Being part of the pick

Background  

We’re proud of our people and the work they do, in their own time as well as for us. We believe we all thrive by giving back to our communities. That’s why our employees can take up to three days off each year to volunteer at schools, UK registered charities and social enterprises in England.

The initiative  

Each year we encourage our people to volunteer to ‘be part of the pick’ for Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean. Litter is a serious issue - it harms the environment, is an eyesore and costs millions of pounds to clear up every year. We know outdoor spaces matter even more to our customers than ever before during the COVID-19 pandemic. So the Great British Spring Clean provides a real opportunity for our people to get involved in making a positive change in their communities. 

The results  

In 2020, more than 150 of our people spent over 657 hours picking litter during the Great British Spring Clean. Through both our volunteering and maintenance activities, we collected 12,000 bags of litter.

Being part of the pick
"It's great to be a part of something to be proud of, making a difference in the environment around you for you and others to enjoy. I got my 8-year-old daughter involved and she loved it, and has been out litter picking several times since as it made her feel good through doing good."
Clare Ball, Corporate Customer Service Engagement Programme Manager, Highways England