Ian Saunders is a man of many parts. On most days he spends his time ensuring that tens of thousands of mobile phone users have access to the latest technology. But that is only one of his many roles. As a Labour member of Sheffield city council, Saunders is currently campaigning for a bus for 50 children forced to walk three miles home from school. He is also a school governor and a member of the local housing board. The 50-year-old is only able to juggle all these responsibilities because of the flexibility of his employers, 02 UK.
The company's goodwill in allowing staff to play an important part in contributing to public services means that 02 has been named winner of the good employer, local government category. This is awarded to employers who are sympathetic and show flexibility to staff who serve on local councils. Based in Slough, 02 actively encourages its 10,000 UK employees to contribute to society as part of its corporate responsibility policy.
Saunders says he would never be able to play such an active role in local politics without the support of the company. Managers give him 18 days, or 36 half-days, of paid time off every year. This enables Saunders, who lives eight miles from Sheffield city centre, to meet his commitments as a councillor for Beighton, a former pit village nestling on the outskirts of Sheffield. Sheffield city council meetings are often in the afternoon, so he works from home on those days, thus avoiding the journey up and down the motorway to 02's Leeds office.
The company's flexibility does not stop there. On top of his time off for council duties, Saunders, a former BT engineer, is also given an additional eight days off to attend meetings of school governors. He is chairman of the board of governors at Reignhead primary school and vice-chairman of the governors at Westfield secondary school. It is children at this school who are being hit by the withdrawal of a school bus - an issue he feels passionately about. "Now the evenings are darker it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident," he says.
The rigours of local government involve meetings with council officials and constituents as well as campaigns on local issues. On days when meetings are held late in the afternoon, Saunders starts work early and leaves early.
Accommodating staff in this way forms part of the ethos of 02, which encourages all its employees to have a good work-life balance. Managers believe that companies that play an active part in their local communities are more likely to succeed. Unlike many other companies that pay lip service to the New Age management mantra of corporate responsibility, 02 tries to support the community at every level.
Andrew Harley, director of human resources, says the company has always made it a priority to provide support for staff with outside interests. As a result there are at least 40 parent governors, four councillors and a mayor among its employees, as well as a number of magistrates.
"We have a predominantly young workforce who are concerned about the environment and social issues," says Harley. "We have found the employees really value our open policy."
The company's sense of corporate responsibility and drive for social justice is also displayed in other ways and each year it champions a particular charity or cause. This year it is the charity Weston Spirit, which targets young people in deprived areas. Employees are currently involved in a mentoring scheme that aims to include young people at risk of exclusion. Around 30 employees are given paid time off to act as mentors when they may talk about the value of vocational qualifications to 14- to 18-year-olds. Other people working for 02 are involved in a reading buddy scheme, where they can help with reading practice at local schools.
The focus is often on youth. Eighteen months ago, the company set up and equipped an internet cafe in Slough, close to its headquarters. Initially the scheme was aimed at young people who were involved in or vulnerable to crime. Although the company consulted closely with the community and local agencies before opening the centre, the number of young people using it was less than hoped.
After discussions with local people, the focus was changed and the cafe is now being used to teach information and communication technology skills. It is also used to deliver the national curriculum to children who are excluded from school, the victims of bullying or who have special needs.
For Saunders, who has been a councillor and school governor for almost 20 years, the company's commitment to the education of young people is an unexpected bonus. Only recently 02 sponsored him to complete an NVQ level 4 in business management.
"I strongly believe that education is fundamental to everyone's life chances. 02 recognises this in the work it does," he says. "I am working towards my next career move and I do not feel that my being a councillor will affect this."
It is a two-way process and Saunders believes the company has benefited from his experiences. "I feel as if I've been able to give something back to the company via the people skills I have learned as a councillor. As an engineer, I had very little experience in things such as budgets, human resources, interviewing and managing people. 02 gave me the chance to move into management and put into practice the skills I have learned as a councillor."
Runners-up
Norwich primary care trust, foot health services, allows its employees 18 days each year to undertake civic duties and is applauded for its creative flexible and open approach to public service.
Sainsbury's supported a staff member to fulfil the role of deputy leader of Uttlesford district council. The organisations exchanged knowledge in a wide range of areas including leadership and change management.
· The Guardian Public Services Award for good employer, local government was sponsored by I&DeA and the Local Government Association.
