Environmental, Social & Governance
Protecting the future whilst maintaining today
We want to leave a positive, sustainable legacy wherever we work. As such, our work around sustainability weaves many existing Network Plus initiatives together.
Our sustainability framework is built upon 4 key pillars, bringing many of our initiatives together:
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- Taking care of the environment
- Helping communities thrive
- Being a great place to work
- Being a responsible business
Environment
The Network Plus Sustainability Strategy and Environmental Action Plan provide a structured and long-term framework to support our ambition to become a net-zero business by 2040.
Our Near-Term Science Based Targets (SBTs) set out clear, measurable emissions reduction pathways over the next decade, covering Scope 1 and 2 emissions from our direct operations and energy consumption, as well as material Scope 3 emissions across our wider value chain.
We are embedding sustainability into operational and commercial decision-making through improved efficiency, low-carbon technologies, and disciplined project delivery. Our employees play a critical role in delivering our sustainability objectives, supported by training, engagement, and a strong safety-led culture that encourages responsible behaviours and continuous improvement.
We also work closely with our supply chain to promote responsible sourcing, reduce embodied carbon, and improve environmental and social performance, recognising that collaboration is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting change.
Through strong governance, transparent reporting, and ongoing performance monitoring, we are strengthening the resilience of our business while delivering long-term value for clients, communities, and investors.
Social
As a business, we believe it important to give back to not only the communities we work within, but also the charities that are close to our hearts. We work with local causes across the UK that are directly affected by the works we carry out. These can range from supporting Ramadan events to Charity Walks to Remembrance Sunday activities.
Everyone will be touched by cancer at some point in their life. That’s why we are regular supporters of Macmillan Cancer Support, who we actively fundraise for throughout the year.
As a business born in the North West, Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) are close to our heart as well. CAFT is based at the beautiful Booth Bank Farm, a 17th Century Farmhouse in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. The farm and its volunteers give children living difficult lives the chance to be free, make wonderful memories and gain extra (and free) support for them and their family.
We also work with local schools to support their sustainable projects, such as building eco-friendly allotments or re-vamping their playgrounds!
Our Graduate Network love to get involved with these tasks. You can find out more about our Graduate Programme in our Early Careers page.
We believe in supporting all of our teams to grow with us…
Develop – we’ve worked with local universities and Raise the Bar to deliver management/leadership training for out WiN+ members. These range from L3 all the way to L7.
Mentor – We link senior/experienced managers (both male and female) with mentees to help them broaden their networks and reach their career goals.
Network – We’ve host events, both virtual and in-person, for Women in Network Plus. We have several other thriving networks including Diversity Forum, WiN+, Wellbeing Forum, Armed Forces Network and Working Parents. Find out more.
Inspire – We’ve hosted guest speakers from diverse and inspiring backgrounds to speak at internal events. From pilots, to rugby players – women and men who have paved the way in their industry for future leaders to come.
Grow: We share job opportunities across the network, to encourage growth from within and attract talent from our networks.
Support: In 2024 we brought in Peppy Health, with a strong focus on Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Menopause. Employees can access specialist support through the App (in-person appointments as well).
Community
Our work takes place at the heart of the communities we serve, and we are committed to building positive, long-lasting relationships wherever we operate. Across the country, our teams work closely with local community groups, schools, and charities to support social value, skills development, and community wellbeing.
Many of our contracts span many years, making early and meaningful engagement essential. From day one, we focus on understanding local priorities, communicating openly, and working collaboratively to minimise disruption and maximise benefits for residents and stakeholders.
A key part of our approach is creating lasting economic value through local job creation, apprenticeships, and training opportunities, alongside the use of local suppliers and services wherever possible. By supporting local employment and businesses, we help retain wealth within communities and contribute to sustainable local economies, leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
Governance
Our governance framework is designed to support resilient performance and long-term value creation. We operate with rigorous oversight and clear accountability, providing confidence to investors and our clients alike. Strong commercial diligence underpins our decision-making, including robust investment appraisal, risk management, and capital allocation processes, ensuring disciplined growth, efficient delivery, and sustainable returns while balancing the interests of clients and shareholders.
We maintain strong corporate governance across critical areas including Data and IT Security, Human Rights, Employment Rights, and Supply Chain Sustainability, supported by robust policies, controls, and assurance processes.
The governance of our business is overseen from our Senior Leadership Team who meet on a weekly basis.
Our business is driven with these principles in mind:
Safety & Agility: We never compromise on safety
Agile Delivery: We find sustainable solutions to meet every client need
Sustainability: We make a positive impact on the environment and the local communities we operate within
Customer Service: We put customers at the heart of decision making and delivery
Efficiency & Value: We explore every opportunity to maximise value and minimise cost
Kevin Fowlie, Chief Executive Officer
Network Plus Group