|
 |
|
At the launch of Vodafone Malta’s first Corporate Responsibility Report, CEO Hatem Dowidar said that an organisation’s behaviour is a reflection of its values. Vodafone, he said, aspires to be responsible in every level of operation, and throughout the organization, and will continue to strive for stakeholder engagement in addressing issues that concern our society’s well being.
To this effect Vodafone issued its first Corporate Responsibility Report which will serve as a platform for the company in its focus on becoming a leader in this sphere in Malta. Vodafone’s national Corporate Responsibility (CR) performance is monitored quarterly by Vodafone Group. The local company is required to report CR key performance indicators (KPIs) which are reviewed for level of commitment, integration, management of issues and implementation of the CR strategy. KPIs are made up of both qualitative and quantitative data about various initiatives, such as energy efficiency, waste management, handset collection, reuse and recycling, as well as community contribution.
Aware of energy saving and in a bid to reduce energy consumption by the network, the company has implemented a number of measures including minimising the use of chillers by 50% for the cooling of the Birkirkara Switching Centre, using new units for supplementary cooling. This has reduced the consumption by an average of 11,000 kilowatt-hour each month in January and February, when compared with the previous year, said Deborah Grech, Corporate Affairs Manager at Vodafone.
Other measures included the installation of air circulation fans, replacement of some light fittings with energy saving lamps, re-wiring of the electrical system, and the installation of timers. Meanwhile, Vodafone Malta is in the process of implementing other measures for energy efficiency - installing ‘scroll’ type air conditioning units to enhance consumption, installing timers on water heaters and replacing all remaining light fittings with energy saving ones.
An important stakeholder for Vodafone is its staff. The company recognizes the importance of learning and development obtained through on-the-job experiences, tailor-made programmes, as well as assignments. The company strongly believes in complementing such development through interaction with others via networking, coaching, mentoring and through formal learning programmes. Vodafone offers a host of courses and learning opportunities for professional development, which include a wide range of topics, such as functional and technical training targeting the specific needs of the job. In the educational field, the company also offers the Vodafone Rotation Programme which is an international exchange programme addressed to Vodafone young employees who have the opportunity to spend three months in a different country/operating company, working on a specific project and under the guidance of a tutor.
Putting into practice its commitment towards the local society, in 2005 Vodafone introduced a ‘community service leave policy’. This provides employees with three days of time off with pay per year, in order to offer their services within the community. Vodafone staff has the opportunity to use these days to work with non-governmental organization that provide hands on voluntary services in our society.
Health and Safety tops the priority list at Vodafone Malta, to the extent that it is the company’s CEO who heads the Health and Safety Committee, thus ensuring the highest standards for all employees.
Vodafone Malta is proud to be involved in social investment through the Vodafone Malta Foundation. The Foundation aims at sharing the benefits of the developments in mobile technology by supporting the community in which Vodafone customers, employees, investors, partners and suppliers live. The Foundation was set up in November 2003, and has since donated more than Lm200,000 towards local projects.
Copies of the Corporate Responsibility Report can be obtained from Vodafone’s Retail Outlets or by calling customers service on 21 482820 or 247 from your Vodafone line. |
