Corporate Social Responsibility policy
We believe the most important statement a company can make about itself is that it is solvent, profitable and a good employer
Flybe is proud of our work in the communities we serve. Because we are a regional business ourselves, we know that aviation is vital in supporting the local economies of the UK, from Inverness to Jersey and most significant points in between. The case studies in this report are real; no actors, no creative storylines, just genuine examples of how Flybe supports our passengers by providing efficient, timely and high quality services.
We believe the most important statement a company can make about itself is that it is solvent, profitable and a good employer. By employing more than 3,000 staff, we believe that we send out that message loud and clear. We are members of Business In the Community.
But Flybe does more. In June 2007, we were the only UK airline to sign the Government Skills Pledge and in January 2008, we became one of only three companies in the UK to have achieved the high standards required to become an Awarding Body for Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) approved qualifications. As a result, we are now able to award certificates, from level 2 (GCSE at A*-C) right up to level 4 (Degree level) to our cabin and engineering crew.
During the government’s GoSkills Conference in February 2008, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills’ Minister, David Lammy, singled the company out for special mention. The recognition resulted from Flybe having just announced the start of a pioneering training commitment that, in partnership with Exeter College and Exeter University, started with three new qualifications aimed at further recognising the importance and skills of Flybe employees.
Mr Lammy, in mentioning the ‘fantastic’ work that Flybe and other employers have already done towards investing in staff to increase morale, productivity and retention, said: “….and in the case of Flybe, we have an employer that has taken on degree awarding powers and is now able to offer bespoke, QCA accredited qualifications rather than having to outsource education and training”. This work will be taken further with the opening of the Flybe Training Academy in 2010, a purpose-built facility that will bring all elements of Flybe's training and development under one roof in Exeter.
Flybe is proud of our work in the communities we serve
2008/09 saw a brand new partnership with Flybe’s new charity, Cancer Research UK. As the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research, the charity currently has 4000 scientists working on hundreds of projects up and down the UK and Flybe looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship.
In the run-up to Christmas 2007 and 2008, Flybe put its red and white suit on and took children from Southampton, Inverness and Norwich for a private flight with Santa and some of their football heroes.
Jim French, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer once again completed the 280-mile ‘Pedal to Paris’ sponsored bike ride in support of the Royal British Legion.
Jim takes part in this challenging 4-day event every two years to raise funds for the Legion, which continues to support those who have experienced military service in time of war to defend our way of life, counting amongst its numbers individuals who have seen action in the Falklands, Northern Ireland and Bosnia as well as those areas of the world where there remains ongoing conflict.
This year, over 300 cyclists took part in the ride that, outside of its annual Poppy Appeal, is the charity's flagship fundraising event. Now in its 13th year, it is one of the most popular and impressive bike rides in the Charity Event Calendar and individual sponsorships are expected to total over £300,000 towards the Poppy Support services that assist the serving and ex-Service community.
Thanks to the Flybe Community Cup, thousands of young footballers from Inverness to Exeter have played on the hallowed turf of their heroes by winning through to finals day each May. Initiated in 2003, the Community Cup is supported by Flybe football ambassadors including Southampton FC legend Matt Le Tissier and has fast become the footballing highlight of the year for aspiring Owens, Rooneys and Ferdinands up and down the UK.
