Operational performance
Quality
NWL has maintained its certification to the international quality standard ISO 9001:2000 and to the international environmental standard ISO 14001:2004 across all areas of the business, including operational sites and office based teams.
The company also achieved companywide certification to the international occupational health and safety management standard OHSAS 18001 in 2007.
Employees
Throughout the Group we have 3,147 employees, as set out below:
| Group business unit | Average number of employees |
% |
|---|---|---|
| Northumbrian Water Limited | 2,966 | 94 |
| Water and waste water contracts | 156 | 5 |
| Other | 25 | 1 |
| Total employees | 3,147 | 100 |
NWG’s key asset is its employees and one of the strengths of NWL is employee loyalty; employee turnover is relatively low at 6.4%, well below the UK water industry average of 10.4%. NWG ensures its terms and conditions both attract and retain the best employees in the areas it serves. NWL employees also have access to a scheme which provides a wide range of benefits including childcare vouchers and discounted store vouchers. Currently 62% of employees participate in the scheme, up from 27% last year.
NWG places great emphasis on health and safety and employees are actively encouraged to be involved in identifying and eliminating hazards in the workplace. This has resulted in a significant reduction in accidents over recent years.
| North (N) | Target | Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South (S) | 2008/09 | 2008/09 | |
| Employee turnover (rolling %)1 | N/S | Industry average 10.4 |
6.4 |
| Lost time reportable accidents (per 1,000 employees) | N/S | 5 | 6 |
| Sickness absence (%) | N/S | 2.85 | 2.94 |
Notes:
- No target set, data for information.
The active involvement and engagement of everyone across the business is an important part of delivering performance and NWL continues to formally seek the views of employees through an annual employee attitude survey. This year’s survey was completed by 57% who gave their views on their working life, training, communications, managers and the company. The results were reported back to all employees at workshops and employees participated in the development of action plans with their managers. Overall, employee satisfaction levels remain very high with over 77% of respondents stating they are proud to work for the company and 71% telling us that NWL is a great organisation to work for.