I recently saw Obama on television painting a school as part of the 'help society' programme. Corporate citizenship, as it's officially known. Of course, it's well-meaning. But if you really want to help society further, there are better ways. Imtech is helping society by utilising technology and increasingly, green technology. We've been doing this altruistically through social projects in developing countries since 2008. We started in South Africa from the head office in Gouda.
The most recent project involved improving the water supply in Gert Sibande in South Africa. Amongst other things, we showed the advantages of remote monitoring, which include no longer having to work in the stench and being able to check remotely whether the pumps are working.
We're now ready for a new step. CSR is not something that is exclusively reserved for the head office. We want corporate citizenship to be supported broadly throughout all Imtech countries and divisions. That's why, from now on, we'll be starting SSDC (Shared Success in Developing Countries) projects from the divisions, enabling all countries and sections to profit from the advantages. Because Corporate Citizenship doesn't only bring something to a developing country, it's also good for Imtech. It contributes to company pride, helps attract good personnel and is good for our image. SSDC projects are, furthermore, a good opportunity to improve our relations with clients and suppliers. Why not cooperate on a project?
For the Boost teams, as we call the teams that are dispatched, participating in a project is also a tremendous challenge. What could be more inspiring than starting something from scratch together in a foreign country where there are often unforeseen circumstances? Some participants have altered their career within Imtech following an SSDC project. One participant in an energy management project in Pretoria (South Africa) has risen to the role of CSR Coordinator within his division. We want to strengthen this, to create an international network of CSR Ambassadors. We'll certainly be taking this into account in selecting new Boost team members.
The first divisions to start with a project are Imtech Spain, Imtech UK and Imtech Marine. Spain is leading. The basic agreements have now been finalised, we are busy finding a suitable project in South America and we expect to put a Boost team together by the end of this year.
Within our CSR programme, we work in cooperation with SharePeople from Utrecht (the Netherlands). They also manage individual deployment. So, if you're taken by the idea, have a look at www.sharepeople.nl.
Hendrik Smeenk, SSDC Programme Manager
