Verification Verification

 

Scope

Goulding Court, LondonRPS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd conducted an independent verification of Countryside Properties' 'Environmental, Social & Ethical Report 2006' (covering the period October 2005 - September 2006). The overall aim of the verification statement is to provide assurance to all stakeholders that the information provided is accurate and reliable. The terms of reference for RPS's verification were to assess the appropriateness, credibility and soundness of the claims and commitments made in the report. In addition, RPS wished to judge the extent to which sustainability encompassing environmental, social and ethical measures are being embedded into Countryside's overall business and operational activities.

Methodology

In conducting the verification, RPS verified statements and data through interviews with key individuals at Group level and document review.  In addition, a sample of active sites was visited and selected issues audited. Evidence of target achievement was reviewed to ensure consistency with reported progress. A detailed debrief is also being provided to the Company highlighting areas of existing good practice and areas where improvement is advised.

Comments

For over a year Countryside Properties has been privately owned and is no longer listed  on the London Stock Exchange and yet demonstrably has not changed its strategy with regard to its approach to sustainable development. The company continues to progress the implementation and ongoing systematic management of its sustainability issues with the use of integrated quality management systems, which are now externally certified for all parts of the business.

Countryside Properties has again made progress against its core set of objectives and quantitative key performance indicators (KPIs) and is transparent in its reporting where KPIs have not been achieved. The Company's strategy places it in a strong position to address the requirements of the forthcoming Code for Sustainable Homes and confirms its commitment to sustainable development.

Waterstone Park, GreenhitheTo maintain and build on the Company's progress, the following recommendations for future management and reporting of environmental, social and ethical issues by Countryside Properties are suggested:

  • Maintain the systematic management throughout the business, through the use of the integrated quality management systems and providing appropriate training to staff at all levels.
  • Further develop and monitor Company-wide quantitative KPIs and continue to build on the improvements already demonstrated and analyse where further improvements are needed.
  • Continue the proactive engagement with key stakeholders, and membership of relevant advisory panels, to ensure that Countryside maintains its position as a leader in its sector in the management of sustainability issues.

Conclusions

RPS is confident that this report provides a comprehensive and balanced account of the way that Countryside Properties has addressed and managed its environmental, social and ethical issues during 2005-06. The data presented is based on a systematic and robust collection process and we are satisfied that it accurately reflects the current environmental, social and ethical performance of Countryside Properties.

Tanya Lloyd Jones
Technical Director
RPS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd, London
19th March 2007