Boots UK has been recognised in the 2016 Responsible Business Awards for inspiring young people from all communities to experience the world of work, helping improve their confidence and career opportunities.
Every year, HRH The Prince of Wales’ Responsible Business Network, Business in the Community, ‘reaccredits’ a number of companies who are able to demonstrate the continual positive impact of a programme that has previously received an award accolade. Boots UK was initially recognised in 2014 for the Inspiring Young Talent Award for its ‘Let’s Inspire’ programme, as it continues its work to tackle high youth unemployment by boosting the skills, aspirations and confidence of young people. Boots UK was also the national winner in the ‘Work Inspiration’ category in 2012.
Team of current and previous apprentices at Boots UK
Boots UK remains a committed ambassador for delivering high quality work experience, running a Work Inspiration programme for over 200 students every year. In September 2015, Boots UK also launched a brand new Healthcare Colleague Apprenticeship programme, which is a one year apprenticeship accredited by Pearson, helping young people into careers in community healthcare. This will sit alongside its other important apprenticeship and graduate programmes which have seen continued positive societal impact.
The 2016 Responsible Business Awards celebrate inspiring examples of businesses that are making a significant difference by taking action to improve their local communities, create more inclusive workplaces and tackle environmental challenges.
Stephanie May,Apprenticeship and Access to Work Programme Manager at Boots UK, said: “We strongly believe that we have an important role to play in improving the lives of young people; and helping improve access to work and employment is crucial to this. These initiatives help us to connect with young people in and around our local communities providing work experience opportunities and further education through our apprenticeship schemes. We are honoured to have our Big Tick award re-endorsed this year for our “Let’s inspire” initiatives.”
Boots UK also works with other businesses, actively sharing learnings and good practice to encourage more apprenticeship and experience opportunities for young people across the UK.
Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: “We know that every day businesses contribute towards more resilient communities, stimulate local economies, help to create skilled and healthy workforces and tackle environmental challenges. But more companies need to share these ideas and actions to grow the responsible business movement in the UK and abroad – which is why we launched Responsible Business Week.
“The companies recognised in the Responsible Business Awards today, represent the very best of business. Celebrating their stories helps to raise awareness of business as a powerful force for good.”
The announcement of the 2016 Responsible Business Awards re-accreditations coincides with Responsible Business Week (18 – 22 April 2016) an annual initiative to increase awareness of the positive contribution of business in society.
Now in its nineteenth year, the Responsible Business Awards are open to companies of all sizes, from SMEs to multi-nationals, and across all sectors. Categories cover a wide range of positive business activities, from investing in the health and wellbeing of employees, nurturing young people to develop skills, supporting rural communities and more disadvantaged members of society, to helping the resilience of communities in the face of international disasters.
For more information on the Awards, visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards and follow @BITC on Twitter #BITCawards.