Best Community Engagement

This Award is for the management team that has developed a reputation of being great corporate citizens.

2012 WINNER


From left: Colin Jackson, David Smedley (Walker Morris) and Marnie Bourne (Business in the Community)

Walker Morris

For 17 years Walker Morris has invested consistently in programme of support for art in over 200 schools. It sponsors art prizes, displays pupils’ work throughout its offices and meeting rooms, raises charitable funds by promoting a calendar, funds art materials for schools, arranges visits for pupils to major galleries and attracts nationally recognised artists to run workshops. The programme engages staff, customers, parents, teachers and the local community, thus enhancing the firm’s reputation and motivating staff. It is a showcase of how community engagement can be fun and reap rewards for the firm and all the participants.

Winner's quote: "It is an honour to be presented with this award, which acknowledges the very best in practice management in Europe, across all professional service sectors. Our commitment to investment in art in primary schools has become part of the culture and ethos of the firm. To be recognised for such a long standing commitment alongside our other esteemed peers is extremely gratifying".

David Smedley, Partner, Walker Morris

2ND PLACE

GVA

In 2009, GVA joined up multiple regional initiatives to achieve greater impact from its community activities. Coordination is through a charity committee, chaired by the Chief Executive. Employees are encouraged to form teams and have raised over £325,000 in the past year for causes, both local charities and as part of a national campaign that unites offices across the country. The programme also embraces environmental awareness and staff are sponsored by the firm for every mile they walk, run or cycle to work. The change has resulted in a better place to work and a more engaged workforce.

3RD PLACE

Rickerbys

As a regional firm, Rickerbys’ strategic vision is to be a “local hero” within its “fiefdom” of Gloucestershire. It wishes to be seen as a point of stability and continuity in the county and for the past few years has regarded involvement in the community as a key business success factor. All staff are encouraged through quarterly road-shows to play a role in local organisations as trustees, volunteers, fund-raisers, pro-bono advisors and sponsors, particularly in target areas of healthcare and education. The strategy has differentiated the firm from competitors, positioned it as a thought leader and attracted new clients.