This Work Travel Plan forms part of our Environment Policy and outlines ways of minimising car use and promoting sustainable transport for staff, suppliers and visitors.
It is stated in all company employment contracts: ‘The company promotes the use of sustainable modes of transport and reduced car use and will work with employees to make this more achievable through its ‘Work Travel Plan’ and therefore wishes you to carefully consider your mode of travel to and from work and whilst travelling on Company business’.
In line with our ‘local jobs for local people policy’ we actively try to recruit local staff by initially publicising all postions within the local area and then only publicising further afield if necessary. Currently 87% of staff live within four miles of their work base.
When car travel is necessary we encourage car-sharing and can offer some flexibility with work hours to make this achievable.
When staff need to travel within work hours, they are encouraged to do ‘one trip, several jobs’ to minimise the number of trips out required.
A company bicycle, helmet and high visibility waistcoat is available for use during work hours from our Geddington satelite office, for example for trips to post office or for getting home for lunch. A free high visibility waistcoat is available for any employee on request to help encourage cycling to work.
When travelling further afield train travel is the preferred means of transport where possible.
In accordance with recommendations by Brake road safety charity, the use of any kind of mobile phone (including hands free) by employees when driving on company business is not permitted.
In line with our ‘local supplier policy’ we actively try to use local suppliers as much as possible. This minimises transportion distance for goods and minimises travel for us and our suppliers with regards to visits.
When arranging visits from partners, clients and suppliers we offer flexibility and suggest they visit when in the area to encourage them to make ‘one trip for several jobs’.
When organising events and before receiving visitors we make available information on how to reach us or the event venue sustainably. This includes location of bicycle storage facilities, contacts for potential car sharing if applicable, bus connections and directions from train station. We do not automatically assume that all our visitors will come by car.
All long distance journeys (over 20 miles) by employees for business purposes are logged according to means of transport (public transport, shared car, single occupant car, other) and will be published as part of our Environment Audit.
Once every six months (or whenever we get new premises) we ask staff for their feedback and suggestions regarding this Work Travel Plan and review accordingly.
