Month: June 2024

2023: A Year of Challenges and Triumphs for OCS Australia & New Zealand

Posted on by lokeshkaushik

The global economy remains unpredictable, geopolitical dynamics have shifted dramatically, and the rise of groundbreaking technologies like AI has introduced new complexities. Despite these challenges, OCS is steadfast in its mission to make people, places, and our planet the best they can be.

This week, we proudly released our sixth sustainability report, and our first OCS Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report, which highlights our achievements and challenges from 2023. This ESG Report aligns the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand region with our global family, showcasing our commitment to sustainability.

A New Era for OCS

At the end of 2022, OCS Group International sold its facilities services division. In March 2023, the new owners acquired Atalian Global Services’ operations in the UK, Ireland, and Asia, merging them with OCS Group to form one of the world’s largest international facilities service providers.

Leadership and Vision

Gareth Marriott, OCS ANZ Managing Director, emphasises that OCS is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact globally. “By focusing on the right actions and collaborating with our colleagues, customers, suppliers, and communities, we can secure a better future for generations to come,” he asserts.

Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions

Reducing carbon emissions remains a critical challenge for OCS. “We have made significant progress in reducing emissions across Scope 1 and 2, but we recognise that reducing total emissions is an ongoing challenge,” Gareth explains.

Celebrating Successes in 2023

Despite the hurdles, 2023 was filled with numerous accomplishments:

  • Our Australian business won the Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Award at the WA WHS 2023 Work Health & Safety Awards and was a finalist in several other categories, reflecting our commitment to our colleagues’ health, safety and wellbeing.
  • We expanded our Midcity insurance repair and commercial building business into Victoria to meet growing customer needs.
  • Peter Lucas, our 2023 Annual OCS Star winner, exemplifies exceptional service at 72 years old. His inspirational story is featured in the social section of the report.
  • In Aotearoa New Zealand, we partnered with Māori business advisor Dr. Jim Mather to develop a cultural capability strategy, Whiria Te Tangata.
  • In Australia, we completed our draft Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with guidance from First Nations advocate Cameron Costello.

Dedication to Sustainability

OCS’ commitment to sustainability is integral to our operations. We hold ISO 14001 and Toitū net carbonzero accreditations, underscoring our dedication to environmental stewardship.

With over 4,500 colleagues across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, representing more than 90 nationalities, OCS ANZ is dedicated to making people and places the best they can be through conscious and collaborative efforts.

You can view the report here.

Collaboration with Aboriginal Artist for RAP

Posted on by lokeshkaushik

National Reconciliation Week is a special time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements while exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Here at OCS, we push ourselves to continue learning and taking steps to help tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We’re doing this by developing and implementing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – a step-by-step plan that formalises our commitment to reconciliation and our desire to contribute to positive change.

This National Reconciliation Week, we partnered with Perth International Airport, to hold a series of workshops with Aboriginal artist Buffie Punch of the Noongar Nation. Buffie will be completing two separate artworks (one for each of us) representing each organisation, to have as part of our RAP and be presented during NAIDOC week in July.

“Our team really enjoyed the interactive art workshops with Buffie and appreciated the opportunity to have some meaningful conversations,” said OCS Australia General Manager, Stephen Lockley.

“Huge thanks to the Perth Airport team for hosting us at their Airport Experience Centre – we can’t wait to see the finished art pieces.”

OCS’s RAP forms a roadmap to reframe our relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and work with them to ensure ongoing diversity and inclusion in all elements of our business.

It represents the culmination of our desire and respect for reconciliation and is a natural reflection of our TRUE values of Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment.

Working with Buffie is another significant step in our RAP. She was raised in Perth (where OCS Australia is headquartered) and has family connections to Gnowangerup in Western Australia. Much of her work is influenced by family, cultural connections, spirituality, and relationships – which is a great alignment for OCS.

She believes art is one of the greatest tools for helping with mental and emotional issues, and of course, is a great storytelling platform. Everyone has a story to tell, and art is one of the most creative forms for sharing these stories.

We’re looking forward to witnessing our story come to life through Buffie’s work, while continuing our journey towards achieving our vision for reconciliation of an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are restored to a place of equity and respect.