Chairman’s Statement

Community

I am particularly pleased that we received a Business in The Community Silver Jubilee Award in recognition of 10 years of providing education, skills training and jobs for young people at risk of exclusion and for young offenders. This year also marks a great milestone as 1,000 people have now successfully been through the Young Offender Programme, which involves about 100 companies and operates in over 20 prisons across the UK. Its achievement is demonstrated by a reduction in re-offending rates from the national average of around 70% to less than 7%.

Once again, our employees in the US have generously donated to the United Way campaign, an organisation designed to mobilise community leaders to address local human needs. As a Company we have also donated substantial amounts. Together we raised over $3.5 million (£1.7 million) this year. Not only have our employees been giving financially, but many also volunteered their time and energy for the charity.

I am absolutely delighted that National Grid has become the first ever official partner to Special Olympics Great Britain, an organisation set up for athletes with learning disabilities. We have made an initial three year sponsorship commitment with the option of an extension up to, and beyond, the 2012 Olympics. Unlike the Paralympics, which is for athletes with physical disabilities, Special Olympics Great Britain does not focus on one event, but has more than 200 clubs offering opportunities to participate in sport every day. We will provide funding, time and resources to help these clubs and organised events.