leader added: “When we were asked to propose a task for the Voyage group to complete, we were eager to use the opportunity to align with our Community Pillar goals to create a positive impact. Increasing our spend with VCSEs has been an outstanding outcome of the programme. I’m proud to work for a company that not only develops its people, but also makes a meaningful difference to society. Hey Girls is a great initiative – for every product we buy, one is donated, ensuring high quality and sustainable products are provided to those in need.”
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