Social Procurement

Our strategy

As a company committed to making a positive impact in our community, we recognise that our purchasing decisions have the power to drive change and create meaningful social and environmental outcomes.

Our social procurement strategy is rooted in our values of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that by leveraging our purchasing power, we can contribute to building a more just and equitable society while also supporting local economies and protecting the environment.

Our social procurement strategy is not just a one-time initiative, but an ongoing commitment to making a positive impact through our procurement practices.

Objectives

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

Apprentices & Trainees

Disability

Gender equality

Diversity & Inclusion

Disadvantage

Local community

Environment

Opportunities and engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community

Participation in Apprenticeship and traineeship programs

Opportunities and equality for individuals with a disability and organisations that provide support

Increasing and supporting diversity of gender in the workplace, including in non-traditional roles

Building a workplace that values diversity and promotes inclusion

Opportunities for individuals who are disadvantaged in our community and abroad

Selecting the right local suppliers, contractors and partners who share our values

Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices to reduce our carbon footprint

Associated Rigging Apprenticeship Program

We remain committed to actively collaborating with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to advance reconciliation and indigenous inclusion in our workplace. This dedication not only enhances our business but also fosters lasting positive effects within our community.

Our ongoing commitment includes actively listening to the perspectives of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and taking meaningful steps to promote reconciliation.

Apprenticeships have emerged as a highly successful recruitment avenue for Associated Rigging, allowing us to invest in our workforce, preemptively tackle skill gaps, and draw fresh talent to bolster our industry competitiveness.

In partnership with Apprenticeship Support Australia, we are devoted to nurturing our apprentices and broadening our capacities to deliver top-tier crane hire and rigging services. We understand the importance of investing in our apprentices' professional development and are dedicated to equipping them with the essential resources, training, and guidance to thrive in their roles.

Creating a safe and inclusive work environment is at the heart of our commitment to providing genuine opportunities for our employees living with disabilities to
thrive and utilise their skills. We believe that by supporting other organisations that provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, we can make a positive impact in the wider community beyond our own business.

Our goal is to proactively address and prevent any barriers that individuals with disabilities may encounter in the workplace. This includes not only physical facility access, but also communication accessibility, comprehensive training, awareness-building, meaningful engagement with our clients, and consultation with external agencies.

Through partnerships with government groups and organisations like Northern Futures, we identify overlooked talent. Participation in programs like Grow21 helps us hire valuable team members, including the long-term unemployed and single parents.

We prioritise offering work experience and permanent jobs to disadvantaged individuals. We also support social procurement goals by selecting aligned suppliers and partner with Social Traders-certified businesses.

Additionally, as sponsors of the Geelong-Viqueque Friendship Schools Scholarship program, we contribute to improving education standards abroad.

We prioritise local connections and supply chains in Regional Victoria to bolster our economy and community. By sourcing goods and services locally, we create jobs, support local businesses, and reduce our carbon footprint.

We actively support initiatives like the 'It's Our Backyard' campaign and aim to procure at least 97% of our goods locally. Using government agencies we identify project opportunities and collaborate with local businesses for mutual growth. We also monitor employee contributions to ensure we meet our targets.

We prioritise providing a safe and healthy work environment, exceeding environmental standards and striving for continuous improvement. Certified in ISO 14001 Environment, our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint through sustainable practices while fostering an open culture of employee engagement and training in environmentally responsible behaviour.

Additionally, our employees are required to comply with client environmental practices, supported by specific environmental risk assessments for each worksite. We educate our employees about sustainable practices and encourage them to reduce their environmental impact.

Engaging in the Victorian Mobile Crane Industry Traineeship Program has enabled us to significantly contribute to the advancement and safety of the mobile crane industry. This program is widely acclaimed for its excellence in providing practical, technical, and safety training.

Our continuous participation in the program has yielded remarkable results, and we take pride in our role in nurturing skilled and proficient professionals. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ongoing involvement in the program and look forward to welcoming future trainees with enthusiasm.

Increasing safety and reducing psychological injuries

Associated Rigging prioritises safety and wellbeing by minimising psychosocial risks and promoting general and mental health. Our ethos emphasises empowering individuals to improve their physical and mental health through healthy lifestyles, personal development, and addressing non-work-related factors.

We foster a psychologically healthy workplace through initiatives such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), promoting mental health services, participating in mental health programs like Bluehats, implementing policies, providing comprehensive training, hosting engaging social events, and offering flexible working arrangements. These strategies aim to enhance employee wellbeing and encourage reporting of psychosocial hazards and accessing counselling services in the crane hire industry.

We are accredited to ISO 45003:2021 for Psychosocial Risks and are one of only a few organisations in Australia to reach this milestone. This accreditation builds on our ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety certification and complements our ISO 14001:2015 Environmental and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management certifications.

The standard guides us in managing psychosocial risks, focusing on promoting mental health and wellbeing while tackling work-related stress, harassment and organisational culture. By implementing these guidelines, we’re committed to creating a healthier work environment for everyone.

Jack & Ryan Careers at Associated Rigging