Leading marine insurer NorthStandard has brought together charity partners and community organisations from across the North East as it celebrates another year of investment in local communities, having directed £100,000 towards charities and community projects across the region.
Held at NorthStandard’s Newcastle headquarters, the event followed the publication of the company’s latest Sustainability Report and celebrated a year in which the organisation directed £100,000 towards North East charities and community projects, and contributed more than 780 volunteering hours across the region. This commitment to creating positive social impact was recognised through the Outstanding Contribution to Skills and Community Award at Maritime Innovation Week 2025.
Representatives from over twenty charities and community organisations gathered at the Quayside office for a Charity Community Impact Evening, to celebrate community champions, strengthen partnerships and encourage collaboration between organisations working to create positive change across the region.
The event featured presentations and a Q&A session with NorthStandard’s Katherine Birchall, Global Head of FD&D Claims, Chloe Kelly, CSR Executive, and delegates from Stella Maris, Smart Works and Newcastle Hospitals Charity/Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing local communities and the initiatives helping to address them.
Chloe Kelly, CSR Executive, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of our CSR programme is bringing together organisations that are making a real difference within our communities. By creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and relationship-building, we hope to support the incredible work being carried out by charities and community groups across the region.
“While funding and volunteering remain important, we believe lasting impact comes from building genuine partnerships that grow over time and respond to the needs of the organisations we work with.”
Over the past year, NorthStandard has supported a range of organisations working to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for people across the North East, including Maggie’s Newcastle, St Oswald’s Hospice, Greggs Foundation, Newcastle United Foundation, and Children North East, among others. Many of these relationships have developed over several years, reflecting an ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where NorthStandard’s people live and work. One example is its partnership with Greggs Foundation, through which the company has helped provide food to 121 pupils across two primary schools each day – with 23,595 free meals received in one year.
The company has also continued to invest in skills and employability initiatives through partnerships with organisations including Ngage and Neuroversal Studios, Smart Works Newcastle and the RISE programme, helping to create opportunities for people across the region.
Alongside its community initiatives, NorthStandard’s latest Sustainability Report highlights the organisation’s wider commitment to responsible business and sustainable operations.
Recent improvements at its Newcastle headquarters include the installation of air source heat pumps, a modern HVRF system and roof-mounted solar panels, which supply approximately 15 per cent of the site’s electricity requirements. The project was delivered with support from North East businesses, including local design and construction specialists Ward Robinson and Brims Construction.
The report also highlights NorthStandard’s commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, with a workforce retention rate of 93 per cent and a broad range of employee benefits designed to support wellbeing, family life, and career development.
Commenting on the publication of the report, Kate Kwiatkowska, Head of Sustainability, said: “The past year has been an important step in maturing our sustainability approach. This report demonstrates how sustainability is embedded throughout NorthStandard, from supporting our people and communities to investing in responsible business practices and reducing our environmental impact. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to creating long-term value for our members, employees, and the communities in which we operate.”
NorthStandard’s Sustainability Report is available now and provides an overview of the company’s progress and ambitions across its environmental, social and governance priorities. With three key pillars – Partner for Progress, Champion Community, and Operate Responsibly – it demonstrates how the organisation is working to create a positive impact both globally and within the region.
