Case Study: Charlotte @ Mamas & Papas
Throughout March, we’re excited to share a series of case studies focusing on the incredible achievements of our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Apprentices!
Developed in partnership with businesses and sustainability professionals, the Level 4 CR&S apprenticeship plays a vital part in helping companies to develop new and existing talent in their sustainability teams and drive their CRS strategies forward.
Who better to catch up with for our first CR&S LDN Case Study than recent Apprentice of the Month award winner, Charlotte Poor and line manager Melissa Cockerill at Mamas & Papas. Charlotte is a fantastic example of how the learning content at LDN benefits the social impact strategies she’s been able to implement at Mamas & Papas since joining the programme.
Charlotte hard at work at Mamas & Papas HQ!
Charlotte has been an integral part of the Mamas & Papas Team for over five years and within that time, has designed new and engaging initiatives to aid the organisation’s overall corporate social responsibility strategy.
With a passion for driving environmental change, Charlotte was searching for the next opportunity to advance her green skills to make an even bigger impact within her role as Quality Co-Ordinator. But, what specifically motivated Charlotte to join the level 4 programme?
“CR&S has been something I have always had an interest in and a passion for. It is something that I am conscious of in everyday life, not just in the workplace. When the opportunity came about to start the apprenticeship it was a no-brainer in my eyes”, said Charlotte.
“Mamas & Papas is a very busy environment and I am privileged to have the responsibility to support and manage some CR&S/ESG projects. Mamas & Papas are in the early stages of their CR&S journey so this was a very exciting time to have joined the apprenticeship.”
Working closely with Charlotte is line manager and Mamas & Papas' Head of Compliance, Integrity and Quality, Melissa Cockerill.
Supporting Charlotte’s personal development, we asked Melissa what inspired her to endorse Charlotte’s place on the Lvl 4 CR&S apprenticeship with LDN.
“Charlotte had always shown a really keen interest in all things ESG and sustainability-related since starting at M&P and we saw this as a potential area of professional progression for her long term. LDN’s CR&S apprenticeship course content seemed a perfect fit to provide Charlotte with the core knowledge and competencies to facilitate this personal development.”
Throughout the 20 months, LDN Apprentices cover learning content that encompasses the benefits of responsible business, championing CR&S initiatives, working with internal & external stakeholders, data analysis and effective report writing. How has the apprenticeship and LDN helped to develop Charlotte’s sustainability knowledge?
Charlotte with her peers during LDN’s CR&S in-person Development Day!
“I had quite a good understanding of ethical and social compliance but it has been a real eye-opener to see how much actually falls into sustainability. The learning courses and in-depth coaching sessions with my LDN Skills Coach Devina has really developed my knowledge of the key foundations of sustainability”, said Charlotte.
I have enjoyed learning the core elements of data sourcing and presenting to key stakeholders, which has helped me to plan and execute a range of projects professionally and strategically. ”
Melissa also reflected on the overall impact of the apprenticeship learning content on Charlotte’s skill development and the benefit this has had on her role.
“We align (wherever possible) Charlotte’s work objectives with the requirements of the apprenticeship. Charlotte is able to utilise a number of the skills she has developed with LDN via the apprenticeship so far to add value to existing corporate responsibility projects live at Mamas & Papas.”
Alongside the continuous support from Melissa and her LDN Skills Coach, what has been the overall impact on the Mamas & Papas CSR strategy since she started the apprenticeship?
“The skills and knowledge Charlotte has developed since starting the apprenticeship has had a very positive impact on our company's CSR strategy. Charlotte offers a broad perspective of the current CSR landscape and contributes to developing new initiatives and existing goals”, said, Melissa.
“She has made an invaluable contribution to a number of our Mamas & Papas projects. One of the most important is her work on developing the company's ethical trade policy. Charlotte plays a key role in our membership with the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) whilst also managing the company social compliance programme and liaising with all of our tier 1 suppliers.”
Charlotte is now six months into the CR&S programme and already making some huge strides and progress in the course. What advice does Charlotte have for anyone considering starting the CR&S apprenticeship?
“An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn and gain a qualification while you work. It also gives you real-world experience and you will pick up many key knowledge points from experienced individuals in the industry. I am really enjoying being a part of the CR&S apprenticeship, gaining crucial knowledge and having a very supportive environment to succeed.”
Melissa agreed and mentioned the huge benefit of hiring apprentices into teams and helping to champion sustainability in businesses like Mamas and Papas.
“The CR&S apprenticeship is a great platform for employers to upskill staff in an area of ever-increasing importance for modern businesses. Our journey to date with LDN has been extremely productive and rewarding.”
Huge thank you to Charlotte and Melissa for taking the time to talk to us. We can’t wait to see Charlotte continue her outstanding work on the apprenticeship and within her role at Mamas & Papas!
For more information about our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability programme, click here!