Social impact programme
Urenco has further underlined its commitment to a sustainable future through its multiyear impact programme. We have formed partnerships with charitable organisations where we can add value to their work in making a positive change to specific global and local communities.
All our partnerships align with Sustainable Development Goals, our corporate values and our sustainability ambitions as a good corporate citizen across education and skills, health and wellbeing, and environment and net zero transition. In addition to this programme, we actively encourage our employees to volunteer with local organisations so they can make a positive social impact in their local communities.
EUROPE
NORTH AMERICA
AFRICA
Na’ankusê Foundation
Namibia, Africa
The Na’ankusê Foundation’s mission is to conserve the land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia and rescue species threatened by an ever-shrinking habitat. It promotes an environment where humans and wildlife can live and thrive together as well as supporting the San Bushmen, a marginalised community in Namibia.
Partnership summary:
Urenco’s social investment partnership supports the marginalised San Bushman community in Namibia through funding specific projects run by the Na’ankusê Foundation. All these enhance the lives of the local people and protect their natural surroundings. Our money will go towards a sustainable vegetable garden at Na’ankusê Lodge; 50% of daily meals at the Na’ankusê Primary school; 50% of the salary for a remedial teacher; repairs and fuel for ambulances, plus medicine and meals at the Na’ankusê Lifeline Clinic; an elephant tracker for a rescued elephant; and the Forest Conservation Revegetation project.
Pump Aid
Malawi, Africa
Pump Aid works to provide sustainable, clean water solutions and improve access to clean water across parts of Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on rural districts in Malawi. In 2017, Pump Aid won the International Aid and Development Award at the UK Charity Awards for their innovative approach to increasing access to water for consumption and irrigation.
Partnership summary:
This one year funding arrangement will support the training of nine local entrepreneurs in Malawi to construct and maintain around 5000 community wells and pumps to combat high rates of pump non-functionality and food insecurity. This is an innovative social enterprise model to facilitate the availability of local clean water for around 45,000 people a year. Additionally, Urenco’s partnership will support a child based community centre (CBCC) where early years provision and community education about sanitation can be promoted.
Career & Technical High School
New Mexico, USA
The career and technical high school provides technical programming, including preparation and certifications to local high school students for jobs that will potentially be available in the immediate area upon their graduation.
Partnership summary:
Our social investment partnership provides an opportunity for high school students in Hobbs, New Mexico, to gain technical skills and qualifications to enable them to find decent employment upon graduation. The school is close to the site of UUSA and gives students the skillset to be able to work at the UUSA plant, ensuring a diverse pool of students and workers. This school also helps disadvantaged students in the area.
British Science Association
London, UK
The British Science Association (BSA) is a charity that wants to see a future where science is more relevant, representative and connected to society. The BSA develops science engagement programmes for audiences under-represented in, and underserved by, science. Activities take place through the education sector; public-facing events/campaigns; and influencing stakeholders. Find out more about the British Science Association here.
Partnership summary:
Since 2013, Urenco has been the lead sponsor of the CREST awards, encouraging young people to engage with STEM subjects through its project-based CREST Awards initiative. In collaboration, we’ve developed two resources, Enrich my Classroom and Spinning Solutions for students aged with 7-14 years old. To maximise the success of our resources, in 2018 we supported the BSA with their international expansion by launching the Enrich my Classroom resource in the Netherlands. Visit our Richie education programme pages to find out more about these resources.
Science Museum
London, UK
The Science Museum’s world class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical advancement from across the globe. The museum aims to inspire visitors with award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of incredible scientific achievement.
Partnership summary:
Our major science education project for the past six years has been our sponsorship of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery, located in the UK. The interactive gallery, which opened in 2016, features more than 50 immersive exhibits and demonstrations that show visitors how science and mathematics have shaped our lives. We also work with the museum to host our annual Richie Lecture, which aims to inspire secondary school students about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. Find out more about our Richie Lecture and education programme here.
IAEA Food and Agriculture Programme
Vienna, Austria
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations work in partnership to help Member States use nuclear technologies safely and appropriately to provide competitive and unique solutions to help fight hunger and malnutrition, as well as improve environmental sustainability.
Partnership summary:
Urenco will support the IAEA in transferring nuclear science and technology to countries to improve the health and prosperity of millions of people around the world. Through this partnership we are contributing to a coordinated research project on developing sustainable agricultural practices for mitigation of greenhouse gases.
OYFO Science Museum
Hengelo, Netherlands
The Oyfo Science Museum is an interactive museum with several different exhibitions. The museum promotes an interest in STEM for primary and secondary schoolchildren and their parents.
Partnership summary:
Our Social Investment Partnership supports the creation of a ‘body shop’ interactive stable isotopes game and display at the new OYFO Techniekmuseum in the Netherlands. This will nurture children’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) subjects and highlight Urenco’s role in nuclear medicine. OYFO is the main regional science museum situated close to Almelo, and the partnership will increase understanding of Urenco’s work, as well as supporting the local community.
Teach First
London, UK
Teach First is an established two year employment based teacher training programme for recent graduates. For the past 15 years, Teach First has placed more than 12,000 teachers in low income areas, improving the prospects for more than one million children.
Partnership summary:
Through our Social Investment Partnership we are helping to increase the placement and training of STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) teachers, with a particular community focus on supporting schools close to our sites at Capenhurst and Stoke Poges. It is estimated that 10,000 secondary school pupils will be impacted through our involvement.
IsoHope
London, UK
IsoHope is a charity partnership between the University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Charity UK and the Institute of Nuclear Medicine (INM). This charity fund was established by University College London to help support the work at INM and to give support for equipment, software and training, and improve the facilities offered to patients.
Partnership summary:
Our partnership with IsoHope, a division of UCLH Charity UK, directly supports the work of the INM. Our funding will go towards medical research, studies and the sharing of knowledge to better understand lung inflammatory and malignant diseases.
Chester Zoo
Chester, UK
Chester Zoo is a conservation based zoo and major wildlife charity committed to preventing extinction. Its science lab is the global hub for research and education focused on conserving endangered species and their habitats. Chester Zoo hosts an education programme aimed at schools to nurture STEM interests.
Partnership summary:
This partnership endorses and supports Chester Zoo’s pioneering conservation research and its 2030 goal of empowering 10 million people to live more sustainably. Over the next three years it plans to double the size of its current lab facilities, reinforcing its science programme and increasing its training capacity. This aligns with Urenco’s core values in terms of innovation and leadership – Chester Zoo, with Urenco’s social investment, will not only continue to be a leader in conservation and preventing extinction but will also increase its global impact by influencing zoos across the world.
The science lab project, also funded through Urenco’s social investment, will help the zoo reach over 150,000 young people through different learning programmes. Further, Urenco funding will also help Chester Zoo create job opportunities for graduates and trainees.
Chester Zoo already works with other zoos in countries where Urenco operates, in the US, Germany and the Netherlands.
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Na’ankusê Foundation
Namibia, AfricaThe Na’ankusê Foundation’s mission is to conserve the land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia and rescue species threatened by an ever-shrinking habitat. It promotes an environment where humans and wildlife can live and thrive together as well as supporting the San Bushmen, a marginalised community in Namibia.
Partnership summary:
Urenco’s social investment partnership supports the marginalised San Bushman community in Namibia through funding specific projects run by the Na’ankusê Foundation. All these enhance the lives of the local people and protect their natural surroundings. Our money will go towards a sustainable vegetable garden at Na’ankusê Lodge; 50% of daily meals at the Na’ankusê Primary school; 50% of the salary for a remedial teacher; repairs and fuel for ambulances, plus medicine and meals at the Na’ankusê Lifeline Clinic; an elephant tracker for a rescued elephant; and the Forest Conservation Revegetation project.
-
Pump Aid
Malawi, AfricaPump Aid works to provide sustainable, clean water solutions and improve access to clean water across parts of Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on rural districts in Malawi. In 2017, Pump Aid won the International Aid and Development Award at the UK Charity Awards for their innovative approach to increasing access to water for consumption and irrigation.
Partnership summary:
This one year funding arrangement will support the training of nine local entrepreneurs in Malawi to construct and maintain around 5000 community wells and pumps to combat high rates of pump non-functionality and food insecurity. This is an innovative social enterprise model to facilitate the availability of local clean water for around 45,000 people a year. Additionally, Urenco’s partnership will support a child based community centre (CBCC) where early years provision and community education about sanitation can be promoted.
-
Career & Technical High School
New Mexico, USAThe career and technical high school provides technical programming, including preparation and certifications to local high school students for jobs that will potentially be available in the immediate area upon their graduation.
Partnership summary:
Our social investment partnership provides an opportunity for high school students in Hobbs, New Mexico, to gain technical skills and qualifications to enable them to find decent employment upon graduation. The school is close to the site of UUSA and gives students the skillset to be able to work at the UUSA plant, ensuring a diverse pool of students and workers. This school also helps disadvantaged students in the area.
-
British Science Association
London, UKThe British Science Association (BSA) is a charity that wants to see a future where science is more relevant, representative and connected to society. The BSA develops science engagement programmes for audiences under-represented in, and underserved by, science. Activities take place through the education sector; public-facing events/campaigns; and influencing stakeholders. Find out more about the British Science Association here.
Partnership summary:
Since 2013, Urenco has been the lead sponsor of the CREST awards, encouraging young people to engage with STEM subjects through its project-based CREST Awards initiative. In collaboration, we’ve developed two resources, Enrich my Classroom and Spinning Solutions for students aged with 7-14 years old. To maximise the success of our resources, in 2018 we supported the BSA with their international expansion by launching the Enrich my Classroom resource in the Netherlands. Visit our Richie education programme pages to find out more about these resources.
-
Science Museum
London, UKThe Science Museum’s world class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical advancement from across the globe. The museum aims to inspire visitors with award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of incredible scientific achievement.
Partnership summary:
Our major science education project for the past six years has been our sponsorship of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery, located in the UK. The interactive gallery, which opened in 2016, features more than 50 immersive exhibits and demonstrations that show visitors how science and mathematics have shaped our lives. We also work with the museum to host our annual Richie Lecture, which aims to inspire secondary school students about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. Find out more about our Richie Lecture and education programme here.
-
IAEA Food and Agriculture Programme
Vienna, AustriaThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations work in partnership to help Member States use nuclear technologies safely and appropriately to provide competitive and unique solutions to help fight hunger and malnutrition, as well as improve environmental sustainability.
Partnership summary:
Urenco will support the IAEA in transferring nuclear science and technology to countries to improve the health and prosperity of millions of people around the world. Through this partnership we are contributing to a coordinated research project on developing sustainable agricultural practices for mitigation of greenhouse gases.
-
OYFO Science Museum
Hengelo, NetherlandsThe Oyfo Science Museum is an interactive museum with several different exhibitions. The museum promotes an interest in STEM for primary and secondary schoolchildren and their parents.
Partnership summary:
Our Social Investment Partnership supports the creation of a ‘body shop’ interactive stable isotopes game and display at the new OYFO Techniekmuseum in the Netherlands. This will nurture children’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) subjects and highlight Urenco’s role in nuclear medicine. OYFO is the main regional science museum situated close to Almelo, and the partnership will increase understanding of Urenco’s work, as well as supporting the local community.
-
Teach First
London, UKTeach First is an established two year employment based teacher training programme for recent graduates. For the past 15 years, Teach First has placed more than 12,000 teachers in low income areas, improving the prospects for more than one million children.
Partnership summary:
Through our Social Investment Partnership we are helping to increase the placement and training of STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) teachers, with a particular community focus on supporting schools close to our sites at Capenhurst and Stoke Poges. It is estimated that 10,000 secondary school pupils will be impacted through our involvement.
-
IsoHope
London, UKIsoHope is a charity partnership between the University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Charity UK and the Institute of Nuclear Medicine (INM). This charity fund was established by University College London to help support the work at INM and to give support for equipment, software and training, and improve the facilities offered to patients.
Partnership summary:
Our partnership with IsoHope, a division of UCLH Charity UK, directly supports the work of the INM. Our funding will go towards medical research, studies and the sharing of knowledge to better understand lung inflammatory and malignant diseases.
-
Chester Zoo
Chester, UKChester Zoo is a conservation based zoo and major wildlife charity committed to preventing extinction. Its science lab is the global hub for research and education focused on conserving endangered species and their habitats. Chester Zoo hosts an education programme aimed at schools to nurture STEM interests.
Partnership summary:
This partnership endorses and supports Chester Zoo’s pioneering conservation research and its 2030 goal of empowering 10 million people to live more sustainably. Over the next three years it plans to double the size of its current lab facilities, reinforcing its science programme and increasing its training capacity. This aligns with Urenco’s core values in terms of innovation and leadership – Chester Zoo, with Urenco’s social investment, will not only continue to be a leader in conservation and preventing extinction but will also increase its global impact by influencing zoos across the world.
The science lab project, also funded through Urenco’s social investment, will help the zoo reach over 150,000 young people through different learning programmes. Further, Urenco funding will also help Chester Zoo create job opportunities for graduates and trainees.
Chester Zoo already works with other zoos in countries where Urenco operates, in the US, Germany and the Netherlands.
-
STEM education
One of our long-standing sustainability commitments is to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers through our support for STEM education. Our Richie education programme provides workshops and digital resources for schools and students.
Further, several partnerships in our Social Impact Programme promote and support STEM education and advancement.
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Internship and apprenticeship programme
We operate a variety of apprenticeship and internship placements for students across all our locations. To find out more and hear from our apprentices, see here.
Expanding on our internships programme, we joined over 700 companies in supporting the 10,000 Black Interns Programme in 2021 which aims to transform the horizons and prospects of young Black people in the UK by offering paid work experience across a range of industries, as well as world-class training and development.
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Women in nuclear
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Urenco donated to Women in Nuclear (WiN) in support of their relaunch as an independent entity to address the industry’s gender balance. We have also recently become corporate sponsors for WiN UK. As a founding sponsor, we can demonstrate our commitment and help them in delivering the activities that create change, supporting and encouraging women at every stage of their career. Urenco has been involved with the UK Nuclear Sector deal since it launched in 2018 and is proud to have signed up to the commitment to reach a target of 40% women employed in nuclear by 2030.
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Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship programme
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Urenco is donating €100,000 a year between 2021 and 2023 to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme. The programme provides scholarships to young women studying for a Master’s degree in a nuclear-related subject as well as internship opportunities facilitated by IAEA. We are delighted to continue our support of this very successful programme, which helps to fund around 150 women each year to further their studies.
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Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear
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In 2021, Urenco became an industry partner with Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear (IDN), offering our international footprint and network as a means of supporting the projects IDN run to facilitate change towards a truly inclusive nuclear industry. In turn, their wealth of knowledge and experience in this area will enable us to strengthen our own I&D programme.