VP Kelsey Hopkinson reflects on Colt's Sustainability journey

"Anyone who has ever been involved in one knows that sustainability reports are painstaking work," shares Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Colt Technology Services Kelsey Hopkinson as she reflects on Colt's ESG journey and achievements. "It’s a comprehensive summary involving many stakeholders, not least because our approach is to make sure everything included is backed up by data and evidence."

"It’s exciting though because our first report was published in 2022 and set a baseline from which we could improve," explains Kelsey. "Now, we can examine how well we are performing against our targets of reducing global carbon emissions and making Colt an inclusive place to work. It can be easy to get caught up in delivering the work, but it’s a great time to reflect on our impact because making lasting change is what gets us out of bed in the morning."

Recognizing the work of her colleagues in contributing to Colt's Annual Sustainability Report is important to Kelsey Colt. "We still have a long way to go towards net-zero and uniform equity, and we are by no means perfect, but the dedication of our employees, customers and partners means that we are heading in the right direction," said Kelsey.

ESG highlights over the past year

Kelsey shares some of Colt Technology Service's highlights over the past year.

EcoVadis platinum rating

The world’s most trusted business sustainability ratings provider awarded Colt Technology Services with its Platinum rating, commending its efforts towards sustainability, diversity and inclusion.

"We achieved this prestigious award after only being awarded a Gold rating for the first time the year before," shared Kelsey. "Feedback from Ecovadis states that 'Colt demonstrates an advanced management system on not only environmental issues but also labour and human rights, as well as ethics.' Our overall score increased mainly thanks to the addition of our sustainability report, which shows just how powerful this type of transparent reporting can be," she said.

Trip to the South Pole

In March 2022, Colt Technology Services supported polar explorer Robert Swan OBE and his 2041 Foundation on his trek across the South Pole.

"Robert’s mission is to raise awareness about polar ice cap preservation, and we were proud to be invited as the expedition’s connectivity partner. Robert was joined by two of our Colties – our Sustainability Champions – who joined him on his trip to Antarctica and flew the flag for us while learning valuable insights from the intrepid environmentalist," explained Kelsey.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As a digital infrastructure company Colt Technology Services wants to make extraordinary connections, but knows that is only possible if it works with extraordinary people and its strength lies in its diversity.

"Earlier in 2023, in ode to Global Accessibility Day, we hosted our own Global Accessibility Week," said Kelsey. "We invited employees to take part in workshops on digital inclusion as well as share our Optimising Accessibility roadmap: our five-year plan for making Colt an accessible and welcoming place to work. My colleague Rachel Collins, head of diversity, equity & inclusion, wrote a blog on the week which I recommend you read."

"We also announced our UK Gender Pay Gap report in April 2023 where we successfully reduced the mean average pay gap between men and women from 13 per cent (2021) to 9 per cent (2022). We still have work to do, but progress like this is promising," Kelsey outlined.

Stonewall’s Top Global Employers list is based on the charity’s Global Workplace Equality Index, and Colt had the honor of being named on their list of top places to work for LGBTQ+ people. "This was only possible because of the attention Colties across our network give to diversity and inclusion," said Kelsey.

Despite all of these wins, behind the scenes, Colties take part in charity walks, beach clean-ups, education programs, tree plantings, fundraising events and a glistening array of other corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. "Well done to all of you and keep up the good work," concluded Kelsey.