The needs and expectations of our stakeholders, wider society and the world around us are key factors in our public service solutions and broader ESG strategies. We work hard to keep them front and centre in our thinking through direct engagement and consultation and through careful consideration of prevalent thought leadership across the global ESG landscape, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“UN SDGs").
Many of our government customers are firmly committed to delivering the UN SDGs and we are proud that many of our operations and ESG initiatives have linkage to them. We contribute to the UN SDGs:
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as a public service provider – through the services we provide to citizens and society, and how we provide them;
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as an employer – through how we attract, select, manage, develop and look after our colleagues;
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through our commitment to support the net-zero carbon ambitions of our clients and wider society and limit the environmental impact of our operations; and
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as a participant in global industry, infrastructure and the wider economy – through how we manage, grow and govern the business.
More specifically our ESG agenda contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals below.
Our contribution
SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing
Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages
From the operational management of hospitals to the optimisation of patient flow, we are committed to delivering better healthcare and improving patient outcomes. Our experience reaches across acute, community, primary and private healthcare, increasingly with voluntary and social care partners. We facilitate healthcare for people who use the immigration and prison services we manage. We also recognise that the safety, health and wellbeing of our people is vital to the success of our business and that of our colleagues. We are committed to positively influencing their wellbeing and creating safe work environments where they have good physical and mental health and the opportunity to thrive.
SDG 4 – Quality education
Through access to basic skills, education or vocational programmes and training, along with recreational or cultural activities and exercise
Across our justice and immigration business we provide educational and vocational training to help those in our facilities have better opportunities when they leave. We work in partnership with agencies, specialists and voluntary organisations to deliver successful quality education. We create employment opportunities across our organisation through apprentice, graduate, career and management development schemes to help improve capability and education.
SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
We provide public services, many of which support economic growth. This includes supporting government employment, skills, training and business support programmes, as well as reducing reoffending. We contribute to economic productivity by investing in people, skills and innovation throughout the business lifecycle of the contracts we operate, developing a diverse, high performing and healthy workforce, where we respect human rights and offer a physically and psychologically safe working environment for colleagues and those who use our services.
SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
We combine people, processes and technology in order to deliver public services. Providing government services to citizens, funded by taxpayers, is different, and Serco has developed deep expertise in this regard, transforming how public services are delivered through a public service ethos, transferable global experience, full service integration, an ability to test and innovate delivering citizen centred, outcome focused service delivery. In addition to working with our customers we also contribute to the industries and markets we work in through trade and professional associations.
SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries
We support governments in their tackling of illegal migration, protecting borders while sensitively managing those going through the immigration process. We recognise that our business thrives because of our diverse and talented workforce. We are committed to listening to our colleagues and creating work environments where everyone can belong.
SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
From contact centres and complex case management to the administration of flagship employment and health programmes to the operation of local waste management and leisure services, and utilization of green energy in some of our facilities with the largest footprint, we are committed to delivering better government services to citizens.
We build confidence in the transport network. Whether heavy rail, light rail, ferries, intelligent transport systems, cycle hire schemes, air navigation services, or more, we are committed to delivering the best performing transport systems. We also provide command and control, data analytics, and surveillance services to law enforcement agencies. From the operational management of hospitals to the optimisation of patient flow, we are committed to delivering better healthcare and improving patient outcomes.
Our influence
Our programmes influence these sustainable development Goals:
Given these UN Sustainable Development Goals are reflected across our ESG agenda, explore our progress below and in the full ESG report. This reflects the support we give to our government customers through the delivery of public services some of which can be challenging.