Charity Commission Environmental / Sustainability Policy

(September 2008)

We are committed to sustainable development (meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs) as a guiding principle within our work. Concern for the environment is an integral and fundamental part of this commitment. Our aim is to reduce the impact on the environment from our operations.

In our role as a regulator, we aim to promote good governance in charities as well as dealing with aspects of poor practice. Through our work with charities we are in a position to promote the wider sustainability agenda. A number of the charities we regulate are themselves established to promote sustainability.

We have a small team engaged in the work of charities operating internationally. Whilst this is funded primarily to focus on issues of terrorism that could inadvertently be supported by charities it can also work alongside those seeking to promote sustainability in the poorest countries of the world.

We will assess the environmental impacts of our operations and set objectives and targets in order to improve our environmental performance. We will regularly review these targets.

We will:

• promote responsibility for the environment within the organisation and communicate and implement this policy at all levels within the workforce;
• reduce the use of energy, water and other resources;
• minimise waste by reduction, re-use and recycling methods;
• comply with all relevant environmental legislation/regulation;
• ensure that our policies and services are developed in a way that is complimentary to this policy;
• not prioritise funding needs ahead of sustainability requirements;
• encourage all charities to commit to the sustainable development philosophy;
• identify and provide appropriate training, advice and information for staff and encourage them to develop new ideas and initiatives;
• provide appropriate resources to meet the commitments of this policy; and
• promote and encourage involvement in local environmental initiatives/schemes.

Charity Commission Environmental/Sustainability Action Plan

Our action plan is available to all staff on our intranet site and has been drawn to their attention. Senior Management awareness will be raised by briefing at the Executive Group and Leadership Group forums.

Action Plan

Ensure continued roll out of electronic records document management system and online services initiatives to reduce need for paper
Target: Systems fully operational by January 2008 (initial implementation complete)
Lead: Head of Business Enablement

Create an Environmental Management System
Target: Ongoing – baseline detail to be available by March 2008
Lead: Environmental Manager

Reinforce Senior Management Commitment
Target: Policy to be approved by March 2008
Lead: Environmental Manager/Head of Business Enablement

Improve Environmental awareness amongst staff and promote green housekeeping issues
Target: Ongoing - Focus Groups to be created and 1st meetings held by March 2008
Lead: Environmental Manager

Review Policy and Action Plan
Target: May 2009
Lead: Environmental Manager

Consider applying for ISO 14001accreditation
Target: September 2009
Lead: Environmental Manager/Head of Business Enablement