Our ESG plan

  • Environmental, social & governance targets

    In today’s dynamic business landscape, ESG considerations are paramount. As a provider of educational services, Optimus Learning Services recognises our responsibility to lead by example and foster positive change through our actions. Here our just some of the items included in our current ESG plan:

    Carbon footprint reduction

    Target to be carbon neutral by end of 2026, our annual goals include:

    • Establish base line energy consumption statistics and carbon emissions score,
    • Set annual waste recycling targets and review accordingly.
    • Cascade with supply chain & achieve minimum targets of suppliers have ESG policy.
    • Switch to renewable energy suppliers.
    • Participation with sustainable tree planting scheme.

    Waste management & water conservation

    • Achieve annual reductions in office waste by promoting recycling and minimising single-use plastics.
    • Implement water-saving fixtures and practices.

    Diversity and inclusion

    • Continue with our diversity and inclusion approach to ensure equal opportunities for all employees, irrespective of gender, race, or background.
    • We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates and employees, making diversity a focus in our hiring and advancement practices.
    • To reinforce our commitment to equality and fair treatment, we provide regular training on EDI, anti-discrimination, and inclusive practices.

    Community engagement

    • Continue to engage in quarterly volunteering activities in the Sawbridgeworth community, focusing on education and skills development.
    • We offer work experience placements for local students in the community.

    Employee well-being

    • Continue with flexible working arrangements incorporating hybrid working, working around childcare, and ensuring employees have the freedom to work where they are happiest. Provide mental health advice and free gym membership to all employees.
    • We have two trained Mental Health First Aiders in our team.

    Governance and ethics

    • Maintain a diverse and experienced board of directors that oversees the company’s adherence to ESG principles.
    • Uphold a strong code of conduct, emphasising ethical behaviour, transparency, and anti-corruption measures.

    Supply chain responsibility

    • In managing our Preferred Supplier List (PSL), we prioritise suppliers with proven sustainability practices and ESG policies.
    • Our supplier assessments include criteria such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, resource conservation, fair working practices and ethical sourcing.

    2024 Overview

    Digital-first, paperless operations

    We have promoted the implementation of digital certifications, working with suppliers to reduce the need for physical certificates while ensuring that learners have immediate, secure access to their achievements. In addition, we have reduced paper use by 90% across all operations through the adoption of digital solutions for documentation, communications, and reporting, equating to approximately 100 reams of paper saved per year – the equivalent of around 5 trees annually.

    Resource efficiency in operations

    We’ve embraced several initiatives to improve resource efficiency, including a hybrid working model that reduces employee commuting and energy use. We have implemented energy-saving measures within our offices, such as sensor lighting, energy-efficient LED installations, and a machine-off policy for all devices outside office hours. We have achieved a 38% reduction in office energy consumption over the past 12 months, saving approximately 1,500 kWH annual.

    Promotion of virtual and localised training

    We actively promote virtual training options wherever feasible, reducing travel requirements and associated emissions. For in-person training, we prioritise using trainers located within a 50-mile radius of the training venue, where feasible and without compromising on learning quality.

    Community engagement and social responsibility

    Optimus encourages team members to participate in community outreach initiatives, particularly in areas such as education and skills development. All staff have 2 days a year volunteer leave in addition to holiday allowance. Previous engagements have included liaison with local schools to provide education and career guidance and Christmas Smile Project.

    Business conduct and ethical business practices

    We are committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and adherence to the highest ethical standards. We understand the importance of compliance and risk management and have implemented robust policies and practices to ensure ethical conduct across all areas of our operations.