TDLC Sustainable Development Policy
TDLC Sustainable Development Policy
Page No.
1.0 Overall Aim 2
- CONTENTS -
2.0 General statement ofintent 2
3.0 Scope 2
4.0 Context 2
5.0 Key issues 3
6.0 Key policy principles 4
7.0 Implementation 5
8.0 Resources 5
9.0 Training 5
TDLC Policies
1.0 Overall aim
This policy describes the framework within which TDLC will conduct its activities in order to
contribute towards global pursuits of sustainable development. Sustainable development is about wealth
creation, environmental protection and social justice going hand in hand when taking decisions and
planning for long-term benefits.
2.0 General statement of intent
The essence of this policy can be summarized asfollows:
TDLC is committed to the principles of sustainable development. It will progressively integrate these
principles into its daily activities. Through its work with the local JCP offices and learners studying at a
level 3 it will seek to increase awareness of sustainable development within the location generally and
to ensure that wherever possible, its overall business activities support the achievement of sustainable
development objectives.
3.1 Scope
The policy applies to all operational and support services and activities of TDLC and will seek to
influence suppliers and learner’s sustainable development activity.
In addition, it:
describes how we aim to deliver and maximize sustainable development performance
improvements
is consistent with the United Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development.
The policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary, at least every three years.
4.1 Context
Sustainable development is the process by which we move towards sustainability and is about shaping
our own future in ways which ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to
come. It recognizes that the quality of people’s lives and the state of our communities are affected by a
combination of economic, social and environmental factors. Lasting solutions to global problems can
only be achieved by making these linkages. The most widely used definition appeared back in 1987, in
the Brundtland report, and was endorsed five years later at the Earth Summit in Rio.
"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs"
Sustainability has been a central theme in international, national and local development policy since 180
governments first committed themselves to the concept of sustainable development at the 1992 Rio
Earth Summit - and reaffirmed this commitment at the Rio +10 conference in Johannesburg in 2002.
The UK Government committed to the development of a UK Sustainable Development Strategy. The
UK’s third strategy was issued in March 2005 and is applicable to all of t h e UK, including devolved
administrations such as Welsh Assembly Government, and defines sustainable development as
’ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come’.
At its heart lies the following 5 key principles:
TDLC Policies
- Living within environmental limits
- Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society
- Achieving a sustainable economy
- Using sound science responsibly
- Promoting good governance
TDLC can have an impact in terms of its social, economic and environmental responsibilities as a
provider of training services, and in the way that it operates as an organization.
TDLC impacts on the health and wellbeing of staff, learners and customers as:
A provider ofservices
A purchaser of goods and services
An educator and developer ofskills
A community developer
A strategic planner
In order to chart progress towards sustainable development, the Welsh Assembly
Government has defined twelve headline indicators. The Department of Health is directly
responsible for performance against the indicator ’expected healthy years of life’. In addition, it can
be argued that the Trust activities have an indirect positive effect in moving at least five other
indicators (economy, employment, poverty and social exclusion, education, crime) in the right
direction. As an organization responsible for improving the health and well-being of people in
Wales, the core activities of the Trust can be considered to be directly supporting sustainable
development, if the wider impacts and by-products of its activities are also managed in accordance
with sustainable development principles.
Increasingly, people all over the world are realizing that our current way of life is not sustainable.
Business as usual is not an option - things must change. For organizations in general, there is
increasing attention on corporate social responsibility - the integration of social and environmental
concerns into business operations – as described in the European Commission Green Paper Promoting a
European Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility.
5.1 Key issues
The key issues addressed by this policy are:
maximising the potential of employees to contribute towards sustainable development.
sustaining the environment for futuregenerations.
supporting the communities within which TDLC operates.
managing the wider impacts on society of activity.
engaging stakeholders and public disclosure of progress.
TDLC Policies
6.1 Key policy principles
To address these issues, the following principles will apply to the activities of the TDLC:
All employees will be treated fairly and equitably in accordance with existing policies and in line
with TDLC core values.
The management of health and safety will be continually improved through the development
and maintenance of a health and safety policy and appropriate managementsystems.
Investment in the training and development of employees will be sustained in accordance with
the requirements of the Knowledge and Skills Framework - KSF.
Activities will be conducted ethically and with integrity in accordance with a code of business
ethics.
Endeavors to sustain the environment for future generations will be governed by an
environmental policy and an accredited environmental management system - EMS in accordance
with the international standard ISO 14001.
Purchasing activity on behalf of the TDLC will be conducted in accordance with the
TDLC’s Environmental ProcurementPolicy.
Sourcing from within local communities in a manner that is consistent both with EU rules and
domestic policy governing public procurement, and with the achievement of sustainable
development objectives, will be actively promoted and encouraged.
Conserving energy, water, wood, paper and other resources - particularly those which are scarce
or nonrenewable - while still providing a safe and comfortable working environment.
Reducing waste through re-use and recycling and by using refurbished and recycled products and
materials where such alternatives are available (provided they meet quality requirements and give
value for money).
Encouraging manufacturers, suppliers and contractors through tighter specifications to develop
environmentally preferable goods and services at competitive prices.
Ensuring that any products derived from natural sources (e.g. timber) are from verified
sustainable sources.
Working with contractors to improve environmental performance where this is relevant to the
contract and to the achievement of value formoney.
Developing and maintaining, where significant hazards exist, emergency procedures for
effectively dealing with them and limiting the risk to health and the environment
Encouraging more sustainable travel to work options via a Sustainable Travel Plan.
Educating, training and motivating staff and contractors to work in a more sustainably
responsible manner and to play a full part in developing new ideas and initiatives.
TDLC Policies
Communicating openly with staff about sustainable development policies and best practice
(including best available scientific advice) and co-operating with others in the public and private
sectors at home and abroad to develop and promote environmentally sound practices.
In addition, organizations with which TDLC does business with, will be encouraged to support and
adopt these principles within their own sphere of business activities.
7.1 Implementation
In implementing this policy, the organization will:
Review its systems to ensure the elements of Sustainable Development are incorporated as
appropriate.
Review current processes and procedures to take account of the requirements of Sustainable
Development.
Consult with stakeholders to understand their requirements and priorities around Sustainable
Development.
Communicate our action plans and progress on a regular basis.
8.0 Resources
The necessary resources for sustainable development are already in place, as an integral part of TDLC
budgetary allocations, and the implication of this policy will not entail additional expenditure.
9.0 Training
Sustainable development is a relatively new concept and specific training will be provided to key staff
whose roles and responsibilities have the potential to impact on overall sustainable development
objectives. All staff will undergo training as required for their training needs.
A Sustainable Development Strategy to raise awareness of sustainable development issues to encourage staff to think
sustainably when carrying out policy and operational functions will also be posted on the TDLC
website.