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Contractor Sodexo commits to ethical public service delivery

25th Mar 2015 - 10:30
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Debbie White EO Sodexo UK & Ireland public service pledge
Abstract
Service provider Sodexo UK & Ireland, which has 60% of its business in the public sector, has launched its Public Service Pledge, which it describes as ‘an ethical manifesto for its contracts and conduct, for citizens and communities’.

Chief executive Debbie White said: “The Pledge includes a set of commitments which are designed to help us contribute to achieving a fairer and better society.

“These include a commitment to join the Living Wage’s Service Provider Scheme and a commitment to report on and address the gender pay gap.”

It also details how Sodexo will report on its public sector contracts to increase transparency and accountability. Chief among these are pledges to publish the savings produced for Government through contracts and how the company has contributed towards Government client aims.

White added: “We very much believe that in our relationships with our clients, whether they be in the public or private sector, we sign a social as well as commercial contract.

“Our Public Service Pledge is designed to bring this to life; to give us a set of tangible actions, commitments and targets that will help us demonstrate our principles.

“It is also about setting out our stall as a leading services company and fighting the corner for private sector provision in the public sector.

“We are eager to demonstrate the many positive examples of superb private sector provision of public services and how private sector companies can bring unbeatable value and outcomes to clients.

Speaking at the launch of the Pledge in Westminster, Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said: "Reforming public services to improve their quality and drive savings for taxpayers is a core part of his Government's long-term economic plan.

“We are on track to save taxpayers £20bn this year compared to a 2009/10 baseline through efficiency and reform, and by reducing losses to fraud, error and debt. There's so much more to do in the years to come and we have ambitious plans to accelerate our savings.”

Sodexo employs 34,000 employees in the UK and Ireland, with over half of those working on Government contracts, in justice, defence, healthcare and education.
 

Written by
PSC Team