G F Tomlinson secures Gold CSR Accreditation

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has been recognised as a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR), having recently achieved a Gold standard CSR Accreditation.

CSR Accreditation is a nationally recognised body that awards Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditations to businesses that can demonstrate a positive impact on society through areas such as social, environmental, ethical, human rights and consumer concerns.

Recognised as being on the highest end of the scale, G F Tomlinson was awarded the Gold standard in the CSR Accreditation’s judging criteria, and since 2013, the company has followed a refined social value policy, ensuring its activities are in accordance with the Social Value Act 2012.

In the last three years, G F Tomlinson has generated £22.5million worth of social value through its CSR efforts across the Midlands region and beyond. Notable CSR initiatives include its ongoing relationship with Ashbourne Road District Allotment Association (ARDAA), which began in 2017 after the contractor helped to create an accessible centenary garden for people with disabilities or recovering from illness.

Since then, it has supported ARDAA through the creation of community starter plots and a growing academy, and it is currently helping with the conversion of one of their smaller plots, to turn it into an accessible plot for a long-standing plot holder and volunteer member who has recently become physically disabled.

The company has also generated £9,973 in social value through the delivery of a new environmental learning hub in 2019 at Turner Farm in Derbyshire, which is designed to teach young people how to protect and enhance biodiversity.

Since 2018, the contractor has also invested 22,118 hours in employment, training and skills initiatives, and has engaged with 10,486 students - showing its commitment to supporting young people and preparing them for the world of work.

With dedicated in-house careers advisors working with schools in five counties, GF Tomlinson continues to invest in young people as a cornerstone employer, addressing the industry skills shortage through training and employment of young talent.

Chris Flint, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “CSR is of the upmost importance to G F Tomlinson and it’s embedded in everything we do, so it means so much to be recognised by an official body for our efforts. Our processes provide a focused approach to delivering economic, social and environmental benefits, leaving positive legacies relevant to the communities we’re working in.

“Achieving the Gold CSR Accreditation status highlights our successful integration of CSR initiatives throughout the business and shows our commitment towards building a better world for future generations by improving the environment and helping to provide a cohesive community to live and work in.

“We’d like to say thank you to our staff who share and convey our values, and to our supply chain who continue to offer their support as part of our CSR efforts.”

As a result of the accreditation, G F Tomlinson has been added to the CSR Accredited members directory and will be automatically entered into the International CSR Excellence Awards.