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Social at SMI

THE SOUL OF OUR BUSINESS

OUR PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

At SMI, we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference on a global scale by fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and supporting our communities.

Our commitment is built on four pillars that guide our approach to sustainability and social impact: enriching lives, protecting biodiversity, supporting future generations, and tackling homelessness.

We believe that by focusing on these areas, we can create lasting positive change for both people and the planet. From local initiatives to global efforts, our mission is to empower individuals, protect the environment, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Join the SMI team!

Life at SMI

Employee engagement
Employee engagement

We are committed to fostering a supportive and engaging work environment for all our employees. Here’s how we achieve this:

  • Quarterly Employee Engagement Surveys: We regularly gather feedback from our team to ensure we are meeting their needs and continuously improving our workplace culture.
  • New Starter Feedback Surveys: At 30 and 60 days, we check in with new employees to understand their onboarding experience and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Exit Interviews: When employees move on, we conduct thorough exit interviews to gain insights and learn how we can enhance our work environment.
  • Values Nomination Scheme: We celebrate and recognise our team members who exemplify our core values through our values nomination scheme.
  • Staff Meetings: We hold weekly and quarterly all-staff meetings to keep everyone informed, connected, and engaged with company goals and developments.
Employee Wellbeing
Employee Wellbeing

We prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of our employees through a variety of initiatives:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We offer a comprehensive EAP to support the mental and emotional health of our team members.
  • Mental Health First Aiders: Our trained mental health first aiders are available to provide immediate support and guidance.
  • Company Events: We organise regular company events to foster team spirit and create a fun, inclusive work environment.
  • Recognition Schemes: Our recognition schemes celebrate the achievements and contributions of our employees, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.
  • Work From Home/Flexible Working: We offer flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home, to support a healthy work-life balance.
SMI Women
SMI Women
  • Promotions: Last year, 16% of our head office staff were successfully promoted internally and 13% of our staff moved to a different department within the business.
  • Training and Career Support: 30% of our staff undertook external training supported by SMI to further their careers. A fantastic 14% of our staff are also in managerial positions. 
  • Females at SMI: 56% of staff across both of our sites are female, with 30% of staff at our warehouse being female. In management positions at SMI, 30% are female.
Spin to win wheel
Spin to win wheel

Spin to Win scheme and rewarding our staff

  • We recognise and reward employees for exemplifying our core values: people-centric, connected, dependable, getting stuff done and dynamic. 
  • Last year, we received 193 nominations through our "Spin to Win" scheme, where employees nominate peers for going above and beyond.
  • Weekly all-staff huddles celebrate these wins, with nominees having the chance to win exciting prizes.
  • The "Employee of the Year" award includes a travel voucher.
  • Our HR system allows team members to give 'kudos' for day-to-day celebrations of staff achievements. If you receive three 'kudos', you get to spin the wheel. 
  • These initiatives foster a positive and supportive work environment, celebrating our champions who make our company a great place to work.

CHARITY & VOLUNTEERING

In 2024, SMI proudly supported local and global causes through:

  • 280 volunteer hours for social and environmental initiatives.
  • Raising £2,672.63 for The Rosemary Foundation.
  • Donated 18 boxes of clothing and bedding to LifeHouse Portsmouth for the homeless and attended two breakfast mornings.
  • Annual beach clean completed.

Ongoing contributions include:

  • £169,992 donated to The Grace Trust, supporting 450+ charities globally.

  • We focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive workspace, where all our workforce are truly respected, and our differences are celebrated.
  • We support our employees and are committed to offering training opportunities, team-building events and promoting employee engagement and improving communication.
  • All employees are part of our recognition schemes including the 'Spin to win' celebrations, SMI's employee of the year award, and our quarterly ESG champions.
  • SMI recognises that we have a responsibility to our people - our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides support and advice 24/7 to all our employees.
  • All staff have access to all policies and procedures through our SMI Directory and online HR platform.
  • We are committed to making a positive and meaningful impact on our local community and have launched a national plan focussing on; enriching lives, tackling homelessness, supporting future generations and supporting biodiversity.
  • As of January 2025, we have relaunched our "Sustainability and Social Impact Committee" to enhance collaboration and contribute to a wide range of initiatives, maximising the impact of our employees' paid volunteering day with an aim of hitting 300 hours across 2025.
  • SMI operates with a strong commitment to human rights, legal compliance, and ethical practices, prioritising transparency throughout our supply chain.
  • SMI is dedicated to understanding our supply chain and ensuring that our suppliers align with our 2030 ESG objectives. We conduct bi-annual ESG assessments across our supply chain, evaluating factors such as human rights and business practices, energy and climate impact, waste management, resource consumption, and community development.
  • We are committed to providing all workers with safe and respectful working conditions; free from modern slavery, harassment, or any circumstances that could harm their physical or mental well-being.
  • We actively support biodiversity conservation efforts across our operations. 

CASE STUDIES

  • At the heart of our strategy lies a commitment to creating a meaningful change and by fostering connections, empowering individuals, and investing in resources that matter, we aim to enrich lives across communities.

    • Since 2023, we have been proud to support the Rosemary Foundation, a vital organisation dedicated to providing quality end-of-life care to local residents of Petersfield and supporting their families during challenging times.
    • SMI are also raising awareness and funds for Support Dogs, a remarkable organisation that transforms lives by training and providing assistance dogs for children and adults affected by autism, epilepsy, and physical disabilities. Their work not only empowers individuals but also brings renewed hope and independence to families.
    • The Cambridge Acorn Project provides therapeutic services for children, young people, and families who have experienced trauma and are facing financial hardship. This year, SMI is proud to respond to the charities appeal for partners willing to share their expertise to enhance their messaging. We are particularly eager to support their efforts by offering assistance with social media and website development, helping the charity to amplify their voice and reach more families in need.

    • SMI has successfully hosted several clothes swap parties at our head office in recent years, encouraging the reduction of fast fashion and promoting sustainability. All remaining items from these events are donated to LifeHouse, a Southampton-based charity supporting the homeless community.
    • Building on this initiative, SMI will now also donate clothing, blankets, and other essential resources to Lifeshare, a Manchester-based organisation dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.
    • On the first Wednesday of every month, SMI volunteers dedicate their time at LifeHouse, cooking breakfast for the local community. This initiative not only provides a warm meal but also offers a chance for meaningful conversation and advice to those in need, fostering connection and support for individuals facing homelessness.
    • In October, SMI will participate in a SleepOut event, raising awareness for the challenges faced by the homeless community. This initiative also provides an opportunity for our employees to connect, build relationships, and reflect on the importance of supporting those in need.

    • SMI is dedicated to supporting the next generation by fundraising for local and national schools in deprived areas or those providing exceptional services for children with special needs.
    • Our volunteers actively participate in local schools' mock interview weeks, offering guidance and advice to help students develop essential employability skills.
    • Recognising our global responsibilities, SMI aligns its efforts with International Day of Education by sponsoring two children through Children on the Edge, a child rights organisation supporting marginalised children in some of the world's most challenging situations.
    • Through SMI's financed offsetting projects, we are proud to support social initiatives that provide energy-efficient cookstoves and water filters in India. These projects not only promote environmental sustainability but also improve the health and well-being of communities by reducing harmful emissions and ensuring access to clean water.

  • Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance, supporting agriculture, and ensuring the health of our air, water, and soil.

    • Over the past two years, SMI has made a significant contribution to global reforestation efforts, planting over 23,000 trees worldwide in partnership with Ecologi.
    • SMI has invested in various environmental projects, including the development of solar and wind farms in Asia.
    • Through our collaboration with Plastic Bank, we support local communities around the globe, where individuals can exchange plastic waste collected from ocean shorelines for meals, educational opportunities for their children, or financial support.                            
    • At SMI, we believe that social impact begins at home. We're actively involved in community gardens and charitable initiatives, including our partnership with Roots and Shoots. This organisation offers accessible, positive vocational and educational opportunities for young Londoners with an Education, Health, and Care Plan. Through the creation of safe, inspiring spaces that promote biodiversity in urban environments, we empower individuals to learn new skills, build confidence, and gain valuable work experience in order to prepare them for future employment.

ESG DIGEST

ESG DIGEST - EPISODE 2: HOW TO CREATE AN ESG CULTURE IN YOUR BUSINESS

Meet Elizabeth Mellor, in our second episode of our ESG Digest, where she explores how to create an ESG culture in your company. 

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