National Grid 2009 Annual Report Download - page 7

01 Business Overview
05National Grid plc Annual Review 2008/09
Following a review of inclusion and diversity throughout the
Company, we have clarified our business case and recently
launched our global inclusion charter. The charter explains what
employees can expect from the Company, as well as what the
Company expects from them. It builds on work in progress
throughout the US and UK. For example, we held a global
mobilising inclusion fortnight designed to help us move from
awareness to action on our inclusion and diversity journey.
We want to be the employer of choice. We are fortunate to have
a vibrant and growing array of employee networks, focused on
gender, ethnicity, faith, disability, sexual orientation, families and
new starters. They help us understand the different communities
represented within our workforce, and provide support and
information to our employees.
Board effectiveness
At this time of global economic turbulence there are many
questions being rightfully raised about the governance and
effectiveness of boards. Again this year, as discussed within the
Corporate Governance section, we have carried out an in depth
review of the Board’s effectiveness. We have produced, as we
have done for several years, an action plan to ensure constant
improvement. However, an overriding acid test question for a
Chairman to answer is – does the Board have the breadth of
skills and experience to address and challenge adequately the
key business decisions and risks that confront it?
This and related questions have concerned us in our Nominations
Committee over the past years as we have carefully recruited
Non-executive and Executive Directors to build the Board we have
today. I therefore believe that not only has the Board focused
on good governance, but that we also have the right Board
composition and that the Board works effectively, allowing us
to respond to the challenges of these difficult times.
Outlook
The Board remains confident that we are well positioned to
continue delivering strong performance. We have a business
model that is focused on our core electricity and gas business,
integrated across lines of business, and financially and
operationally disciplined. While stock market sentiment
will periodically fluctuate, our job inside the Company is
to stay focused on delivering on our promises.
Sir John Parker
Chairman
Community
We have the distinction of being the first official partner to
Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB). Under a three year
sponsorship, we have committed to provide funding and employee
volunteers. Since 2007, we have been delivering on this pledge,
and have established several employee led volunteer groups
around the business. I am absolutely delighted that nearly
500 employees have registered their interest in supporting
the organisation.
In the US, employees organised United Way campaigns at many
Company locations to benefit local groups that work to resolve
pressing community issues. They were very generous with their
support and together we raised nearly $3.5 million (£2.3 million).
We also donated $1 million (£650,000) to fuel assistance funds in
New England and New York to assist those most in need during
the winter heating season.
All these efforts continue to demonstrate our commitment to the
communities we serve and the steps we take as a Company to have
a positive impact on them.
As our corporate vision states, we are determined to be a Company
that is known for being safe, reliable and efficient. We are also firmly
committed to providing for the well-being of our customers and
communities, and to safeguarding the global environment. Achieving
our vision will create value for all our stakeholders and can only be
done by conducting our business in a responsible manner. I am
pleased to report that we won the 2008 Gas Industry Energy
Efficiency Award for our affordable warmth programme in the UK.
We were also awarded a ‘Big Tick’ in the prestigious Business in
the Community Award for Excellence for our Warm Wales initiative.
In the US, we won the Association of Energy Services Professionals,
Outstanding Achievement in Energy Program Implementation Award
for our energy efficiency programmes.
Young Offender Programme
I continue to be heartened by the progress of the Young
Offender Programme that provides skills training and sustainable
employment to young people nearing completion of their
sentences. The programme has now been adopted across
major industry sectors and is operational in more than 22 prisons
in the UK. The output from the programme reduces re-offending
from approximately 70% to 7% and rehabilitates the offenders
into productive members of the community.
Inclusion and diversity
Everything we do to fulfil our vision would be ineffective without
the dedicated involvement of our employees, and they deserve
our thanks and appreciation. This is why we are actively seeking
to develop their talent, leadership skills and capabilities, while
exploring innovative ways to attract new employees as we
continue to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Young Offender Programme
Ed, 26 – “My experience in prison was overwhelming and it
made me vow to change my life. I was fortunately accepted
into the Young Offender Programme and earned an NVQ
qualication as a gas network operative. I’m very grateful to
this programme because it turned my life around.”