Social responsibility
B&Q in the Community
We have a significant influence on the communities in which we operate, not least because of the employment we provide and the contribution we make through local projects and strategic partnership initiatives. We are committed to involving our stores in building upon these benefits, and in working to avoid or minimise any negative impacts. Our aim is for all our stores to be welcomed as 'good neighbours' in the communities that they serve.
Supporting community projects
B&Q has been involved in thousands of great community projects up and down the country. Many of them start with donations of waste materials such as timber and paint, however, we also recognise that sometimes these projects need additional support to help get them started.
B&Q One Planet Living (OPL) Grants®
Since 1997 B&Q has supported the Better Neighbour Grant scheme, offering funding, in the way of B&Q materials, to projects that involve and have long-term benefits to local communities. In 2008 the scheme was re-launched as the B&Q One Planet Living Grants®.
The One Planet Living Grants® offer between £50 and £250 of B&Q materials for projects supporting at least one of the following themes – save energy, conserve nature, support local culture & heritage and grow your own.
Each store has a 'limited' budget and may not always be able to offer help should their budget be exhausted. However, through making contact, if stores are unable to help on the first occasion, they may be able to help in the future or be able to offer assistance through waste donation.
How to apply: The One Planet Living Grant® is for local organisations to apply directly to their local B&Q store. For more information visit One Planet Living Grants®. We are unable to deal with individual requests from our store support office in Hampshire.
Charity Partners for 2009/10
B&Q has a corporate charity and sponsorship policy, and has chosen national charities for corporate fundraising and charity collections at B&Q stores.
The nominated charities for 2009/10 are:
- UK: Help the Aged and NSPCC incorporating Children 1st in Scotland. (three year partnerships commencing 2008)
- Ireland: ISPCC (three year partnership commencing 2008) and Multiple Sclerosis Ireland (two year partnership commencing 2009)
B&Q is unable to give permission to other charities wishing to undertake charity collections outside its stores (with the exception of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal).
We are not looking to establish any new partners at the current time and will be reviewing our charity partners towards the end of 2010.
Employee Fundraising 'Match It'
B&Q employees raise tens of thousands of pounds every year for various charities and good causes. We believe it’s important to support our employees in their efforts, helping them to help others. Match It enables B&Q to make a contribution to charities and good causes, such as schools, scouts and guides or community centres, by matching funds raised by employees to a set limit.
Payroll Giving
In 2002 B&Q launched its payroll-giving programme. It's an easy and tax-free way for employees to support their favourite charities direct from their pay. To date over £900,000 has been donated by employees.
