Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)
Our ESG approach is guided by several priority areas of focus, which are closely linked to our business strategy and our purpose.
As an organisation, we aspire to positively impact society and the environment in every possible way – whether that be through technology, innovative transformations, or our staff programs including giving time or providing financial assistance where it is needed.
We recognise that our ability to manage the inherent ESG risks and opportunities in identified within our operating environment is critical to Orro’s long-term success.
Social and environmental risks and opportunities
We have identified 6 key ESG risks inherent to the IT Services industry, and initiated programs specifically designed to closely monitor and respond to these risks.
The 6 ESG risks identified and their corresponding Orro initiatives are outlined below:
CARBON EMISSIONS
The water and energy footprint of data centres (required to cool servers and other equipment) is substantial.
JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
By learning, measuring, and offsetting our operational carbon emissions, Orro has been certified carbon-neutral by Climate Active as of October 2022.The result of this assessment has created better awareness of the environmental and sustainability context of the business, and we are committed to minimising our impact to society and the environment.
We believe in climate science and support global efforts to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As an organization, we recognise that we need to do more to achieve this goal. By partnering with a national energy and carbon management consultancy, Orro has begun the process of establishing its net zero plan. To support this transition to zero emissions, Orro has formed an internal climate active working group to help us on our journey to net zero.
As of January 2023 our Pennant Hills, Sydney and Melbourne offices have moved to 100% green power. We have also signed onto an Energy Management platform that allows us to closely monitor our electricity consumption. As part of our commitment to renewable energy, we plan to move all of our other offices to 100% green power in the near future.
You can view our Public Disclosure Statement HERE.
OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT
With technological advancements, equipment (servers, desktops, etc.) will be obsolete every 6-8 years. If not disposed of properly, this forms a drain on natural resources and waste management.
RECYCLING PROGRAM
Orro is committed to reducing the ecological footprint of the Group via multiple waste management and sustainability initiatives.Orro works with one of the leading (ITAD) recycling companies ensuring no obsolete servers or leased equipment will end up in landfill with initiatives to reuse, recycle and reduce waste in local offices.
DATA THEFT
Orro Group entities store data that is sensitive and valuable to individuals, companies and government agencies.
CYBER SECURITY
Via recent acquisition, Orro has bolstered cybersecurity capabilities across the Group, including consolidation of ISO/IEC 27001 certification across the Group. Orro currently holds a CREST ANZ certification, and an Australian-based biometrically-secured and certified SOC.
GENDER DIVERSITY
The IT Services industry has historically attracted more male than female professionals. As a result, getting the right balance in the mix between genders in a board of directors or other teams is a challenge.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Orro is committed to creating a workplace that welcomes, supports and celebrates diversity and encourages applications from people with autism and disability. In partnership with Xceptional and JobAccess, Orro is working to create opportunities for people with autism and disabilities, which recognise the talents of these highly skilled but often overlooked candidates. Orro is committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.Orro has also established scholarship programs with Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney that support financially disadvantaged and underrepresented groups to build their education and careers in technology. Through the scholarship program, recipients receive financial support for the entirety of their degree, as well as a place in Orro’s internship program where the students can develop meaningful skills while completing their degrees. After graduating, Orro also offers the recipients a position in Orro’s Grad Program, providing them with the opportunity to gain experience across various parts of the business.
Orro’s Women In Technology (WIT) group works on a range of gender initiatives, mentoring, networking and knowledge sharing to continue to break the bias. Orro has established a range of gender neutral and inclusive policies, including an industry-leading Parental Leave policy, special leave entitlements and a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy.
DISTURBANCE TO NATURAL SITES
The networks that we use to provide customers with access to data services have crossed natural sites, possibly causing disturbance to nature and indigenous communities.
CONNECTING REMOTE COMMUNITIES
Orro is working in conjunction with the Australian Federal Government, West Australian State Government and Catholic Education WA to design and deploy the Indigenous Radio Network initiative, providing extremely remote communities with access to the internet to broaden their opportunities for education and economic advancement. We are working towards enabling construction to commence in May 2023.
ETHICAL SOURCING
Under the upcoming NSW Modern Slavery Act, Orro will be required to report on its supply chain. Purchasing electronics (often made in cheap-labour countries) and a workforce in the Philippines could potentially pose a risk for Orro.
MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT
We are proud to launch our second annual statement detailing our approach to understanding and addressing our modern slavery risks. This is the first year we have met the threshold for mandatory reporting against the Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act (2018) (‘the Act’).In 2021, we took the initiative to produce a voluntary annual statement. It was important to us to start our Modern Slavery journey early, and this has prepared us well for writing our mandatory report. We are committed to continually improving and understanding our human rights impacts in our operations and supply chain, and it’s requirements.
You can view our journey so far and intentions for the future HERE.
Orro community giving programs
Giving more is not just one of our corporate values, it’s engrained in our culture and something we’re passionate about.
We believe in technology’s power to break down barriers and bring people closer together. And we take seriously our responsibility to treat our world and our communities with respect.
We have developed a number of programs centred around giving back to the communities in which we operate, both through volunteering and through financial assistance.
Through The Generations Foundation, we are investing in technology-based education initiatives to enrich the lives of less advantaged children living within underdeveloped areas.
Orro currently commits $275,000 every year to support initiatives which open disadvantaged children to new opportunities and connect them with the world.
Project ACHIEVE’s goal is to give children with disabilities more equitable access to education and improved literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional learning skills.
The Program currently supports 300 children living with disabilities, as well as 150 parents and caregivers, and 50 Special Education teachers across 3 partner communities in the Philippines.
Read more about Project Achieve HERE.
Orro has partnered with the Stars Foundation in providing a holistic program to support Indigenous girls to attend and remain engaged at school, complete Year 12 and move into work or further study.
The partnership will see Orro support 10 female students in the Stars program at Heatley Secondary College in Townsville. As a partner Orro will also host students for workplace visits, provide insights into career pathways in security and technology, and participate in local Stars Foundation events.
We believe that a better tomorrow could be just 24 hours away.
Which is why all Orro staff are encouraged to spend 24 hours (3 paid volunteer days) each year, giving back to our communities through volunteering.
That’s over 900 volunteer days every year spent working to support meaningful causes throughout our local communities.
Corporate Governance
Summaries of relevant Orro company policies are set out below:
Speak Up @ Orro
Maintaining integrity is everyone’s responsibility. If you have a work-related grievance, or you know or suspect that a misconduct or improper situation has or is occurring – click the link below for options on how best to raise the issue.
