GS1 UK’s mission is to make it faster, cheaper and safer for its members to serve their customers.  We believe the way in which we do business has a positive impact on our members.  For example, GS1 UK is a not-for-profit business and keeps its membership fees down to a minimum enabling all  businesses to access the same level of service regardless of size.

But we also believe that we can make a positive impact beyond the scope of our membership base. 

Our commitment

GS1 UK is committed to taking responsibility for the impact it has on its members, employees, the community and the environment.  It strongly believes that operating with a longer term perspective is good for society, good for the environment and good for business. 

Sustainability at work

GS1 UK kicked off a programme of activities in 2008 to reduce the amount of energy and resources it uses to serve the needs of its members.  Using fewer resources through introducing business efficiencies is at the heart of the GS1  System of standards and our internal drive to become a more sustainable business. 

Reducing CO2 emissions

• Electricity – phasing in of low energy equipment alongside technology such as motion sensor lighting and a ‘switch off’ policy
• Travel – introducing viable alternatives such as videoconferencing, car sharing and buy-a-bike schemes for staff

Reducing waste

• Move to electronic membership communications
• Reducing unnecessary internal printing
• Office recycling schemes

Social responsibility – Fairbridge

GS1 UK staff have always supported charities through their fundraising efforts and they have recently agreed to work exclusively with Fairbridge, a national charity supporting young people aged 13-25 to develop the confidence, motivation and skills they need to turn their lives around.

GS1 UK is working with Fairbridge and is offering practical and financial support. As well as a programme of fundraising activities organised by staff, GS1 UK is exploring ways to provide real, pragmatic help to Fairbridge in order to benefit and enrich the lives of the young people supported by the charity.

About Fairbridge

Fairbridge is a national charity giving young people from 16 of the most disadvantaged areas across the UK a fairer chance to succeed in life.

Every year Fairbridge wins the trust and commitment of over 3,700 young people that most other organisations find it difficult to engage. Outside education, training and employment, they have often lost hope for their future.  Fairbridge helps them to think differently. 

Fairbridge offers young people a fresh start, someone to believe in them and a chance to prove themselves. Using a unique combination of long-term personal support and challenging activities, Fairbridge enables young people to build a sense of self worth and develop the personal, social and life skills they need to enjoy a future full of choice and opportunity.

Fairbridge is the turning point for many young people across the UK. Last year 840 of these young people got a job, accessed education or embarked on a training course.

"GS1 UK is looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Fairbridge. We are keen not only to get involved in a range of fundraising activities but also to engage directly with the young people to help develop their personal and life skills."
Gary Lynch, Chief Executive, GS1 UK

For more information

To learn more about the work of Fairbridge please visit www.fairbridge.org.uk