Corporate Responsibility

The training and development of our people remains a fundamental part of our success as a business and we ensure we provide support and opportunities at every level. Inspiring and leading our people ensures that they deliver first class customer service. Our DNA programme continues to roll out across the business, providing our people with the knowledge and skills to grow within the business. And our First Level Leaders training continues to provide new managers with the skills and confidence to develop and move the business forward.

During 2007, as we integrated our UK businesses, we continued to focus on engaging with our people across the business. A key part of this was our employee survey, which delivered a record number of replies, up 11% on 2006. From the suggestions put forward we actioned a number of improvements across the business: including better mess rooms, more employee forums and proactive suggestion schemes, all of which have transformed our business and working environment.

The integration of our UK businesses, the integration of Continental Auto into Alsa, and the Business Transformation project in North America have significantly changed the way we work as a business. We do not underestimate the effects that such periods have on our people and we have worked hard to ensure that we are changing for the right reasons. We have also ensured that our communication of the process has been high on the business agenda so that our people understand the exciting future direction of National Express.