A North Wales director at energy giant ScottishPower, which supplies electricity across North Wales and the North West of England, has been honoured by HRH The Prince of Wales for his work in Flintshire. He has announced that Guy Jefferson, Director of Field Operations, at ScottishPower, is his 2009 Prince’s Ambassador for his leadership and commitment to responsible business in Wales.
The Prince’s Ambassador Award is part of Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence 2009, which recognises businesses for the positive impact they have on society.
Owen Evans, Director, Business in the Community Wales said: “In the current climate it’s never been more important for businesses to show their leadership when it comes to responsible business issues. I am delighted that Guy has been recognised by HRH The Prince of Wales for his inspirational and focused leadership and for championing corporate social responsibility within ScottishPower.
“His capacity and passion for engaging and inspiring others to act on the responsible business agenda across the board makes him an outstanding nomination.”
Guy Jefferson said: "It is a great honour to be receive this recognition.”
Guy led a “Seeing is Believing” tour of top influencers in Flintshire last November. After touring three different education establishments, the businesses who went along all pledged their continuing support to help them develop.
For example, one business is now giving staff time off to participate in reading sessions with children at a primary school and the headteacher is being mentored by a director.
“It is not about the short term and just giving a donation, it is about looking at the long term and trying to build something sustainable,” said Guy.
Guy Jefferson has been in charge of the electricity network and around 2,000 staff in the North Wales and North West of England area for eight years. He is based in Wrexham and Prenton, Wirral.
HRH The Prince of Wales said in a pre-recorded message that was shown at the Wales Awards for Excellence on 2 July: “As I reflect on the challenges and successes as President of Business in the Community, it strikes me that unlocking talent and potential is the underpinning theme of everything I’ve been committed to over the past 26 years.
“We are nearly always dependent on the talents of individual business leaders to find a way to make things happen. My Ambassador Award recognises the contribution of those individuals whose unwavering dedication and commitment has made a real difference in the organisations and communities in which they work.”
“In 2008, Guy led one of the most successful Seeing is Believing visits with a delegation of 15 businesses to projects highlighting the difficulties of getting the long term unemployed back into work and challenges faced by those with behavioural or psychological problems in adjusting to work.
“Guy’s inspirational and focused leadership not only of the group, but in the ensuing activities has led to companies providing both equipment and more importantly, mentoring to the organisations visited.
“Guy has been an inspiration to north Wales Business in the Community members, his gravitas and standing shining through in leading action in the region.”
The Prince’s Ambassador Award is for individuals whose leadership and commitment to responsible business has resulted in changes and improvements inside their own company and who have also inspired other organisations to take action.
Media Information: Paul Ferguson - 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924
Notes to editors:
Business in the Community
We inspire, engage, support and challenge companies on responsible business, working through four areas: Marketplace, Workplace, Environment and Community.
With more than 850 companies in membership, we represent 1 in 5 of the UK private sector workforce and convene a network of global partners. Our members commit to continually improve the way they operate with a specific focus on the need to manage resources wisely – be that people or our planet.
Business in the Community is proud to have The Co-operative Financial Services as its Company of the Year 2008.
www.bitc.org.uk
Awards for Excellence
These are the UK’s most influential, independent, peer assessed corporate responsibility awards. The awards recognise and celebrate those companies who have shown innovation, creativity and a sustained commitment to corporate responsibility.