The Iver Environment Centre in Buckinghamshire has been given a boost through a day of environmental volunteering by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and OCU Group.
A team of thirty colleagues from SSEN's Large Capital Delivery team and their framework partner OCU Group gathered at the Iver Environment Centre to contribute to various conservation projects, highlighting the organisations’ commitments to sustainability and community engagement.
Held at the end of May, participants engaged in a range of activities aimed at enhancing the centre's facilities for the local community to enjoy; including revitalising children’s play areas, nurturing allotments and building homes for mini-beasts.
Aqeel Bashir, Project Director of Large Capital Delivery at SSEN, said:
"We are delighted to join forces and work with our framework partner OCU Group to help the Iver Environment Centre and local community through this volunteering day.
“At SSEN, we recognise the importance of giving back to the communities we live and work in. With the centre neighbouring one of our substations, these volunteering activities align with our mission to promote environmental responsibility and support local initiatives."
Vince Bowler, Managing Director at OCU, added:
"Collaborating with SSEN for this volunteering initiative underscores our shared commitment to community engagement and sustainable development.
“We share SSEN’s commitment to community welfare and environmental stewardship. It's through partnerships like ours that we can make a real difference and we’re looking forward to working on more impactful projects together.”
Since its establishment in 1990, the Iver Environment Centre has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local communities. Offering a diverse range of activities and educational sessions, the centre aims to inspire individuals to reconnect with nature. From holiday activities to curriculum-linked education sessions for schools and volunteering opportunities, the centre caters to people of all ages and abilities.
Project Officer for the Iver Environment Centre, Emma Rust said:
“We are grateful for the contribution that OCU Group and SSEN have given to our Centre. As we have no paid grounds staff, corporate volunteer days ensure our site is an inspiring and safe space for children and families.
“The days make our existence possible as we would not be able to maintain the valuable habitats for native species, we have here without them. It is great to have team members that work at the substation visiting us and making connections with the site.”
The successful volunteering day reflects SSEN’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. As part of SSEN's volunteering programme, employees are encouraged to take a day away from their usual job and volunteer to help local charities and community projects of their choice.
The programme has helped over 3,000 community projects since its initial launch in 2010 with employees undertaking beach cleans, gardening, school presentations, event marshalling, painting, tree cutting, dog walking, sports coaching and participation in fundraising events to name but a few.