Supplier Engagement HE Tool

Action Plan for Pixelshrink Limited trading as Pixelshrink Digital Impact

Last Updated: 14 June 2024

This is your sustainability action plan based on the issues and impacts you have selected as being relevant to your business.

 

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

Modern slavery is an issue for every business and we need to explore it

The Modern Slavery Act requires organisations with a turnover of over £36 million to produce a public statement outlining how the risk of slavery and human trafficking is managed throughout the business and supply chain. However, issues relating to Modern Slavery can impact businesses of any size.

  • Engage with your suppliers about Modern Slavery

    Provide your own suppliers with modern slavery information or guidance and ask them about their own approach and any assurances they can provide. A good starting point for resources and best practice is the Ethical Trading Initiative website

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Publish a Modern Slavery Statement

    A responsible business is transparent and understands that Modern Slavery is more than a compliance issue. Legislation has driven rapid progress in this area and best practice is developing quickly. Businesses obliged to produce a transparency statement are encouraged to provide evidence of their commitments including appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Published statement at https://www.pixelshrink.com/about/…

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Develop a robust approach to removing Modern Slavery from your supply chains

    Businesses are encouraged to explore issues and challenges relating to Modern Slavery and embed meaningful responses within their existing process and practice. These should be communicated to customers to provide appropriate assurances. This could be a code of conduct or similar approach. You are encouraged to link to your own activity in this area in the evidence box provided. Here is an example of a Code of Conduct which covers Modern Slavery considerations

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 08 October 2021

    Added a Modern Slavery statement to our website - https://www.pixelshrink.com/about/…

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Provide Modern Slavery training for staff

    Training staff about issues relating to Modern Slavery including how to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking will help reduce the risk of modern slavery occurring in your business. You may be the entire workforce in which case access some training yourself! A free, online course is offered by the Open University which might be helpful.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Plan a response to the discovery of Modern Slavery in your business operations

    Modern slavery issues could be highlighted in your own operations or you could become aware of something concerning in your supply chain. You should have a response that is appropriate to the nature and size of your business and recognises the need to act swiftly (best practice is to inform stakeholders within 48 hours). Complex international businesses may need a dedicated incident plan but individuals should know how to access information, guidance or report Modern Slavery concerns

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Develop opportunities to support the victims of Modern Slavery

    Those rescued from Modern Slavery often need help to rebuild their lives. Some employers have developed schemes to support these individuals to re-join the workforce. Your organisation may be in a position to provide similar access routes to employment. Have a look at this Co-op initiative

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 08 October 2021

2

We should know more about where the things we buy come from and how they are made

Every product we buy has a story attached to it; how it is made, what it is made from, who has made it and where it has travelled from. These stories all have both positive and negative impacts. Select this issue to explore how to embed responsible purchasing in your business or to share your own approach.

  • Make a public commitment relating to ethical or responsible purchasing

    A simple sustainable procurement commitment (buying 'greener' or more ethical products or services ) can be used to communicate what is important to your business. You may use certified products or services or choose to have your own certified. A public commitment demonstrates to your customers how you consider and address the impacts within your supply chain. Include them as part of your sustainability approach and report on progress accordingly.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Published ethical policy at https://www.pixelshrink.com/about/…

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Understand the impacts of the products your business buys

    There is a business risk attached to not having any understanding of your supply chain. There may also be opportunities to source more ethical or environmentally sound alternatives (those which produce less waste, have a lower carbon footprint, use less raw materials or are produced with less damage to the environment, and where good labour practices are followed). The starting point is understanding where the products your business depends upon come from and how they are made and transported. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your own suppliers.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Changed web host to one which uses renewable energy and offset the rest of their carbon emissions via reputable providers like Ecologi.com. Keep monitoring web hosting's sustainability credentials.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

1

Customer feedback is important to us

All businesses are subject to customer scrutiny. An efficient and responsible business will understand the importance of responding positively to feedback from its customers. Negative feedback will be viewed as an opportunity to improve processes or practices and positive feedback as a success story to share.

  • Be transparent about your customer feedback

    Customers respect businesses who are willing to admit their mistakes; it demonstrates honesty and an eagerness to improve customer experience. They are also encouraged by positive feedback provided by others. Having a transparent approach to managing your feedback as part of your communications can therefore be a great way to enhance your reputation.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Reviews published and engaged with on Google My Business (https://g.page/pixelshrink) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pixelshri…). Testimonials published on our website (https://www.pixelshrink.com).

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

  • Have a meaningful process for dealing with customer feedback.

    A meaningful process for dealing with customer feedback will be clear and transparent for your customers as well as your staff. It will be clear what actions and responses have been provided and there will be a culture of learning from negative feedback as well as sharing positive feedback broadly.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Complaints policy published at https://www.pixelshrink.com/about/…. Need to formalise process for dealing with feedback.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

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.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Have read https://www.c2safety.co.uk/equalit…

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Provide work experience for young people

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Working with a student at NTU on the Digital Skills Bootcamp (https://www.ntu.ac.uk/business-and…), providing them with a project and giving feedback on their work.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

  • Committed to improving website accessibility for people with disabilities

    Regularly engaging on social media: https://twitter.com/pixelshrink/st… https://twitter.com/pixelshrink/st… Incorporating accessibility considerations into web design: https://www.trentdementia.org.uk

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Employ more people from disadvantaged groups

    Consider if your recruitment process and practice could be improved to help you employ more people from disadvantaged groups. You may be able to provide support that improves the chances of care-leavers, ex-offenders or long-term unemployed to access opportunities.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 08 October 2021

3

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. We regularly work with universities to provide project-based asssignments for their students.

  • 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.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2024

  • 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.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2024

  • Support low-carbon skills development in the community

    Low-carbon skills across the whole of society are essential to meet the ambition of a zero-carbon future. A significant social value contribution your organisation can make is via outreach programmes and partnering locally to support skills development around carbon literacy. Consider if this is relevant to your organisation and how you could provide access to low-carbon training and/or development for the communities where you operate.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2024

    2024: Working with a student at NTU on the Digital Skills Bootcamp (https://www.ntu.ac.uk/business-and…), providing them with a project and giving feedback on their work. The project is on promoting our CSR activities, so provides the student an opportunity to learn more about digital carbon emissions and how we help reduce them.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

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.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Have a mentor at https://www.ntu.ac.uk/NTUEnterprise, and consult other business experts

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Use your size to be responsive and dynamic

    The beauty of a small business is that it can be really responsive to changes in circumstances. Make sure you are using your size to full effect by accessing business support that is specifically tailored to your context, especially if you have ideas for growth or innovation. Here might be a good place to start.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Regularly engage with business support from NTU's Dryden Enterprise Centre (https://www.dec.space/), including through their Breakthrough programme (https://www.ntu.ac.uk/__data/asset…)

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

1

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.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Have been evaluating tenders on due-north.com and https://neupc.delta-esourcing.com/ and preparing the necessary policies and insurance

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

2

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.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Always in progress! We regularly attend webinars and events from trusted sources such as https://anicca.co.uk, https://d2n2growthhub.co.uk and https://impression.co.uk/

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

3

We are keen our business contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

192 Member States of the United Nations (including the UK) agreed new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. They will need the support of businesses to achieve them. Select this statement to explore how your business can get ready to meet this new global challenge.

  • Find out more about the SDGs

    The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. They will impact on business practice over the next decade at least as governments are challenged to demonstrate progress against the targets within them.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Familiarised with the SDGs

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Know how your business activities can contribute to the SDGs

    Identify how your business activities contribute to the global goals or how they could contribute. A mapping exercise may be needed to identify both risks and opportunities from the SDGs for your business operations.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Working with health and sustainability projects which contribute to Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being - https://www.pixelshrink.com/servic…

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Include the SDGs as part of your sustainability plans and reporting

    The SDGs could be at the heart of your sustainability activity with targets and evidence of progress part of your journey. Have a look at the South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy to see how they have included the SDGs in the strategy.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Need to formalise sustainability targets

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

4

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. We have a regular email newsletter keeping customers up to date.

  • 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: 14 June 2024

    Using a Knowledge Base to ensure consistent communication.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

  • 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.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2024

    As well as social media, we have a form on our website - https://www.pixelshrink.com/contact. We send a testimonial form for clients to fill when projects are completed.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

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 business activities use natural resources (energy, water, mined materials, plant or animal products)

All businesses use natural resources. From the energy we use for power to the materials we rely on every day, we are using finite resources that are often damaging to produce or extract. It is important to use resources responsibly opting for renewable or sustainable options where possible. Select this issue to explore actions to help you think about understanding and managing resources or to provide information about how you already do this effectively.

  • Be efficient with resources

    All businesses rely on natural resources to keep them running. Whether you are boiling a single kettle, running a factory or managing a fleet there are ways to minimise environmental impacts and save money. Examine your business processes to see where you can be more efficient and make a plan to do more with less.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Published ethical policy - https://www.pixelshrink.com/about/…. Don't own a car. Member of Greening Beeston local sustainability group, which has a lot of ideas. Plant trees for every Website Care plan purchased.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Measure your progress

    If you are committing to reducing your energy, water or other natural resources you will need to measure changes in usage over time to engage your staff and also communicate with your customers. Ensure your plans include details of how you measure and monitor your progress over time.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Need to start formally measuring progress.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Report your resource efficiency

    Reporting your approach to resource efficiency should be part of your communications with customers and other stakeholders. You could make this Action Plan publicly available by clicking the 'share' button to generate a link to you plan you could add to your website.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Need to examine how to add to the Ethical Policy to report successes.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Train for resource efficiency

    Using fewer resources is often something that relies on everyone adapting their approach. Ensure you communicate the importance of resource efficiency by providing staff with access to training. Remember that your staff are usually best placed to help you identify efficiencies - and save you money! If you are a team of one then tell your customers about how you work to reduce your environmental impacts.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Regularly posting about sustainability to our social media.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

  • Understand your resource use

    Even the simplest audit will help you identify the things your business uses so you can consider if you can use less or buy more responsibly. For some things you may need a little help; a smart meter for example could help monitor energy use, tackle consumption and help you save money.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Already very environmentally aware. Sometimes hard to quantify business use when working from home, need to start an audit process.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Talk about resource efficiency

    Even the smallest teams should find time to talk about how resources could be saved and how to work in the most efficient ways. If you are a team of one then tell your customers about how you work to reduce your environmental impacts.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 14 June 2024

    On a panel discussion at Green Hustle event in Nottingham (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green…), talking about the Circular Economy and how it can be relevant for the digital world.

    Evidence last updated: 14 June 2024

1

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: 29 September 2020

    Will investigate adding this to the website - this is an excellent tool.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

2

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: 29 September 2020

    Included in the ethical policy: https://www.pixelshrink.com/about/…

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • 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.

    Completed

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Ongoing, examples are: https://fuschiahutton.com/2018/11/… https://twitter.com/pixelshrink/st… https://twitter.com/pixelshrink/st…

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

3

We have opportunity to enhance or support biodiversity

Even the smallest sites can provide a home to wildlife and so taking opportunities to enhance habitats and consider the biodiversity on sites you directly manage is always worthwhile. Your operations might also impact on biodiversity more broadly through products you source and this should also be considered. Select this issue to explore actions to help you enhance biodiversity or to provide information about how you have already taken action in this area.

  • Enhance the biodiversity of the sites you manage

    Even the smallest site (including the garden of a humble home office) can offer refuge to wildlife. There are lots of resources available to help you start thinking about how best to encourage biodiversity but the Wildlife Trust is a great place to start. If you have large or multiple sites you could be providing both a habitat for wildlife and creating spaces that benefit the wellbeing of your staff, customers or visitors. There may also be compliance issues you should be aware of as a minimum. If you are developing plans for your business ensure they are aligned with regional or national Biodiversity Action Planning initiatives that may be in place.

    Not started

    Action status last updated: 08 October 2021

  • Consider biodiversity you may affect indirectly

    The products and services central to your business operations are likely to impact on biodiversity across the globe and well beyond your direct control. Ensure your procurement processes consider biodiversity as part of your commitments to ethical or responsible purchasing. Make commitments that relate to protecting ecologically sensitive habitats part of your approach to sustainability and reporting if appropriate.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 29 September 2020

    Published ethical policy, need to continue supplier audit with this in mind. Planting tree for every website care plan bought - need to communicate more about this.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020

  • Volunteer to support biodiversity in your local area

    There may be opportunities to support local biodiversity or ecological restoration projects in the local area using staff volunteering initiatives. Consider how you can support staff to contribute to this type of project in your area.

    In progress

    Action status last updated: 08 October 2021

    Regularly contributing to Greening Beeston meetings

    Evidence last updated: 08 October 2021

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: 29 September 2020

    Need to formalise this process.

    Evidence last updated: 29 September 2020