Social Impact
Community Engagement: SERT partners with local schools to promote employment pathways and green skills. Key initiatives include Retrofit Awareness sessions for 4,500 primary students and alternative provisions for year 10 students in electric and renewable professions. SERT organises careers fairs, STEM events, and offers work experience in fields like accounts, sales, and marketing. Partnerships extend to the University of Portsmouth for a Business Consultancy Project and Future Isle of Wight to combat fuel poverty and enhance local quality of life.
Training and Development: SERT supports career and personal development through various qualifications and training, including HR and recruitment. In 2023, new entrants were trained and deployed, with ongoing enrolment in programmes. Collaborations with housing associations and career tasters introduce individuals to the sector.
Diversity and Inclusion: SERT fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or background, and commits to fair treatment of customers and clients.
Employee Well-being: SERT offers a comprehensive well-being scheme, including four "well-being days" of paid leave and access to Reward Gateway for employee recognition, discounts, and cashback incentives. An anonymous employee assistance programme is available for personal issue support.
Ethical Practices: SERT upholds strict ethical standards, ensuring fair and transparent training, recruitment, and hiring practices.
Environmental Impact
External Overview:
SERT leads renewable upskilling in the Retrofit Sector locally and nationally. In 2023, SERT filled 107 renewable-focused jobs and delivered 219 training courses. They offer accredited courses for gas engineers, electricians, and plumbers, including:
- Domestic Heating Courses
- Air Source Heat Pump Training
- Electrical Training
- Solar and Battery Training
- Retrofit Training
Partnering with The Retrofit Academy, SERT supports various Retrofit roles, aiding the decarbonisation of UK housing.
Internal Initiatives:
Carbon Emissions: No company vehicles; employees track and reduce commute emissions through car-sharing and walking.
Energy Consumption: Measures include using dishwashers only when full, penalties for leaving appliances on, automatic lights, and compressed air for training.
Waste Management: Comprehensive recycling program and outsourced confidential waste recycling, saving energy.