Ernst staff invest time in island

LOCAL charities and voluntary organisations can now get in touch with Ernst & Young if they have an environmental or community challenge with which they need help. As part of the firm's corporate responsibility policy, an employee volunteering programme has been introduced offering staff the chance to help make a difference during office hours.

Launched internally earlier this month, staff have set up a working party to head its corporate responsibility initiative across the Channel Islands. It will help oversee, implement and support other members of staff in their activities.

In line with the firm's UK corporate responsibility programme, Guernsey and Jersey are now eager to encourage volunteering locally.

'A key part of the firm's corporate responsibility policy is its community investment activities,' said Channel Islands managing partner Andrew Dann.

'This will be an opportunity for our staff to participate in an organised team challenge or take part in an initiative of their own choice which will help build relationships internally and externally.'

Staff will be investing their knowledge and expertise into a charity of their choice or a team community challenge. They may take up to two days or a total of 15 hours to work on one, with a specific focus on education, enterprise or employability.

Employees who also volunteer outside office hours can receive an Ernst & Young donation to their charity of up to £500, or matched funding for any money they raise of up to £500.

Mr Dann said the company had a responsibility to contribute to the local community.

The firm employs more than 180 staff in both Guernsey and Jersey and many have expressed an interest in volunteering, particularly the new graduates.

'Rather than just making donations, we would like to encourage our employees to invest their skills and knowledge into an organisation they believe in.

'We will be creating further opportunities for staff by supporting initiatives and building a community partnership with a local organisation.'

'Our community investment programme already exists in Ernst & Young offices around the UK and we are delighted to replicate the programme in the Channel Islands.'

Ernst & Young has already established a number of community partners in the UK, including The Prince's Trust, Education Partners, NCH, Arts and Business, Comic Relief and Sport Relief.