Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Being positive about disabled people.
Ruskin Private Hire was formed in 1997 by Roger Lynch, a former sprinter who suffered a crippling career-stopping injury for almost two years.
He pledged to build a fully-accessible transport operation. For he knew at first-hand what disabled people suffered – unsuitable vehicles driven by well-meaning but untrained staff.
Roderick Lynch designed and adapted vehicles for carrying disabled and seriously ill people, rapidly becoming a recognised expert, consulted by many in the industry. The vast majority of the company’s fleet are fully accessible.
All but a few Ruskin Private Hire vehicles offer full accessibility to people with most forms of disability. But if you are in any doubt, call to check your needs before booking with our friendly, trained and expert staff on 0207 708 4444. Our premises exceed the provisions of the DDA.
In addition to vehicles fully-accessible for wheelchair users, we also have ambulance-style vehicles for the severely disabled, complete with oxygen supplies where required. The company is a former winner of the industry’s national Accessible Transport Operator award, beating companies many times its size.
Taking corporate social responsibility seriously
Ruskin Private Hire recognises its impact on local communities and society as a whole. As a major employer, it has social responsibilities to the people who live in the areas where it operates, and shares the belief that stable, cohesive and prosperous communities are the key to further business success.
We are committed to developing and advancing ethical policies across the organisation for all aspects of activity where our business impacts on the community. We seek to engage in productive and open discussion with the various stakeholders who have an interest in our business, including various arms of government, customers, suppliers and our own employees.
We take part in trade and other sector bodies, and work with them to raise standards throughout our industry.
We support a number of local voluntary bodies and worthy activities in our local communities, including schools, sports clubs for young people and events for pensioners.
Environment and sustainability
From its earliest days, Ruskin Private Hire has adopted a responsible approach to environmental stewardship. Its policies range from covering the health and safety of customers, employees and the general public, to implementing the latest green work practices.
Ruskin Private Hire is committed to reducing its effect on the environment, and uses every opportunity to reduce its carbon omissions and other ecological impact. We belief we are among the most environmentally conscious and compliant transport companies in the UK.
We now extend our CSR and sustainability standards to the selection and retention of suppliers. All providers of goods or services have to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, ensure fair and reasonable work and human resource practices, and minimise adverse impacts on the environment.
Ruskin Private Hire’s policies and practices are continually refined and updated, with assistance where necessary from our retained consultants. EnvironmentPlus International CIC advises us on meeting these and other stated objectives:
- Implement and integrate environmentally efficient practices;
- Develop management systems to obtain constant performance improvements;
- Identify significant environmental impacts, and minimize risks;
- Liaise with key stakeholders, including Government agencies, local communities, customers and supply chain partners;
- Develop management systems to audit internal environmental programmes;
Equalities
Ruskin Private Hire operates in areas rich in diversity, and our workforce mirrors the demographic composition of the communities where we operate. We also employ a high proportion of women, and strive to be an equal opportunities employer, appointing, training and promoting our people regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or physical ability.
We have a strong commitment to maintaining a fully-accessible fleet, and complying with and exceeding the requirements of the DDA. Ruskin is a former winner of the industry’s Accessible Transport Operator’s award.