In the short term, (next five years to 2030) we will be implementing the below measures to achieve our carbon reduction target. 

• Transition to electric vehicles: Replace petrol and diesel vehicles with electric or hybrid models, taking advantage of government grants and subsidies for EV purchases and charging infrastructure installation.

• Carpooling or ride-sharing: Organise shared travel for health care workers operating in the same geographic area, using route-optimisation technology to group client visits effectively.

• Transition to remote operations: Adopting online platforms for candidate interviews and client meetings, significantly reducing travel-related emissions.

• Energy-efficient office equipment: Upgrading to energy-efficient computers, printers, and lighting systems, decreasing electricity consumption.

• Paperless processes: Implementing digital documentation and e-signatures, reducing paper usage and associated waste.

• Waste management programmes: Establishing comprehensive recycling systems within the office to minimise landfill contributions.

• Flexible working policies: Introducing flexible working arrangements, allowing staff to work from home, thereby reducing commuting emissions.

• Sustainable office supplies: Sourcing office materials from environmentally friendly suppliers to lower the carbon footprint of procurement activities. 

• Employee training and awareness: Conducting regular training sessions to educate staff on best practices for reducing carbon footprints both professionally and personally.

• Beyond 2030, we hope to implement further measures such as those outline below to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040:

• Renewable energy procurement: Plan to switch to 100% renewable energy sources for office operations by 2035, aiming to reduce Scope 2 emissions.

• Green certifications: Seek certifications such as ISO 14001 to formalise environmental management systems and demonstrate commitment to sustainability.

• Eco-friendly office spaces: Relocate to or retrofit existing offices with energy-efficient infrastructure, including improved insulation and sustainable building materials.

• Sustainable transportation incentives: Encourage the use of public transport, cycling, or electric vehicles among employees through incentive programs.

• Carbon offsetting programs: Invest in verified carbon offset projects, such as tree planting initiatives, to compensate for unavoidable emissions.

• Supply chain engagement: Collaborate with suppliers and partners to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices, amplifying the impact across the value chain.

• Digital platform optimisation: Enhance the efficiency of digital platforms and servers to reduce energy consumption associated with online operations.

• Regular carbon footprint assessments: Commit to annual assessments of the agency's carbon footprint to monitor progress and identify areas for further improvement.

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.

Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard[1] and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting[2].

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard[3].

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).

[1]https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard

[2]https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-conversion-factors-for-company-reporting

[3]https://ghgprotocol.org/standards/scope-3-standard