06 June 2008
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) recycled over 158 tonnes of paper last year: the equivalent of nearly 2,700 trees. This is just one of the achievements which contributed to the VOA improving its ranking from bronze to silver in the Corporate Responsibility Index, published in the Sunday Times on 25 May 2008. Over a hundred leading companies and public sector bodies entered the Index this year.
The Index, which is run by Business in the Community (BITC), is based on survey information. BITC look for concrete evidence which shows corporate responsibility practices that are openly reported and embedded in the way businesses work.
Corporate Responsibility (also known as Responsible Business) includes: being aware of customer and staff needs; following ethical procurement practices; engaging with local communities; and minimising an organisation’s impact on the environment.
Patrick Mallon, Benchmarking and Reporting Director, Business in the Community, says: "We're very pleased with the VOA's achievement. Rising to silver indicates the Agency is demonstrating a commitment to apply responsible business principles in practice, and puts them amid strong private sector companies."
Andrew Hudson, Chief Executive of the VOA, says. “This year’s results indicate that the efforts of everyone, on big things and small, can amount to a significant improvement to the Agency’s performance. Once again, we will be reviewing the report from BITC to find ways to continue this improvement.”
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The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is an Executive Agency of HM Revenue & Customs. Its main responsibilities are assessing rateable values for the purpose of non-domestic rating (business rates) and valuing domestic properties for council tax purposes in England and Wales. It is also involved in establishing capital values for HM Revenue and Customs in connection with capital gains tax and inheritance tax, as well as carrying out a range of property related services for other government departments and public sector bodies. It has around 4,000 employees in 86 offices throughout England, Wales and Scotland, providing local knowledge and services.
Business in the Community's Corporate Responsibility Index is the UK's leading benchmark of responsible business. It helps companies to integrate and improve responsibility throughout their operations by providing a systematic approach to managing, measuring and reporting on business impacts in society and on the environment. The 2007 Index results were published in the Sunday Times on 25 May 2008.
Business in the Community mobilises business for good. It inspires, engages, supports and challenges companies to continually improve their impact on society. It works through four impact areas: Marketplace, Workplace, Environment and Community. With more than 850 companies in membership, it represents 1 in 5 of the UK private sector workforce and convene a network of global partners. It is committed to helping members integrate responsible business, share experience and take collaborative action.
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