A t Norse we talk of ‘improving people's lives' and for us it is not just a catchy phrase, but a mantra that we instil in our staff.
It works on three levels: global – with particular emphasis on improving the environment; community – supporting local residents wherever we work; and people – our staff, suppliers and partners, and their families.
The global level is where all organisations recognise the need to guarantee the sustainability of the planet and protect our environment. In our local authority partnerships we ensure that there is full commitment to net zero; for instance, in moving our vehicle fleets towards green power, and using sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
Community involvement is of course fundamental to local councils. In our position as their trusted partners we too need to appreciate, and proactively contribute to, the social needs of local residents and businesses, enhancing the wellbeing and prosperity of the communities with whom we interact.
This may include sponsoring local sporting, cultural and community activities; providing mentoring to local social and business organisations; ensuring that our own corporate governance ensures that our suppliers thrive, and purchasing from local SMEs. These provide strong foundations for community involvement, and help our partner councils meet their ambitions.
Our people must also be helped to thrive. Every local authority partnership should have responsibility for the wellbeing of its staff at its very heart: in the provision of secure employment with suitable financial reward; in creating and encouraging career development prospects; and in safeguarding their physical and mental wellbeing.
All these elements are the bedrock of our own local authority partnership model. At a time when councils facing severe financial challenges, I believe that it is our duty to contribute to the local community wherever we have a partnering arrangement. By improving people's lives at all levels, creating a strong bond with all stakeholders, we have demonstrated that a public service ethos sits comfortably with our commercial culture, to the benefit of all involved.
This article is sponsored content for The MJ
