Corporate Social Responsibility
Our mission is to deliver innovative products that help our customers make a positive impact on society, whilst creating impact that matters for our planet and our people.
Our Mission
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To fulfil our vision of delivering happiness, we are focussed on two pillars:
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Growing responsibly and sustainably and,
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Enhancing lives through meaningful and positive connections.
We understand that the key to long-term success is growth that is repeatable, ethical, and responsible to, and for, current and future communities. Our commitment to this is shaped by three key pillars: the economy, society, and the environment.
Environmental Sustainability
Packaging
All Colleague Box packaging is fully degradable, recyclable, reusable and made from partially recycled material.
Power Consumption
Our warehouse forklift truck is powered by electric, meaning it is pollution free and uses less energy.
Regeneration
We partner with just One Tree, a non-profit initiative removing CO2 from the atmosphere through global reforestation, planting a tree for every corporate order.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Suppliers
Many of our suppliers are chosen for their ethical approach, including environmentally friendly production methods, commitment to reduce food waste, and reducing global plastic production.
Our suppliers work with Eden Reforestation Projects and fund the planting of one tree for every order that they receive regardless of the value, adding trees back to areas across the globe that have been deforested, helping to look after our environment and help people in the process. Not only that, but they are also local, supporting a reduction on our carbon footprint.
Many of our suppliers are B-Corporations, something we intend to increase throughout 2022.
Investment in people
Gifts
Our goal is to become the destination of choice for people celebrating the important event and occasions in their lives. Colleague Box believes in a holistic gifting approach, which is why as we grow, our collections introduce more products that nurture mind and body. Our range is continuously expanding to include more gifts to promote health and wellbeing, mental agility, and mindfulness.
Team
We encourage diversity and equal opportunities for all. We actively encourage professional development through our learning programmes and support employee health and wellbeing.
Community
Overhaul of SEN admission policies and safeguarding guidelines across EYFS
CEO Natalie Bamford is a trustee of charity nursery Derwent Stepping Stones based locally from Colleague Box HQ. Natalie works with the manager to analyse data to influence the shake-up of policies affecting; funding, safeguarding and admissions policy for youngsters with special educational needs within early years settings. This is close to Natalie’s heart as she previously supported children with special education needs, working at an enhanced resource facilities as well as mainstream schools. This background enables her to recognise the significant impact that reform would make on both the education settings, staff, children, and their families.
Local Hub for Girls Aged 11-16
CEO Natalie Bamford founded and volunteers at the Derby County Community Trust, a local hub for girls aged 11-16. The purpose of the ‘GREAT girls’ hub is to encourage the girls to social interaction and meaningful conversations with females within a supportive, positive, and compassionate environment.
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Giving Back
Charity
Breakfast Bags for Underprivileged Children
Colleague Box provides breakfast bags for the children from disadvantaged areas in Derby who sign up to attend the Derby County Community Trust Holiday Activity.
Children Going Hungry Over Christmas
Children attending the nursery at which Natalie is a Trustee were at risk of going hungry over the Christmas 2021 period, due to not attending nursery during the Christmas holidays. To combat this, Natalie and the team took it upon themselves to provide over 120 gift bags of packets, tins and bottles of food and drink for each child and their family all at their own cost.
Safe and Sound
Colleague Box has pledged its support to a city charity that helps victims of child exploitation and their families.
Last year Colleague Box raised more than £5,000 for Safe and Sound, which enabled the charity to purchase a much-needed minibus, enabling its youth and support workers to help and protect more children and young people in the community.