At ServiceMaster, we recognise that our responsibilities extend beyond the services we provide. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is about operating our business in a way that creates a positive impact for our employees, customers, suppliers, communities and the environment.
As a national franchise network, we are committed to conducting business responsibly, acting with integrity and supporting sustainable, ethical and socially responsible practices throughout our operations. We believe that long-term business success is closely linked to the wellbeing of our people, the strength of the communities we serve and the responsible management of our environmental impact.
This statement highlights the initiatives, partnerships and commitments that reflect our values and demonstrate our commitment to being a responsible business, trusted employer and valued member of the communities we serve. Through these activities, we aim to create lasting positive change while supporting the long-term success and sustainability of both ServiceMaster and its franchise network.
ETHICAL TRADING
ServiceMaster strives to procure goods and services that minimise negative, and enhance positive, impacts on the environment and society whilst meeting our business requirements.
Our Ethical Purchasing Policy seeks to promote good employment and environmental standards in the supply chain of goods and services to our clients and is monitored via our sub-contractor approval process.
We expect suppliers, contractors and business partners to comply with applicable legal, ethical and environmental requirements and, where appropriate, demonstrate responsible business practices consistent with our values.
ServiceMaster insists on honesty, integrity and fairness in all aspects of its business and expects the same in its relationship with all parties with whom it conducts business. The direct or indirect offer, payment, soliciting and acceptance of bribes in any form are unacceptable practices and are prohibited throughout the organisation.
Employees will have the right to freely choose employment and be paid at least the National Minimum wage. ServiceMaster’s policies and procedures are designed to ensure that the human rights of all employees, whether directly employed or sub-contracted, are respected in accordance with internationally recognised standards, and the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Our employees and our suppliers share responsibility for ensuring that products and services are sourced from organisations that meet appropriate safety, environmental, quality, legal, ethical and sustainability standards.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
ServiceMaster is committed to providing a working environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying and victimisation and where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
ServiceMaster is committed to selecting, developing and retaining employees based on their ability, skills and qualifications, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.
An Equal Opportunities policy is in place to assist the company in complying with the Equality Act 2010. The policy is applicable to all employees working for ServiceMaster and is trained as part of an induction process.
WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
ServiceMaster recognises its duty of care towards children and vulnerable adults and is committed to complying with relevant legislation and guidance. We take appropriate steps to ensure that customers in vulnerable or potentially vulnerable circumstances are protected from risks arising through their interactions with us, our partners and our suppliers.
ENVIRONMENTAL
ServiceMaster Limited operates an Environmental Management System certified to ISO 14001:2015 and is committed to protecting the environment, preventing pollution and continually improving environmental performance.
We recognise that environmental responsibility is closely linked to the wellbeing of our customers, employees and the communities we serve. At ServiceMaster, we put people first and take our commitment to environmental stewardship seriously. To support this commitment, we have developed the following principles to guide our actions and decision-making:
Consider health, safety and environmental issues in our action: We strive to understand the health, safety and environmental effects of the products and methods we use, staying abreast of scientific research and trends in new product development. We are committed to providing safe, effective, quality services through the use of proven methods and tested products.
Use and apply all products safely: We are committed to the responsible selection and use of products and service methods that deliver effective results, while minimising environmental impact. Through ongoing training and development, our employees are equipped to deliver services safely, professionally and responsibly.
Communicate openly and honestly: We will strive to foster an open, honest dialogue with our employees, customers and the communities in which we operate.
Ensure the safety and well-being of our employees: At ServiceMaster, we maintain a work environment where risks are understood and minimised and where adherence to safe work practices is expected. We provide our employees with the tools, training and support they need to do their jobs safely, effectively and efficiently.
Minimise waste through re-use and re-cycling: We are committed to applying the waste hierarchy by preventing waste wherever possible and promoting the re-use, re-cycle and recovery of materials.
Where these options are not practical, we will ensure that waste generated through our activities is managed and disposed of responsibly and in accordance with legal requirements.
Include resource conservation in our daily operations: We are committed to using energy, water and materials responsibly, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency to minimise our environmental impact.
All marketing material (leaflets etc) provided by our approved print partner is printed on FSC or recycled paper and is recyclable.
ENVIRONMENTAL TARGETS
ServiceMaster Limited continues to work towards Net Zero by 2050 and establishes environmental objectives through its Environmental Management System and management planning processes.
Recent environmental initiatives have focused on reducing waste, packaging, resource consumption and transport-related emissions across our operations and supply chain. We offer hybrid working arrangements, where operationally appropriate, and continue to reduce the environmental impact of business travel. This includes increasing the number of electric and hybrid vehicles within our fleet from 3 vehicles in 2024, to 8 in 2025 and 13 in 2026, supporting our wider carbon reduction objectives.
We have also introduced digital initiatives, including QR-code access to client health and safety documentation, reducing paper consumption and saving approximately 205kg of CO₂ emissions per year.
The majority of cleaning chemicals supplied through our warehouse are provided in concentrated format. Concentrated products can significantly reduce packaging requirements, storage space and transportation impacts when compared with equivalent ready-to-use products, helping to reduce resource consumption and associated environmental impacts throughout the supply chain.
Working closely with our suppliers, we continue to support initiatives that reduce packaging waste and material consumption. One example was the redesign of bottle caps used on toilet cleansers and similar products, reducing the plastic content of each cap by approximately 2g. The manufacturer estimated that this initiative would save around 60 tonnes of plastic annually across its global production. Additional packaging improvements have eliminated approximately 45,000 polythene bags, 42,000 sheets of paper and 200 cardboard cartons each year from our supply chain.
We have also increased the use of recycled materials within our product range. Our warehouse now stocks 17 products containing more than 51% recycled polymer packaging and a further 3 products containing more than 40% recycled polymer packaging, helping to reduce reliance on virgin plastic materials.
Employees, franchisees and customers are encouraged to support environmental initiatives and sustainable working practices. Recent examples include tree-planting programmes, the use of electronic signatures to reduce paper consumption, and environmental recognition awards for franchise owners who introduce environmentally responsible initiatives within their businesses.
COMMUNITY
ServiceMaster’s local franchise owners are actively encouraged to support charities, community groups and good causes within the areas they serve. We believe that successful businesses have an important role to play in supporting the wellbeing of local communities and creating a positive social impact.
ServiceMaster’s Franchise Support Centre has a Great Place to Work Committee, which coordinates employee fundraising, volunteering and community initiatives. Through a combination of local and national charitable activities, employees and franchisees have raised over £28,000 for good causes and community initiatives.
ServiceMaster Limited has proudly supported Dementia Friends and the Alzheimer’s Society since 2021, working alongside our franchise network to raise awareness and support people affected by dementia. Over 200 employees and franchisees have completed Dementia Friends training and many colleagues across our franchise network have also undertaken the Alzheimer’s Society’s official Understanding Dementia training to help them better support customers who are living with, or affected by, dementia. This enhanced knowledge enables us to deliver a more compassionate, inclusive and person-centred service.
In 2024, ServiceMaster became an official Alzheimer’s Society Partner, further strengthening our commitment to the cause. We continue to support the charity through awareness campaigns and fundraising activities, helping to fund the vital services, support and research, while promoting greater understanding of dementia throughout our business and franchise network.
A key annual fundraising initiative is our Forget Me Not Challenge, which runs from June to September and brings together Support Centre employees and franchise owners across the network. Participants set personal step targets, seek sponsorship and encourage customer donations as milestones are achieved. Weekly updates celebrate both fundraising achievements and collective distances travelled, helping to raise awareness while promoting health, wellbeing and community engagement.
Since 2019, ServiceMaster Limited has continuously supported Guide Dogs, helping to fund the training and development of guide dogs that provide life-changing support to people living with sight loss. Through fundraising, sponsorship and awareness initiatives, we have supported a number of guide dogs over the years and currently sponsor Henry, a yellow Labrador whose training and development is being supported through our ongoing partnership with the charity.
Employees are encouraged to support local communities through volunteering, fundraising and environmental initiatives. We continue to undertake local litter-picking events twice each year to help maintain and improve the local environment and promote community pride.
During the Christmas period, employees support the Trussell Trust through the donation of food, toiletries and other essential items, helping individuals and families facing hardship within our local community.
By supporting charitable organisations, community projects and environmental initiatives, ServiceMaster aims to make a positive and lasting contribution to the communities in which our employees, franchisees, customers and partners live and work.
