We ensure that we are resourceful and provide the best possible value for services in relation to any of the funds we have centrally or locally allocated, or those that we raise through our own efforts.
This policy focuses mainly on a ‘minimum waste’ approach. We recycle wherever possible and regularly review our energy consumption. What’s more, we appoint ‘Environmental Champions’ within each of our offices to ensure that we are being environmentally conscious at all times.
Examples of our energy conserving activities include:
As a local business ourselves, we are passionate about supporting other local businesses. We buy local goods from local suppliers and promote the use of environmentally friendly materials at all times. We are committed to trading with local businesses wherever possible, in order to support local economic sustainability and the growth of small and family businesses. We link with other like-minded organisations through various Chambers of Commerce across the North West.
Raising educational attainment in schools
We have strong links with schools and educational organisations across the North West. We are keen to employ and train local apprentices, and also take local students on placements to support their studies. We are regularly invited as guest speakers at health, social care and employability events within colleges and universities, based on our reputation to inspire students and support them in their chosen career paths.
We also encourage opportunities for our staff to participate in mentoring programmes across Lancashire to go into schools and support students who may be underachieving in regards to their predicted grades. This includes support with accessing work experience, as well as getting involved in helping them to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
Linking communities to the support services they want and need
As of the start of 2017, we have been providing a ‘Pop-Up’ Advocacy outreach service in our communities, where we meet with members of the public on the streets and at community venues to provide them with information regarding their rights. We take these face to face opportunities to signpost people and facilitate their access to other health and social care support services. If you are part of an organisation that may want to join us at these events, please get in touch!
We take a zero tolerance approach to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking,
Modern slavery is a major human rights abuse and as a charitable organisation that promotes and empowers people’s Human Rights, we take great care to ensure that our business practices are complaint with all legislative requirements. We take steps to ensure that our organisation and our supplier base is free from slavery and human trafficking, in line with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
In terms of Human Trafficking, we have policies to safeguard that each and every employee and volunteer has the right to work in the UK to conform with Home Office guidance for the Prevention of Illegal Working.
Our commitment
Advocacy Focus is committed to supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future. We recognise our responsibility as a charity delivering public services to minimise our environmental impact and to work towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with UK Government targets.
Our context
Advocacy Focus is a people-focused advocacy charity. Our environmental footprint is relatively low and primarily relates to office use, staff travel, digital activity, and procurement. Our approach to net zero is therefore proportionate, practical, and focused on areas where we can make the greatest impact without compromising service delivery to people who rely on us.
Our baseline position
Our main sources of emissions are:
We are working to improve our understanding of our baseline emissions using available data and sector guidance, recognising that this will develop over time.
Actions already in place
Our roadmap to 2050
Between now and 2050, Advocacy Focus will:
Governance and review
Responsibility for this commitment sits with the Senior Leadership Team. Progress will be reviewed periodically to ensure our approach remains realistic, proportionate, and aligned with best practice for charities of our size and nature.
Proportionality
As a small to medium-sized charity, our approach reflects our scale, resources, and service model. We are committed to continuous improvement rather than over-promising, and we will evolve this plan as guidance, expectations, and our operational context develop.