At YPO we are social value because we exist to serve our communities. We believe in reducing our negative impacts while increasing our positive impacts so that we can create a better world through our actions.
We do this in two ways:
- What we do as an employer to over 500 people based in Wakefield, and
- What we do as a collaborator bringing supply chains and communities together (i.e., through our procurement activities).
Established for nearly 50 years, We’ve a natural social value heartbeat that has grown organically across the organisation.
Our business model and the way we operate demonstrate our commitment to social value. We strive to save the public sector money and re-invest our profits back into the public purse, by way of dividends and loyalty vouchers, to help budgets go further.
As part of our new 3-5 year strategy we have identified four priority themes to demonstrate our commitment and contribution to social value;
Procurement and supply chain
As a public sector buying organisation, we have a responsibility to ensure we have diverse, sustainable, and ethical supply chains free from modern slavery.
What we’ve achieved so far
- All contract templates have been updated to include social value at key decision making points and encourage buyers to consider social value outcomes right at the very start of every buying exercise.
- As part of our buying exercise, we give high award criteria of 10.5% for social value
- We’ve partnered with Go4Growth to increase our engagement and participation with SMEs (do we have any figures for the webinars? E.g. views??)
- Over 600 products highlighted with environmentally Friendly credentials in the catalogue.
The Environment
With a large warehouse and distribution network we recognise the impact our buildings and operations have on the environment
What we’ve achieved so far:
- ISO14001 accreditation, the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system
- We’ve introduced electric vehicles to our fleet
- Reduced our paper catalogues, using 234,204 tonnes less of paper in 2022 compared to 2021
YPO is certified to the ISO 14001: 2015 standard, demonstrating our responsible approach to the environment including protection, pollution prevention and socio-economic needs.
We have also recently achieved certification to the new ISO 45001: 2018 occupational health and safety management standard.
To view our ISO 14001: 2015 standard certificate, please click here.
To view our ISO 45001: 2018 standard certificate, please click here.
You can also check the validity of our certificates by searching the SGS Certified Client Directory. Please click on the SGS logo to search.
Look for our FSC®-certified products:
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All our printers' cartridges are sent to be reused or recycled. Our old computers and IT equipment are donated for refurbishment so they can be reused for the benefit of the community.
YPO operate a 'zero to landfill' policy so all non-recyclable wastes are segregated and sent for incineration to produce energy as 'refuse derived fuel' (RDF).
We are currently trialling the use of tote boxes for food deliveries in two districts in order to reduce our usage of cardboard packaging.
YPO employees regularly volunteer to take part in local litter picking with neighbouring companies, making our local industrial estate a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly environment in which to operate.
We are keen to improve our fuel consumption, and transport deliveries and ourselves more sustainably. Our delivery vehicles are fitted with solar panels to capture renewable energy, and we also operate a carefully planned delivery service to consolidate orders and reduce the number of journeys we make.
All delivery vehicles are compliant with the Euro 6 emissions standards and we have recently started replacing our fleet of HGV's with more fuel efficient 5-tonne vans. In 2018 there was a 5.3% reduction in diesel usage compared with 2017 usage.
We are also working closely with neighbouring organisations and local transport bodies to reduce the number of employees travelling to work by car. We encourage sustainable options such as the 'cycle to work' scheme, public transport and working from home.
We're charged up to welcome e-vehicles to our fleet
YPO has recently added two electric vehicles to our fleet following a successful bid to take part in a UK trial of battery electric vehicles.
The project, which is funded by Innovate UK aims to gain real world experience of operating battery electric commercial vehicles in a range of distribution settings.
Its intention is to demonstrate the capabilities of battery electric commercial vehicles, and the considerations required before bringing such vehicles into service and operating them – ultimately to aid and encourage fleet operators to transition to battery electric vehicles.
How we are helping our customers become more environmentally friendly
To help you meet your environmental objectives, we are working hard to expand our range to include even more sustainable alternatives and materials to help you educate the next generation on reducing their impact on the environment. This includes: Fairtrade items, low energy light bulbs, recycled exercise books, a pen recycling scheme, furniture from managed forests, contracts such as refuse weighing and lifting devices, kerbside boxes and kitchen caddies.
Find out about our free battery recycling scheme.
Communities
We take our role as an employee based in Wakefield and as a national organisation seriously. Many different charity causes are close to the hearts of people at YPO. Our staff have raised over £2000 in the last year supporting local and national charities.
Occasionally we have returned or damaged stock that can’t be re-sold. However, we never waste goods that can be used; such items are used in-house or donated to local charities that can make use of them.
As a leading employer in the city, supplying products and services to the public sector, we recognise our role in creating inclusive environments and learning opportunities. That’s why we’re proud to be the main sponsor of Wakefield Pride.
Our People
At YPO we put employee engagement at the heart of the business. We continually capture staff feedback to drive change and innovation across the workforce.
Employees are recognised throughout the year for their hard work and commitment, long service, staff suggestions and for their contribution to living our values in their everyday roles. Our annual staff event ensures all employees have a chance to meet and network with one another and celebrate our individual and team achievements.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is paramount. While we have office-based staff, a large percentage of our staff are on the road making deliveries, visiting customers or working physical roles within our two warehouses. We run wellbeing days every year to make sure we maintain a happy and healthy workforce.
We have a great apprenticeship programme and 80% of our apprentices so far have secured a permanent position.