The programme has been developed over a two-year period following the formation of a steering group with representatives from both parties. The group not only reviewed the programmes both organisations already had in place but also looked at industry best practice.Taking experience from their respective initiatives the new programme, known as ‘I Care. Do You?’ aims to provide a core safety programme that has a simple message and is relevant to every member of Sodexo’s and Catalyst’s team.Sodexo’s head of safety, David Whittall, explained: “When we began developing the programme our biggest challenge was to give our employees a simple core message on safety, one which they can relate to and take personal ownership, which is why we chose to name the programme ‘I Care. Do you?’ The theme throughout the programme is the commitment from us as a company and our employees as individuals to work safely and keep ourselves and others safe.”Sodexo has rolled out the programme to four of its health-care sites to date, with some very positive feedback from its employees and a commitment from them to identify hazards and implement changes to improve health and safety in not only the workplace but at home, too.Alan Hargreaves, general manager at Catalyst, commented: “This is an exciting programme and linking up with Sodexo has meant we have been able to use our extensive experience in a joined-up way to ensure that health and safety at our sites is top of mind. Like Sodexo, we are now rolling the programme out to our entire health-care business.” For more information, visit www.sodexo.com
