Crown Highways is a company that has a unique approach to community involvement and corporate social responsibility.

The company has an ethos of volunteer work that is deeply ingrained in its culture. Rather than simply donating money or resources to charitable and community causes, Crown Highways encourages its employees to get involved and give back to the community through their time and efforts.

As a collective, Crown Highways is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

This commitment is reflected in the many individuals within the business who have a passion for volunteering and giving back. Whether it’s through supporting local schools, charities, or community projects, the employees of Crown Highways are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

One of the most notable ways that Crown Highways gives back to its community is through its numerous charitable initiatives. The company has supported various organisations over the years, including local rugby clubs and schools – providing new rugby posts to their local club. Crown Highways has donated tools to the schools to help with litter picking and has provided turkeys for its own employees at Christmas time. The company has also played an integral role in putting up the local town Christmas tree and lights in Burntwood every year.

However, the company’s commitment to giving back doesn’t stop with charitable initiatives. Many of its employees are also actively involved in their local community and are passionate about making a difference.

Crown Highways Managing Director, Mike Dale, has given nine years of his time as a coach for his son’s football team.

Mike kicked off his volunteering journey with the Priory Pumas in 2014, with son Jacob then an under 8’s player. Nine years, countless Wednesday evening training sessions, many weekend matchdays, and immeasurable amounts of team admin later, Jacob now leaves the youth football stage. At the same time, Mike departs the Pumas after nine thoroughly enjoyable years, despite never quite being able to clinch a major league or cup.

Mike said:

“It’s been a real pleasure to see the team grow up over the past 9 years. All the boys have grown up to be respectful young men with good attitudes and discipline. I’m really glad I’ve supported the team, kept their focus on sport and crucially, potentially out of trouble.”

On volunteering in general Mike commented:

“Volunteering is fun and rewarding but, equally, hard work. I would recommend anyone to step up and give it go – but don’t take it lightly when people will be relying on you.”

Also ‘giving volunteering a go’ is Steph Smith, Business Manager, who is a Governor at Erasmus Darwin Academy, a local high school to Crown Highways.

Steph told us:

“I started in July 2021 and my term runs for a minimum of 4 years.

“Being a governor involves a commitment of 15-20 hours a month including attending meetings, undertaking school visits and attending school events, supporting the school in applying its disciplinary processes and attending Governing Board meetings where we oversee the running of the school in terms of curriculum, performance and finances.

“I’m not sure I fully understood the level of commitment required when I joined but it’s been eye-opening, and I have a much greater respect for teaching staff and all the other things that they have to deal with alongside educating our children.”

Crown Highways is proud to support Employer Supported Policing, allowing its staff to volunteer to be Special Constable.

Pete Benton, Health, Safety and Environment Manager and also now a Special Sergeant for Staffs Police.

Pete is responsible for a team of constables, ensuring they are deployed effectively and safely to all incidents and providing support to the team whilst carrying out their duties.

Pete has now been a Special Sergeant for 3 years and has completed a total of 2033 hours so far, thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Pete told us:

“There is an immense sense of pride when you are able to help someone in their time of need and the satisfaction of bringing offenders to justice is a feeling like no other.”

Back on the football pitch, Finance Director Graham Earp has been managing the Newhall FC team for over ten years, starting when the players were under 7’s.

“On average I would say it would have taken up around 6hrs per week of my time as I have had to plan training sessions, take the 1hr long training sessions and then be present on a matchday each week consisting of managing the team for the game itself, putting and taking down of the goal nets and dealing with any officials each week.”

Additionally, the Chairman of Crown Highways, Steve Jones, is heavily involved in the local football club, Chasetown FC, dedicating 20 hours a week as Chairman of the organisation.

24 months since his tenure began, as Chairman Steve’s role is to ensure the successful and effective running of the football club whilst ensuring it’s financially sustainable as a standalone business.

With weekly interaction with over 800 children, 70 volunteers, 8 paid staff and 1,000 supporters and the club’s links with wider community groups, Steve’s role includes ensuring Chasetown FC has the facilities and infrastructure to match the clubs ambition to create a successful and modern sports complex for the community as a whole.

All of the above is achieved by forging relationships and partnerships with community groups, local business leaders and local authorities.

Procurement Manager Richard Lamb is also involved with Chasetown FC, serving as its Chief Executive, also giving 20 hours a week to the cause.

This role involves making sure all day to day running requirements of a Tier 4 non-league club are met, and that all match operations are in place along with meetings with the FA and the league. Richard also gives an hour a week to Chasetown FC Wildcats, a coaching session for 6-11 year old girls to start their football journey.

The volunteer and giving back culture of Crown Highways is a testament to the company’s values.

Its commitment to the community goes beyond providing quality services, and instead, the company aims to make a positive impact wherever possible. The company’s employees are also a reflection of this culture, as they dedicate their time to various causes.

Through its charitable initiatives and employee volunteerism, Crown Highways has earned a reputation as a company that genuinely cares about its community and the people within it.