At Whitehead Monckton we are committed to conducting our business in a responsible and sustainable manner to contribute positively to the Kent region and beyond. Our ESG policy sets out our approach to minimising our environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and maintaining high governance standards.
Two sub-committees make up the ESG committee – the Environmental and Governance Committee and the Social and Community Committee.
Whitehead Monckton is dedicated to playing our part in creating a sustainable future by actively reducing our carbon emissions. Our Environmental and Governance Committee (EGC) work with Martin White of Green Business Hub to carry out annual carbon audits so we can identify areas we can improve.
Our carbon audit looked at the following:
Scope 1 emissions from sources owned or controlled by our organisation directly.
Scope 2 emissions indirectly generated from the energy we purchase.
Scope 3 emissions which are not produced by our firm itself or as a result of activities from assets owned or controlled by us, but by those we are indirectly responsible for, i.e. our supply chain. Which products are we buying, using, and disposing of, and what is the impact of that?
Our aim is to halve our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2030, in line with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). This is in keeping with the UK government’s target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Climate change poses a huge threat to our way of life, impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide.
Whitehead Monckton has long supported local causes and been an active part of our community, but it’s also important to look further afield and consider our practices within a wider context. The issue of climate change is one that is relevant to all people, regardless of which community you’re a part of or where you’re based. Our local community in Kent is part of an even larger national community, which is part of the global community, too – what we do and how we do it matters, and the effects of the choices we make range further than just the area in which we live and work.
By reducing carbon emissions, we aim to:
Protect Our Planet: Lowering emissions is critical to reducing global warming and its effects on the environment, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss.
Enhance Public Health: Decreasing carbon emissions can lead to improved air quality, reducing respiratory issues and other health problems associated with air pollution.
Drive Economic Efficiency: Energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives can lead to cost savings, innovation, and the development of new technologies. The push for companies to reduce their emissions has led to developments in the fields of alternative fuels & renewable energy.
Lead by Example: By changing the way our business operates in a way that is committed to sustainability and taking responsibility for our impact on the environment and our community, we hope to encourage others to follow.
To reduce our impact on the environment, we’re committed to implementing a range of strategies, including:
Governance: Ensuring that our firm operates in a responsible, ethical and transparent manner, adhering to all relevant laws, regulations and professional standards.
Investing in Renewable Energy: We’re investigating the feasibility of using renewable energy sources across our offices.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency: We adopt energy-efficient practices across our offices to reduce energy consumption.
Sustainable Transportation: We promote sustainable transportation options for our employees. With neighbouring businesses at Eclipse Park we have taken part in the Big Bike Revival scheme, where our colleagues had their bikes checked and fixed by a mechanic from Cycling UK. Our Tenterden office have also held their own Big Bike Revival.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: We’re increasing recycling efforts across our offices by changing the way we handle waste.
Sanitary waste from our Maidstone, Canterbury and Tenterden offices is sent to a treatment centre in Rochester where it is shredded and dried before being incinerated, creating electricity. The ash left over after this process has taken place is used in cement kilns.
Analysing our Supply Chain: We are in the process of learning more about the companies we work with and purchase from, using greener alternatives where possible, to further reduce the impact of our business on the environment.
We are committed to educating and involving our colleagues, clients, and our wider community in our sustainability efforts through encouraging participation of local schools in our awareness campaigns and collaborative projects; our colleagues regularly attend careers fairs at local schools and facilitate mock interviews and work experience opportunities for young people. While we recognise and appreciate the diversity in our clients, contacts and community, it’s important to us to engage with the young people in our community because they are the ones who will see the long-term results of the changes we’re working hard to make.
Our journey towards reducing carbon emissions is ongoing, and we’re committed to continuously improving our practices – sustainability is not just a goal, but our responsibility.
We invite you to join us on our journey towards a greener future.
Each year, our staff vote to select a Charity of the Year, setting the focus for generating creative ideas to raise both funds and visibility for the charity’s cause. Throughout the year, we organise a variety of events that bring colleagues and contacts together, spark community spirit, and make giving back fun and rewarding for everyone involved.
Since 2012, our incredible team have raised almost £100,000 for our chosen charities by participating in all sorts of things from physical challenges and sky dives to quiz nights, golf days, race nights to dress down days and arts and crafts.
Previous charities of the year include, Porchlight, Slide Away, Echo, The Stroke Association, Mid-Kent MIND, South East Dog Rescue, Chalkdown Riding for the Disabled Association and Alzheimer’s Research UK. Our charity of the year until April 2027 is Porchlight
If you would like to apply to be our next Charity of the Year, a form will be available for completion towards the end of the year. Please note our charity year is 1 April – 31 March as opposed to the calendar year.
Founded in 2012, the Whitehead Monckton Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting local charities throughout Kent and the surrounding areas. Our Trustees meet regularly to consider applications for grants – typically ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 – which are often used to fund one-off projects that make a tangible difference in the community.
The Foundation thrives thanks to the heartfelt generosity of our clients, who contribute during their lifetimes or leave legacies in their Wills. Their support helps us extend our impact and strengthen the region we proudly serve.
To find out how to donate or submit a grant application, please visit the WMCF website.
