Page 32 - RFU Annual Report 2017

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Strategic Report

Corporate Social Responsibility

Community relations Social responsibility Great War commemorations

The RFU is proud of its heritage England Rugby supports the The RFU has a four-year programme
in Richmond upon Thames, its valuable work of charities big and commemorating the 100th
partnerships with local groups, small, helping 50 different charities anniversary of the First World
charities, businesses and educational through RFU Giving, and providing War, based around remembering,
establishments. international tickets, signed items educating and fundraising.
and gifts to help raise funds. A
Twickenham Stadium contributes number of unique opportunities have A Military Charity Partner for
£3m a year in local business rates also been provided for young people each of the four years started with
and £2m per year in local event day with serious or life limiting illnesses. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and
measures. The stadium’s matches, Families Association (SSAFA) and
concerts, conferences and events also Investment in projects to support the has the Commonwealth War Graves
generate around £96m economic growth of rugby in disadvantaged Commission (CWGC ) partners
activity in Richmond upon Thames areas over the past year saw England for 2017 as they celebrate their
each year, equating to some £1,250 for Rugby partner with StreetGames, centenary, encouraging rugby clubs
each household in the Borough. with some 1,500 young people and schools to explore the hundreds
engaged in rugby through their of UK based CWGC sites through
Recent partnerships and support DoorStep Sport programme. #RugbyRemembers.
have included: £450,000 towards
making Whitton station accessible; England Rugby also partnered with A series of three films, with narration
£10,000 to install alley gates for Mind to promote positive mental from Lewis Moody, RFU Great War
homes in Twickenham and Whitton; health across community rugby, Ambassador, also tells of thousands
£7,000 for activities for local people and supported the Rugby Players of players who left rugby fields for the
with neurological conditions; £10,000 Association’s Lift the Weight battlefields, many never to return.
for a local park’s fitness trail; £10,000 Mental Health Campaign. Other
for an Isleworth school’s exercise national campaigns supported England Rugby marked
equipment, and £10,000 for a local included National Clean Sport Week, Remembrance Sunday 2016 by
skate park. Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces and supporting SSAFA at the Old Mutual
National Cancer Day. Wealth Series England v South
The stadium’s neighbouring Chase Africa match, when Prince Harry lay
Bridge School was re-landscaped Environmental responsibility a wreath at Twickenham’s memorial
as part of East Stand community Rose and Poppy Gates. The England
project and the RFU continues a The RFU has an Ethical Sourcing team wore poppies on their shirts for
£10,000 annual sponsorship of local Policy with all suppliers, carrying the match.
Kick Start schools, and funding of out background checks to ensure
one of the last borough-wide sports that companies traded with are both The RFU are signatories of the
days in Richmond Borough Sports. socially and financially appropriate Armed Forces Corporate Covenant
The Ivybridge Bridgelink kitchens for an association with the Union. and support the Armed Forces,
were refurbished with the help including featuring servicemen
of a £10,000 grant and funding is The average match day recycling and women in match day activities.
provided for skills training, a food rate at Twickenham Stadium is up to Working with Tickets for Troops,
bank and Citizens Advice service. 65%, with a continuing commitment the RFU, wherever possible, makes
Community groups can also apply to zero to landfill, and glass and tickets available for members of the
for free use of the stadium’s event food waste recycling in all event day Armed Forces in addition to those for
facilities. hospitality areas. invited guests from Headley Court
and The Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Twickenham Stadium was the first
national stadium in the world to Disabled seating
introduce LED floodlights and has
rolled out LED lighting in event At Twickenham Stadium 380 seats
spaces, improving efficiencies by up are available for disabled supporters
to 90%. Renewable energy generation and their personal assistants, with
is also being included in the East accessible parking provided where
Stand Development, with a 2,500m required.
2
solar array being built.

Annual Report 2017