Supplier Engagement HE Tool

Action Plan for First Sight Media Limited

Last Updated: 02 July 2025

This is your sustainability action plan based on the issues and impacts you have selected as being relevant to your business.
The questions in the ‘About your business’ section of the Tool are scored.
A range of answers has been provided for each question in each section and each answer is scored with the maximum obtainable as follows:
Modern Slavery – maximum score 15
Ethical Business Practice – maximum score 31
Climate Emergency – maximum score 20
Equality Diversity and Inclusion - maximum score 20
Social/Community Contribution – maximum score 17
Maximum Score = 103

The allocation of levels enables your university/consortia clients to understand your progress on the issues contained in the action plan. A description of the levels is below:
Level 1: Early stages of your sustainability journey with lots of scope for improvements 20% of total score
Level 2: Some good practice in certain areas, with the opportunity to develop further 20-50% of total score
Level 3: Demonstrates a very good understanding of sustainability and social value related to your business practice 50-80% of total score
Level 4: Best in class, this demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to running a sustainable business 80-100% of total score


Level: Level 3
Score: 54

Social Issues and Impacts

Actions you select here will help increase your NETpositive impact on society. Indicate against actions from this list whether they are in progress, are ready to start or have already completed.

Your issues Your action plan
1

We could do more to engage and develop our staff

Engaged staff are assets to your business; when they understand what you are trying to achieve they can help make it happen. Sustainability is linked to staff development as it forms part of organisational process and practice.
  • Make sustainability part of your staff development process and practice

    Clearly articulating your values and aspirations is a first step to ensuring everyone understands what is expected of them. Staff can then be supported to demonstrate how they put these into practice. Evidence could then be gathered and shared either formally or informally as part of your communications, performance review or reward processes.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 21 January 2022

    Our Office Manager has attended a 12 hour intensive sustainability programme for SME leaders. We have a sustainability committee, who meet fortnightly to discuss sustainability plans for First Sight Media. Induction programme Environmental e-learning course Handbook - add sustainability

    Evidence last updated: 23 February 2024 View History

  • Talk about the values and aspirations of your business

    However small your team, make sure everyone knows how they contribute to the values and aspirations of the business. If you are a team of one think about how you communicate your own values or behaviours with your customers and clients. Sharing this plan could be a simple starting point and an annual meeting to brainstorm ideas together could help kick things off.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 21 January 2022

    Our sustainability team have been attending sustainable panel discussions and networking opportunities - our latest example is the ESL's Breakfast Briefing at BMA House earlier this year. On return, our staff were given a run down of the event and given examples of some sustainable venues we could recommend to our clients in the future. In our quarterly company meetings, a proportion of time is dedicated to the committee as an opportunity to give our staff an overview of what we've been focusing on and what we have planned for the next few months.

    Evidence last updated: 05 August 2024 View History

1

We are interested in (or are currently) employing apprentices or providing work placements

Employing apprentices equips young people with vital skills and supports social cohesion within the local community. Your business may be able to get funding to pay for the training of an apprentice.
  • Join an apprentice scheme

    Offering apprenticeships can be a great way for a business to grow talent and expand their staff base at low cost and risk.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 24 May 2023

    We are working with Blue Lion Training Academy, for a creative Audio and Visual Technician apprentice to take on and start in late August 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/upda…

    Evidence last updated: 05 August 2024 View History

  • Provide short-term work placements

    Your business may be unable to support a full time apprenticeship programme but it could still offer work experience on shorter placements. Schemes are usually run locally so try your nearest College or University as a starting point.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 09 June 2025

    We have ran a work placement scheme for the last few years. Our last placement being in January 2023. We are working with Blue Lion Training Academy, for a creative Audio and Visual Technician apprentice to take on and start in late August 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/upda… We have recruited a young apprentice and things have taken off incredibly well! Meet Max: https://www.instagram.com/p/DF-Zpi… https://www.linkedin.com/posts/blu…

    Evidence last updated: 09 June 2025 View History

2

We make work accessible to people from all backgrounds

Discriminating against potential job candidates, or employees based on the protected characteristics detailed in the Equality Act 2010 including: age, sexual orientation, gender, disability, race and socio-economic background leads to an unequal workplace environment and is breaking the law. An equitable workplace will generally have a high level of morale, which leads to better customer satisfaction
  • Organise informal workplace talks around equality, diversity and inclusion

    Inviting an expert speaker into your workplace can be an easy way to keep yourself up-to-date on what is important with regards to diversity. These can be linked to your industry and also support staff cohesion more generally.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    External HR Consultant has provided workshops around this subject for management at First Sight Media to be aware. All employees to complete brighthr equality & diversity training

    Evidence last updated: 24 May 2023 View History

3

We have an opportunity to make a positive contribution in our local community

Organisations are likely to have a range of positive or negative impacts on their immediate locality; a responsible business will strive to understand what these impacts are. They will then seek to reduce any negative impacts and make the most of opportunities to enhance the positive impacts they could have.
  • Support the vulnerable in your community

    The vulnerable in your community might be the elderly, at-risk youth, migrants or others living in isolation. Supporting or developing schemes to support these groups might be an activity you can link to staff volunteering or community outreach initiatives.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 31 May 2023

    Ongoing relationship with Special Effects, delivering free events and support at charity gigs regularly.

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

  • Support homelessness and rough sleeping initatives in your area

    The national Rough Sleeping Strategy outlines ambitions to eradicate homelessness by 2027 and there are likely to be local inititives in your area. Consider how your organisation could contribute to these local efforts.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 31 May 2023

    At Christmas we will donate to a local shelter as we've done in previous years

    Evidence last updated: 02 July 2025 View History

  • Develop a volunteering or community engagement plan

    Many organisations already have a strong reputation for supporting community activities. From wildlife conservation or growing projects such as Britain in Bloom to volunteering at food banks or youth clubs. Consider how you can maximise your community contribution through your staff engagement programme.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 24 May 2023

    First Sight Media have investigated local charities, such as Wild Oxfordshire; who are seeking to create a more natural, resilient and bio diverse Oxfordshire for the benefit of all. Our next steps are to contact the charity to offer our support and discuss opportunities to collaborate with them.

    Evidence last updated: 26 January 2024 View History

4

We want to support our community to develop skills and experience

A skilled community benefits everyone. There are opportunities to help individuals in every community acquire skills that support environmental, social and economic development.
  • Support skills development initiatives for disadvantaged groups

    Your business might be able to make a real difference locally by participating in work-experience schemes with more challenging audiences. These might equip young people, ex-offenders or other disadvantaged groups with new skills at the same time as improving the local area. Both the Princes Trust and the Career Transition Partnership have information to explore this.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 26 July 2023

    First Sight Media have reached out to the Princes Trust, unfortunately there is no ambassador in our area. However, we have discussed our interest in supporting, should the opportunity ever arise.

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

  • Support skills development initiatives for schools and colleges

    From careers fairs to work experience placements there are likely to be a range of ways you can support skills developments in conjunction with local schools and colleges. The Young Enterprise Scheme is a well-established example.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    We offer work experience at First Sight Media., to support skills development for school students. We are also looking at more apprenticeship schemes

    Evidence last updated: 09 April 2024 View History

5

Improving staff wellbeing and mental health is important to us

All businesses have obligations to meet Health and Safety requirements but an efficient and responsible business really understands the difference a happy and healthy workforce can make - not least to its bottom line! Select this issue to explore actions to help you go beyond compliance or to share your existing good practice in this area.
  • Develop a 'Mental Health at Work' plan for your organisation

    Create a workplace culture that supports good mental health benefits for everyone. The human cost of poor mental health is considerable but there are also business costs associated with poor performance. The Stevenson Review provides a comprehensive starting point with many no-cost or low-cost options that can be introduced to help support a thriving workforce.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 21 January 2022

    First Sight Media have a well established wellbeing plan, which can be found in our 'Wellbeing Policy' that all employees have access too. The policy outlines how our Company supports mental health at work., by creating a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable to seek help and support where wellbeing is concerned. Within this document we also acknowledge management, employee and legal responsibilities.

    Evidence last updated: 16 May 2023 View History

  • Provide access to resources which support wellness and good mental health

    Providing mental health resources in the workplace could save a life. The NHS signposts to a range of support and resources you could make accessible to staff or visitors.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    As part of the wellbeing plan to support wellness and good mental health, employees have access to a subsidised gym membership, health cash plan and employee assistance programme. The employee assistance programme in particular, allows employees to have free access to a qualified counsellor who is ready to listen and offer practical information. This includes eight sessions either face to face or via video to support mental wellbeing. In addition to the above, we also have a external HR Consultant, who is a mental health first aider and all employees have access to these services.

    Evidence last updated: 24 May 2023 View History

Economic Issues and Impacts

Actions you select here will help increase your financial resilience, reduce your business risk and generate a positive impact on the wider economy. Indicate against actions in this list whether they are in progress, are ready to start or have already completed.

Your issues Your action plan
1

Political or economic uncertainty is a real challenge for our business

The business landscape is never static but during periods of significant change planning effectively can be challenging. Adaptability and resilience are vital elements of survival but also enable pro-active businesses to spot opportunities that will also help them thrive. Select this issue to explore ways to ensure business resilience or share your existing approaches.
  • Enlist some support to help you navigate change

    Businesses tend to struggle with similar issues. Explore ways to learn from the lessons of others, network to build a support mechanism and consider how partnerships or collaborations could support business resiliance. You (or your staff) might consider mentoring as a useful starting point.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 31 May 2023

    Look into doing talks at schools - to discuss if this is relevant anymore, as we are no longer in COVID

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

2

We want to be part of a robust, resilient and ethical supply chain

Ensuring strong business relationships are formed with suppliers is key to maintaining and developing trust along your supply chains. An effective and responsible business will be keen to share its values with its suppliers for mutual benefit.
  • Guarantee suppliers a payment date

    Businesses can ensure payments are met by a specified date, and offer compensation or another gesture if this deadline is not met. Guaranteeing suppliers a date of payment builds trust across your supply chain as suppliers feel they will suffer less financial risk when carrying out business with you.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    First Sight Media hold agreements with all suppliers in a 'Contract for services', which is distributed when onboarding a new supplier. Within this document we outline the terms of the contract and payment terms. The Company will pay the Contractor’s invoice within no more than 30 days from receipt of an invoice, but agrees to make reasonable endeavours to pay invoices quicker where possible. In the event of the cancellation of an assignment by a Customer, the company adheres to apply its own cancellation policy to that of the contractor, which the contractor agrees to accept. Which is typically: • Cancellation with greater than 2 weeks’ notice, no charge. • Cancellation with less than 2 weeks’ notice, 50% of funds due. • Cancellation with less than 7 days’ notice, full payment. First Sight Media are also a part of The Prompt Payment Code (PPC), which sets standards for payment practices and best practice and is administered by the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The Code covers prompt payment, as well as wider payment procedures. The criteria for joining the Prompt Payment Code is: • Pay suppliers on time • Give clear guidance to suppliers • Encourage good practice • Pay 95% of all invoices within 60 days • Pay 95% of all invoices within 30 days where the supplier is a small business with fewer than 50 employees • Avoid any practices that have an adverse effect on the supply chain

    Evidence last updated: 16 May 2023 View History

  • Embed a commitment to social value within your supply chain

    Part of demonstrating social value for your customers is delivering it with your suppliers. Consider how you can support your suppliers to consider their social value as part of your own procurement processes. This could be as simple as encouraging them to develop a Social Value Action Plan (like this one) for their organisation too.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 26 July 2023

    We have recently sent out an email to our suppliers asking them to share their social value action plan and how they committing to a more sustainable future. To update with results.

    Evidence last updated: 02 July 2024 View History

1

We are keen to deliver social innovation for our customers

Innovation is required to respond to an uncertain future. Whether this is the re-shaping of a post-pandemic world or responding to challenges presented by the Climate Emergency. Exploring innovation and sharing learning is an essential part of responsible business.
  • Develop socially innovative approaches to benefit people, communities, and the environment.

    Social innovation that benefits people, communities and the wider society are highly sought by customers and especially those in the public sector. Develop plans and embed practice that supports innovation in your business model.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2023

    Currently investigating planting trees, as part of our approach to benefit people, communities and the environment.

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

  • Develop case studies on existing examples of social innovation

    Share examples of social innovation in practice to both raise the profile of your activity and provide inspiration to others. Leaders continue to push the boundaries of excellent practice and share their approaches for community benefit.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2023

    Our Marketing Team are currently in the process of developing a case study for Wild Oxfordshire, who will publish it on their website to share our social innovation.

    Evidence last updated: 02 July 2024 View History

2

We are always looking for ways to win new business

All businesses need a strategy for future growth; financial sustainability is as important as environmental or social sustainability. Responsible businesses are just as keen to win new business, to grow and expand.
  • Ensure your business is 'tender ready'

    Being pro-active about positioning your business to respond to tenders with fast turnaround times can be especially important to smaller organisations. The good news is there is help you can access to make this happen for your business.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 14 December 2021

    Paul to look into and send to KS

    Evidence last updated: 12 July 2023 View History

3

We are keen to communicate with our customers

An effective and responsible business understands that customers can be your biggest supporters and so it is important to communicate openly and honestly with them.

  • Ensure your staff can be responsive

    Your staff are often at the front-line when it comes to communicating with your customers. Make sure that communications messages are disseminated clearly and effectively so that messages are consistent no matter which messenger is used. Training for front-line staff is likely to be essential to ensure this happens consistently.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    First Sight Media employees all receive regular in house training and have also been provided with a First Sight Media Communications Pack'. This pack has been created to ensure we deliver exceptional customer service to all of our customers, and any incoming callers too. The document outlines any frequently asked questions we may receive and how to handle them. This ensure that communications are dealt with effectively consistently. First Sight Media employees will receive external customer service training during August 2023

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

  • Understand that communication is a two-way process

    Find ways to ensure your customers can communicate with you and respond to the stories you are sharing with them. Social media can be a great way to establish dialigue with your clients but an old-fashioned feedback form can be just as effective. Think about what will work for you and your customers.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    Social media is used to interact with prospective/current customers using interactive polls and providing informative content. Our team are responsive to any communication through our social channels. We are currently formulating polls that we can post to our social medias to encourage engagement. We will also be updating our social audience on our meetings and where we are at on our sustainability journey. The first post is an introduction to our fortnightly meetings, we will mention our committee leader and add their certificate as verification. We will also announce we are using the Ox Brookes Supplier Engagement HE Tool. Customer service questionnaires are sent to customers, requesting feedback on our service we have provided. These are sent after every event and allow us to action any feedback and understand our client needs better.

    Evidence last updated: 12 July 2023 View History

4

We keep up to date with new technology or approaches to working so we can identify innovation or gains in efficiencies

New technologies or innovative approaches are often crucial to positioning and competitiveness. An efficient and responsible business understands the benefits that come from being efficient with resources.
  • Keep up-to-date with new developments within your sector

    Businesses should make an effort to seek out new innovations within their sector, especially in relation to resource or process efficiency. Are there new options that can future-proof your company from rising costs? Are your customers keen that you offer new and improved products and services. Keeping up-to-date can be crucial.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 26 July 2023

    Our technical team are regularly seeking new innovations within our sector, and frequently attend media production and technology shows to keep up to date with new developments and latest technologies within our sector.

    Evidence last updated: 16 May 2023 View History

Environmental Issues and Impacts

Actions selected in this sector will help increase your environmental sustainability. Indicate against actions from this list whether they are in progress, are ready to start or have already completed.

Your issues Your action plan
1

Our goods (or our people) travel

Whether your people or your goods travel there are impacts on health and wellbeing, the environment and, of course, the bottom line. Select this issue to explore actions suggesting sustainable travel options for your business or to provide information about your existing activities in this area.
  • Explore your sustainable travel options

    An efficient and responsible business will be striving to reduce dependence on polluting vehicles, exploring low carbon options and sourcing goods and services locally where possible. This will have environmental benefits, promotes health and wellbeing as well as impacting on your bottom line. Start by considering if the need for travel is business critical and then explore the most sustainable options that meet your needs. Useful starting points for your planning include Sustrans and the Energy Saving Trust.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2023

    Investigating into hybrid vehicle solutions & any other schemes via the Energy Saving Trust - Paul 28.06.23 Supplier review - to ensure we are using more locally sourced good and services. First Sight Media also offer hybrid working to our employees, which reduces the amount of travel. We continue to encourage our customers by offering alternative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, such as hybrid and virtual events. This means our employees are not traveling to location. We actively encourage our employees to share lifts and cycle or walk where possible. Investigating into grants/schemes

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2023 View History

  • Offer sustainable travel options

    Whether updating your fleet, encouraging lift sharing or remote working for your staff or incentivising certain kinds of travel there are ways to make travelling sustainably part of your culture. Highlighting public transport options for your visitors, having somewhere for staff to store bikes securely or considering a government-supported cycle-to-work scheme might all be ways you can support sustainable travel. Try to extend the range of sustainable travel options you promote over time and think about linking to regional plans where possible.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2023

    We have officially signed up to "Bike2Work" and now offer this new scheme to our First Sight Media employees

    Evidence last updated: 20 September 2023 View History

  • Understand the travel impacts of your business

    Determine what moves from A to B as part of your business operations and exactly how things are transported. This will help you develop a baseline for your sustainable travel plan or simply help you make the most obvious changes to your business practice. Even if road travel is critical to your business efficiencies are possible. Read about efficient-driving or explore energy efficient products.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 14 December 2021

    As part of our business operations, driving to events is something we are unable to avoid. Therefore we are now considering solutions, such as planting trees, hybrid vehicles and ensuring all employees are training to drive vehicles in the most efficient manor. All employees complete a 'driving for work' training module to ensure that they are driving as safely and efficiently as possible.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2023 View History

  • Share sustainable travel stories

    Sharing positive stories helps create a positive culture either among your staff or with your customers. You can use them to demonstrate how new behaviours are being encouraged and report on benefits. Even the smallest initiatives can be an excuse to tell a positive story about your business.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 14 December 2021

    Could we share on social, asking teams to share stories with us - when we sign up to cycle to work we can share etc.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2023 View History

1

We set (or want to set) targets to improve our sustainability

Setting clear, measurable targets is an important element of any organisation's commitment to sustainability. Targets to reduce your negative impacts will be important but a more holistic view will also demonstrate your commitment to society and the economy. Select this issue to consider how best to use targets in your business or to capture how you already do this effectively.
  • Develop an environmental or sustainability policy

    A policy is a simply written statement outlining your organisation's commitment to managing environmental or sustainability impacts. It outlines the key areas of your business you hope to improve and so can include environmental, social and/or economic considerations and targets. You could use this Action Plan as the basis of your policy as it provides an overview of sustainability areas for you to focus on.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    First Sight Media Ltd (FSM) have implemented an 'Environmental and Sustainability Policy', as we are committed to promoting sustainability. Concern for the environment and promoting a broader sustainability agenda are integral to FSM’s professional activities and the management of the organisation. We aim to follow and to promote good sustainability practice, to reduce the environmental impacts of all our activities and to help our clients and partners to do the same.

    Evidence last updated: 16 May 2023 View History

  • Share sustainability stories of your business

    A simple blog post, a conversation with your customers or an update on your website is enough to share your progress, large or small. Think about developing a case study to showcase your work. Even the smallest initiative can be an excuse to tell a positive story about your business.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 26 July 2023

    Currently in the process of developing case studies and more blogs to share with our customers - aim to share by October 2024 We have shared a blog on our website that gives examples of the kind of policies we have implemented internally. https://firstsight.media/going-gre… It is our intention to encourage others to reflect on their own carbon footprint and begin making small changes at work that will have a profound effect.

    Evidence last updated: 24 September 2024 View History

2

We are keen to strengthen our commitment to carbon reduction in the light of the climate emergency

The UK Government has legislated for 'net zero' greenhouse gas emissions to help halt climate change. Leading businesses are making their own commitments to achieving net-zero and making plans to reduce their carbon emissions. This is a complex and long-term ambition requiring appropriate planning and investment.
  • Generate your own energy

    An increasing number of larger organisations are making commitments either to source 100% of their energy from renewables or to generate their own. Consider the feasibility of generating your own renewable energy

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 09 December 2024

    We are pleased to update this section and say we have now installed solar panels onto our office building (Dec 2024)

    Evidence last updated: 09 December 2024 View History

  • Understand the carbon impact of your business

    Understanding the carbon impacts of your business operations is an important first step in developing an action plan to help you manage and reduce them. Broadly this means looking at the energy you consume, travel and transport, waste production the type of catering you provide and the impact of the products you purchase. This activity is the first step in developing a carbon action plan. This survey developed by the University of Leicester is a useful way to identify the types of data you will need to gather and You can also use a carbon calculator tool such as this one from the Carbon trust

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 14 March 2024

    As part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, we’ve introduced a monthly Office Green Day. On these days, we completely shut down our office, and staff members work from home (if not on location). To measure the impact, we compare energy meter readings from a regular office day to those taken after a Green Day. Over the course of the year, we aim to collect data that provides a clear picture of how much energy and carbon we’re saving through this initiative. We are thrilled to report that between August 1 and October 31, 2024, our Office Green Days have contributed to a reduction in electricity consumption from 5,108 units to 4,165 units, compared to the same period in 2023. This not only translates to a cost saving of £745.22 but also highlights the tangible environmental benefits of our efforts.

    Evidence last updated: 09 December 2024 View History

  • Develop and implement a carbon action plan

    A carbon reduction plan will enable you to demonstrate your commitment to de-carbonisation and evidence that you are responding to the climate challenges in a focussed way. It will detail your key impact areas and detail your plans to reduce them. Use this editable template to get you started.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 12 July 2023

    First Sight Media have developed a carbon reduction plan, we are in the process of implementing the plan with the wider team. Please see our latest blog on our website that lists the ways in which we are helping to reduce our carbon footprint. https://firstsight.media/going-gre…

    Evidence last updated: 18 October 2023 View History

  • Provide carbon literacy training for staff

    Changing staff behaviours is at the heart of reducing carbon emissions (particularly in the short-term). Providing meaningful training and support for staff so they can become carbon literate and understand carbon impacts as they relate to your organisation will help them take action. Many organisations are exploring the carbon literacy project as a way forward.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 12 July 2023

    Employees will be completing 'Green and Sustainability Terminology' and a 'Environmental Awareness' module with our online HR system during August 2023. We aim to present our vision and action plan to employees during this time.

    Evidence last updated: 18 October 2023 View History

  • Achieve carbon reduction certification (Carbon Trust Standard, Planet Mark or equivalent)

    It may be appropriate for your organisation to obtain certification that provides assurance in relation to your carbon reduction activities. Organisations, operations and products can all be certificated, consider which might be relevant to your context. The Carbon Trust might be a good place to start this exploration.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023

    Researching into 'One Planet Living', which is a accreditation to follow - this is part of our phase 2 action plan

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

  • Report against your carbon reduction commitments

    Regular reporting of progress against carbon reduction commitments is recognised as good practice. This could include a mixture of progress against specific targets and case studies and examples of projects.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 09 December 2024

    We were delighted to participate in Lancaster University's student-led Supplier Sustainability Project this year (2024) After an in-depth discussion, the university provided us with a detailed report recognising the meaningful progress we’ve made in our eco-conscious efforts. This included reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability through remote work initiatives, energy-saving measures, and waste reduction practices. The report also offered valuable suggestions to help us achieve even more of our sustainability goals in the coming year! Extract: "We commend First Sight Media for its commitment to sustainability. They provide an inspiring example of how companies in the video production and event planning industry can integrate environmental and social responsibility into their operations" - First Sight Media’s Sustainability Report by Lancaster University

    Evidence last updated: 09 December 2024 View History

  • Consider carbon offsetting

    Important! It is best to look at carbon offsetting after you have reduced your carbon footprint as much as you can first. Carbon offset schemes allow individuals and companies to invest in environmental projects around the world in order to balance out their own carbon footprints. The projects are usually based in developing countries and often designed to reduce future emissions. However there are also options around offsetting projects locally to support the communities where you are based. For a fuller overview please see this briefing note NETpositive Futures has produced.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 26 July 2023

    Currently in the process of investigating planting trees to offset our emissions

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

  • Reduce your carbon footprint through food choices

    The food we consume comes with a large carbon impact across the whole life cycle of our food, from ground to plate. Whilst we should not try to control the diet of our staff we can reduce the carbon footprint of the events we might host or on-site catering facilities. This might be as simple as providing meat free options or plant based meals. Have a look here for more information on the carbon impact of food The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) has developed a free tool to calculate the greenhouse gas footprint of your menu choices.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 26 July 2023

    First Sight Media are going to start encouraging staff to make better choices, thinking about where they source food from and in August 2023 we will be starting 'Meatless Mondays'

    Evidence last updated: 26 July 2023 View History

3

We are keen to communicate our environmental or sustainability commitments and performance

Having sustainability policies and plans embedded within your business provides an opportunity for you to communicate your ambition and progress. This might help you demonstrate leadership in your sector, align with your customers' values or simply enhance your position in the marketplace. Select this issue to explore ways to communicate your sustainability journey or to share your existing good practice.
  • Demonstrate progress against this action plan

    At least one of your customers has encouraged you to use this tool to generate an Action Plan. The simplest way to keep them informed is to update it regularly with your progress. You can also use the 'EXPORT PLAN' button at the bottom of the page to send it directly to individuals, such as potential new customers. You could also add it to your website, if you have one, to make a more public statement.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 16 May 2023
4

We are keen to manage our response to the challenge of sustainability in a structured and transparent manner

How an organisation manages its response to sustainability is an important indicator of its commitment. It also demonstrates an understanding of how sustainability interacts with core business practice. Governance structures need to include sustainability, which may require adapting them or even creating new ones. A well-developed governance structure usually makes it easier to set targets and report on and celebrate your sustainability activities.
  • Establish a governance structure to strategically manage your commitment to sustainability

    Your governance structure will depend not only on the size and scale of your business but also how it is structured. Governance can range from a small group of staff to external committees with dedicated staff. It is also acceptable to embed sustainability into existing governance structures. Consider diversity and inclusion as part of developing your governance structures to ensure a range of voices are heard and scrutiny comes from a range of perspectives.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 12 July 2023

    We have a sustainability committee that meet fortnightly to strategically manage and explore ways in which we can improve our commitment to sustainability.

    Evidence last updated: 12 July 2023 View History