Employers in Wales recognised for sustainable development work

Two large employers in Wales, Magnox North and Carmarthenshire County Council, have been recognised for their sustainable development and corporate social responsibility work through Healthy Working Wales, the Welsh Government’s workplace health programme.

The employers have been awarded the Corporate Heath Standard, which is the national mark of quality for health and well-being in the workplace in Wales, at Platinum level. This is the highest level of the Standard, and recognises employers’ sustainable development and community work, alongside their work to improve the health and well-being of their staff.

The Corporate Health Standard provides a framework for businesses and organisations to maintain and improve the health and well-being of their staff, with free specialist support and advice provided by Public Health Wales.

The Platinum Standard includes criteria on six areas of sustainable development: transport, procurement, facilities management, capital build, employment and skills, and community engagement.

For their independent assessments, the two employers provided a case study on their work. Magnox North focused on the activities and community education role of its Information Centre, which provides science workshops for primary school-children, including free transport, as well as being open to the public. Carmarthenshire County Council highlighted its Local Sustainable Food Strategy, which has built sustainable development into all food and catering contracts.

Smaller employers in Wales, employing less than 50 staff, can access advice and support through the Small Workplace Health Award, which includes an environmental awareness module.

Further information

• Healthy Working Wales: more about ‘Healthy Working Wales’ and the Platinum Standard;
• healthyworkingwales@wales.gsi.gov.uk: contact Healthy Working Wales.