Corporate Social Responsibility
Our business model integrates social and environmental concerns into operations and interactions with stakeholders. MRC is committed to behaving ethically, contributing to economic development, improving the quality of life for our employees and their families, as well as the local community and society at large, whilst also minimising environmental impact. MRC also ensures that our suppliers and partners adhere to similar ethical and environmental standards.
MRC has a socially responsible, ethical, and transparent business culture with work environments that foster open communication and diverse opinions that are crucial for innovation and progression. MRC provide an environment where every voice is valued and where healthy debate is seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. MRC encourage a culture of healthy debate and constructive challenging. Fostering innovation, building community and social value, driving progress, and ultimately greater success and enhanced delivery.
We are deeply committed to building community and social value, creating a positive impact on local people and communities, the local economy, and the environment. We understand the importance of fostering sustainable development and believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in achieving this goal. Our approach is multifaceted, encompassing social, economic, and environmental considerations. MRC pledges to prioritise initiatives that not only meet, but exceed expectations in creating positive impacts across all areas. MRC are dedicated to ensuring that every opportunity contributes positively to local communities and the environment globally.
Committed to creating a positive work environment, promoting physical health and mental health. This starts with our staff deployed, often in physically and mentally demanding environments. If staff are in their ‘best place’ it empowers them to positively influence others and their colleagues.
We understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives. We recognise the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and enshrine that they should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved. As MRC employs many veterans, we embrace the Armed Forces Covenant and actively seek to provide service leavers with stable long-term employment. As a business we attend and actively promote vacancies at many service leaver events including Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and ICAREC events every year. MRC are actively addressing the historical imbalance in the security industry by making major effort to recruit staff from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds and increase the number of women employed on the contract with the Authority.
MRC’s office in Hereford is designed to BREEAM Excellent Standard – the highest level of sustainability and environmental credentials achievable. The building has low energy and running costs, and excellent natural light. Additionally, all MRC Management Directors and Staff work from home on limited days reducing our carbon emissions while commuting. Staff who live close to the MRC Office, also regularly cycle, and take advantage of the ‘green way cycle routes’ recently introduced in the local area. Communication with staff and clients is carried out via video calls, to further reduce the impact this sort of travel would have on the environment. MRC continually mitigate our carbon footprint and use of natural resources, utilising electronic communication and documentation. The use of DocuSign for client and employee contractual paperwork and staff vetting has enabled us to reduce carbon emissions by 3,807 Kg, save 39,864 litres of water and 67,861 pages of paper. This is ten fully grown trees. All new promotional materials ordered are sustainable/recyclable e.g. bamboo pens, and metal drinks bottles to consciously avoid plastic waste.
MRC’s accounts system is now fully electronic reducing the need for paper-based archives. Using credit cards, issued to all permanent staff overseas, there is no need for paper receipts to be submitted as these can be sent electronically via our tool. This eliminates the need for paper based internal mail and thus the carbon footprint associated with adding items to the diplomatic bag. MRC have also investigated in green technology, having purchased an electric vehicle to augment our fleet of company vehicles. Recycling at offices and other work environments is undertaken where facilities exist.
MRC as part of the Arcfyre Group, work in many locations where we can positively impact the regional people and communities.
Local Sponsorship:
MRC positively impact the local areas around our office by encouraging youth activities. MRC sponsor a children’s football team and a Scout Group expedition to France. This encourages participation in sports and outdoor activities for local and some disadvantaged children, building life skills.
Santa Shoebox:
Staff within the business give gifts of essential items and treats to children whose names, ages and genders are known. The minimum eight required items are a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washcloth, sweets, a toy, school supplies and an outfit of clothing – all new, unused, and age-appropriate. The children that benefit from this are from orphanages and in schools or daycare facilities of poor communities. Often this is the only Christmas present these children receive. Last year the Arcfyre Group reached 60 boxes. This is really relevant for the South African market as although the number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS has declined, as of 2021 there were still over 960,000 orphans, according to UNAIDS. Going forward MRC will participate in this programme and will match any donations made by staff, including DSOs working for the Authority. For every shoebox pledged MRC will provide another. Staff will not have to physically prepare the box if working overseas as the value can be deducted from the individual’s payslip and the boxes will be prepared centrally by the MRC and Arcfyre Group. Pledging opens September each year.
Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (CAPSEAH) and Sexual Assault Prevention:
MRC is working with authorities on world leading initiatives such as the Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (CAPSEAH). This is very relevant in African countries where we operate as a group. August is Women’s month in South Africa. Whilst we celebrate women in our society, we are aware of the disturbingly high rates of gender-based violence and sexual assault in the country. Since 2019, Arcfyre Group has been committed to making a difference by offering free sexual assault prevention training during August. This has expanded to include high-jack prevention training as this high crime occurrence often led to sexual assault. Covid-19 restrictions placed a restriction on this project considering the practical nature of the training sessions. The programme is now resuming for 2024.
Community Engagement:
MRC actively engage with local communities to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. MRC participate in local community forums and consultations for greater insight and understanding. MRC tailor our initiatives and programs to support community needs, fostering a sense of support, ownership, and empowerment.
Local Economic Development:
MRC prioritise sourcing goods and services locally, supporting small businesses within the community. Where possible, MRC collaborate with local suppliers, vendors, and service providers to establish and promote economic growth and potential job creation.
Environmental Sustainability:
MRC are committed to minimising our environmental footprint through the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies. Energy efficiency measures, waste reduction strategies, and carbon footprint mitigation efforts will be driven and integrated to promote environmental enhancement.
Monitoring and Evaluation: MRC are committed to regular monitoring, participating, engaging and evaluation to assess the impact of our actions on local communities, economy, and the environment for continuous improvement.
MRC is fully committed to creating a positive impact on local people and communities, the local economy, and the environment. Through proactive engagement, strategic partnerships, and sustainable practices.