p “ We subsequently arranged for our Partners to
rovide a ‘Santa’s gift-wrapping’ at the branch during December which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
”
arranged field visits with our FRV specialists where they visit the producers and farmers and get first-hand knowledge of the local products they sell. They are always enthusiastic to meet the farmers and to get to see the product within the fields or under glass in Jersey or Guernsey which will be in the local branches within days.
It’s down to Gary’s hard work that Waitrose has increased the number of local suppliers. ‘I hold initial meetings with the farmer or supplier to discuss the products, packaging, specifications. We will also discuss when the product will be available as most are seasonal be this fish, flowers or vegetables. When the time is right I visit producers again to look at the quality and ensure it reaches Waitrose standards. Because of the poor weather this season we have worked closely with the farmers and moved between UK and Channel Island-sourced stocks when needed crops have been delayed due to the poor weather or bolted due to the changing temperatures.
‘We are always looking to improve local produce in the Waitrose offering. We work with producers to look at what other lines they could supply, discussions can be 15 months to three years away from the product being on the shelves. We discuss possible sales targets and the volumes needed, as the supplier will have to find the space within their crop rotation to grow the product. The farmer will also have to buy seed, plants or sets.’
Waitrose boasts excellent relationships with its Channel Island suppliers which Gary is keen to maintain and increase. Summing up his job he referred to the role of the customer: ‘The customer is the real buyer; my job is to get the right product on the shelf at the right time and of the quality that our customers want.’
much of my time on the telephone to charities, organisations or schools, responding to emails or discussing projects with fellow Partners. I speak with local charities and non-profit organisations when I learn that they are planning fundraisers or events to see how we could help. Communication is key and it’s important not to lose focus on this by getting bogged down with the day- to-day tasks.’
Alice recalls the first volunteering project she was involved in last year with a local school.
Alice Carré joined the Admiral Park branch in December 2012 as a Supermarket Assistant.
New to the retail industry she was invited to take on the additional CLP role in June 2013. ‘I was asked to look at what work we were already doing in the community and focus on areas we could increase our CSR activity. A key project was to increase awareness and uptake of our Partner volunteering and Community Matters scheme. Community Matters aims to ensure we give back to the local community by supporting local causes through our ‘green token’ boxes. These have become an iconic symbol of Waitrose’s commitment to supporting local causes.’
Alice has seen her role grow rapidly. ‘Typically, I spend
‘This was a joint project between the two branches. Duties involved watering and weeding the school’s eco-garden and clearing the vegetable patch and pond ready for the beginning of term. Even though the uptake of volunteers was low, the team we did have really pulled together and the garden looked great when the children returned to school. We attended a special thank you assembly from the school which was really lovely.’
In contrast, organising volunteers for the fundraising festival ‘Saumarez Live’, held in Saumarez Park proved a different challenge for Alice. ‘This time, we had plenty of volunteers who I needed to organise, ensuring there was still plenty of cover for their jobs in branch over the course of the day. The event went really well and the organisers were really grateful for the manpower that Waitrose provided.’
Alice is also responsible for implementing National Waitrose CSR projects, which all branches take part in, locally. ‘In October I was given a brief for our Christmas Isolation Campaign, which aims to support charities by volunteering our time over Christmas for people who may otherwise be on their own. After contacting several local charities to find out their plans for the festive period, we decided to support two fantastic charities; Women’s Refuge and the Guernsey branch of the Salvation Army who both provide key support and activities for people at Christmas. What really stood out for me was these charities were adamant that Christmas is all about ‘treating’ people.
They did not skimp on the quality of the food or ingredients and put a lot of their time and energy into providing lovely gifts and hampers.One of the main things we discovered the charities needed help with, other than financial support, was manpower to wrap up gifts. We subsequently arranged for our Partners to provide a ‘Santa’s gift- wrapping’ at the branch during December which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
It is clear to see that Alice is truly excited about each and every one of Waitrose’s community commitments. ‘I love the contacts that you make. You hear the most amazing stories and meet the most wonderful people. For me, it’s such a happy, positive role that brings out the best in everyone.’
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