British Airways has reached the finals in the UK’s most prestigious national awards for corporate community working.

British Airways is among only a handful of companies to be selected as a finalist for the Investing in Potential Award in Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence 2002. The awards are run in association with the Financial Times and are sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry with assurance by AccountAbility.

To mark the company’s achievements, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will formerly present the airline with the new BIG TICK Mark at an event held at Lancaster House, London on Wednesday 19 June. The Mark can only be used by companies who have reached a measurable standard of excellence and confirms its position as an ‘Example of Best Practice’ in the field of corporate responsibility.

The award recognises the work of British Airways’ Community Learning Centre based at the airline’s Waterside headquarters close to Heathrow airport. Located in 240 acres of parkland, the centre works closely with local schools providing language support and curriculum based activities which give young people an insight into the world of work. It operates in 17 different languages and to date has provided opportunities for 18,000 learners.

Mary Barry, British Airways’ Head of Community Education programmes said: “We’re honoured to receive the BIG TICK commendation in recognition of our community investment programme. Education and youth development is a top priority for the company and through the community learning centre we believe we are able to enhance educational opportunities for young people.”
Julia Cleverdon, CBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said: “The Awards for Excellence showcase leading edge developments in corporate responsibility. We are delighted to congratulate British Airways who have passed the rigorous assessment process and have demonstrated the positive role business can have in society. The BIG TICK will endorse and promote their achievement.”

The Examples of Excellence category winners will be announced at the Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, sponsored by The Co-operative Bank, to be held on Thursday 11 July in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales.

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