News release
Contact:
Benjamin Gardner
Public Relations Executive
+44 (0)115 992 2142
benjamin.gardner@uk.experian.com
Experian receives two ‘Big Ticks’ for its community work
Nottingham, UK, 04 June 2009 - Experian®, the global information services company, is celebrating winning two highly coveted Business in the Community ‘Big Tick’ awards for two of its flagship community partnerships in Nottinghamshire. A ‘Big Tick’ is awarded to those companies that demonstrate how excellence in corporate responsibility is having a positive impact both on society and on their business.
The first Big Tick award was for the ‘On Track’ initiative, a pioneering citizenship programme supported by Experian, which encourages children to become active, responsible citizens, allowing them to make informed choices about lifestyle choices.
In 2005 when the scheme was launched, 45 per cent of people arrested by Nottinghamshire Police for illegally acquiring property tested positive for Class A drugs. This challenge, combined with 5,000 serious drug users in the city, prompted Experian to launch the scheme in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottinghamshire Police. The partners have developed personal, social, health and citizenship education programmes taught in local schools to keep children ‘On Track’. To support the programme Experian also funded the development of resource materials and the delivery of teacher training via an educational consultant from Nottinghamshire County Council.
Experian’s second Big Tick award was for the Nottingham Forest Study Support Centre (NFSSC) which is now in its tenth year. A key element of the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Playing for Success initiative, the scheme aims to provide school study support centres at sports grounds. The inaugural centre was launched at Nottingham Forest Football Club in March 1999 with financial support from Experian to kick start the initiative and obtain cutting-edge ICT equipment. Over the ten years, the centre has provided educational support to 7,500 children – supported by volunteers from Experian to mentor the students.
Charlotte Hogg, Managing Director of Experian UK & Ireland, commented: “As one of Nottingham’s largest employers, we are committed to making a positive contribution to the local community. On Track and the Nottingham Forest Study Support Centre are just two elements within our community involvement programme and underline the level of investment we are making in the region to do what we can to make a real difference to peoples’ lives.”