Socially responsible recruitment practices, removing employment barriers, and creating a positive social impact is something that we strive to do daily.

Top of our agenda for 2024, we’re ending the year on a social value high and have truly gone for gold.

We are proud to announce that we have achieved the prestigious Gold Charter Mark from the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG), further cementing its leadership in advancing social value and inclusive recruitment within the waste and recycling industry.

This milestone coincides with our attendance at the Houses of Parliament for the launch of the Social Recruitment Covenant, a pivotal movement that encourages employers to publicly pledge their commitment to supporting individuals who face barriers to employment.

The Gold Charter Mark is a distinguished recognition of our ongoing efforts to break down employment barriers and create meaningful opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

Building on our earlier achievement of the Silver Charter Mark, this award demonstrates our dedication to developing and implementing socially responsible recruitment practices that drive measurable impact.

Karla Conlan, our Client Partnership & ESG Manager collecting our Gold Chartermark

A Transformative Movement

The Social Recruitment Covenant, spearheaded by SRAG and launched at the Houses of Parliament, is a landmark initiative designed to transform how businesses recruit, retain, and develop staff from disadvantaged groups, such as NEET youth, unpaid carers, ex-offenders, and people with disabilities. Through this public pledge, employers commit to:

• Developing accessible recruitment pathways.
• Supporting the retention and development of disadvantaged employees.
• Collaborating with community organizations to expand employment opportunities.
• Advocating for inclusive hiring practices across supply chains.

“Attending the launch at the Houses of Parliament was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we have as employers,” said Jade Oliver-Morris, HR & Shared Services Director at Smart. “The Social Recruitment Covenant and our commitment to prioritising social values isn’t just an initiative; it’s integral to how our company operates. It’s about creating sustainable opportunities that transform lives and enrich communities. Achieving the Gold Charter Mark underscores how deeply embedded these values are in our business operations.”

Karla Conlan and Jade Oliver-Morris at Parliament

A Vision for the Future

Smart’s achievement of the Gold Charter Mark and its active participation in the Social Recruitment Covenant reflect its vision to inspire systemic change in the recruitment market.

In collaboration with SRAG and fellow member ANTz, Smart has also completed the only accredited social value training in the UK. By working closely with SRAG and aligning with the principles of the Covenant, Smart is setting a benchmark for the waste and recycling industry in socially responsible recruitment.

“Smart Environmental have become a pivotal SRAG member and have impressed us all with their commitment to progressing through their Chartermark Actions,” said Dr. Craig Corrigan, Social Value Solutions Manager & SRAG Secretariat at People Plus, who run the SRAG. “Particular highlights have included conducting Prison Visits and exploring ROTL opportunities, sharing expertise on a Lunch & Learn session (focusing on Modern Slavery) and supporting Social Enterprises through procurement changes. We look forward to working with Smart as they continue to enhance their Social Value.”

“We believe that creating a fairer job market is not just the right thing to do but also a business imperative,” said Jade. “As we look ahead, our mission is to continue adding value to our clients, supporting their goals, and inspiring others to adopt socially responsible practices that benefit all stakeholders.”

For more information about Smart Environmental Support Services, its social value initiatives, or the Social Recruitment Covenant, please contact us here