Our best kept secret handbook - british-gypsum.com/media/Files/British-Gypsum/... · Thank you to...

Our best kept secretA career without boundaries

“If you want to develop

your career, then people are

here to listen and help you”

“British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain have given me the opportunity to do things that I could never do elsewhere or outside of work”

“British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain have given

“British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain have given

“British Gypsum and

“I know I have a long and (

hopefully successful) career

ahead of me, in a company

that gives back what you

put in”

“The best thing about

Saint-Gobain is the wide

range of challenges available

and the variety of the skills

that you learn if you are

willing to take the challenge”

do elsewhere or outside

“British Gypsum and

Saint-Gobain have many

great opportunities”

“I have enjoyed the chance to work with different people and appreciated all the support they have given me over the years to help me try new things and get to where I am today”

willing to take the challenge”

“When I think of British Gypsum I think of the people and the immense pride they take in working for the company”for the company”

“And best of all some of

my best friends work for

British Gypsum”

Thank you to all of our colleagues who have helped us tell our best kept secret.

Plaster products The preferred choice for generations of plasterers, Thistle plasters offer a full range of specific and multi-purpose solutions for all plastering needs.

british-gypsum.com

Getting to know us

1

ContentsIntroduction 2 How we work 13

Why we are here 3 Our promise to you 14

Our vision 4 Our best kept secret 15

Our values 6 Built on opportunity 16

A great history 8 Built on pride 20

An even brighter future 10 Built on challenge 24

Where you could work 12 Built on you 28

1665 In the mid-17th Century Saint-Gobain was formed. 1688 Saint-Gobain invent glass

production through pouring.

2 british-gypsum.com

Since we started back in 1917, we’ve been at the heart of building in the UK. Our expertise has helped to build the rooms in which we live, work and play for almost 100 years. We’re immensely proud of this and our reputation as a trusted and much-loved brand.

We’re equally proud of something that we aren’t as well known for: being a great place to work.

Being part of the Saint-Gobain group means we can truly offer a career without boundaries. We invite you to discover why we are one of the best kept secrets in the UK job market.

This handbook has been built on the experiences, stories and pictures shared by our people.

Introduction


production through pouring.Plasterboard products

We offer the widest range of high quality boards to meet differing performance requirements for walls, ceilings, floors and partitions for any type of building.


Getting to know us

We are here to help to improve the spaces where people live, work and play. In every kind of building – from home to work, from the offices to the local hospital.

We create rooms made for you.

Why we are here


We have the vision to be the UK’s best building material supplier as defined by our customers.

We aim to do this by delivering a superior level of customer satisfaction through our product leadership position.

Our vision

What this means:

Product LeadershipThis is our approach to doing business. All of us working together to support, create and deliver solutions that our customers can’t live without.

A superior level of customer satisfactionThis means delighting our customers by offering a product, service and experience that is unrivalled.

1789Saint-Gobain sees sales quadruple in 70 years and is still the world’s only glass casting manufacturer at the time of the French Revolution.

1840 Saint-Gobain glass is used in Napoleon’s funeral procession.

Metal products The modern, engineered alternative to traditional timber and blockwork construction, our Gypframe-based wall, ceiling and floor systems are quicker and easier to install, whilst meeting the highest performance requirements.

5british-gypsum.com

Getting to know us


Our values are our guiding compass in achieving our vision. They are how we want to be seen by our customers and colleagues alike, and we believe that every single employee has a part to play.

Our values

Working with us is enjoyable – for both our colleagues and customers.

Through open and friendly conversations we provide a service that is smooth and pain-free. In fact, we often go beyond, offering supplementary support and advice to exceed expectations. People should look forward to dealing with us again.

Approachable

Constructive

We take the time to understand customers’ needs.

Doing this allows us to offer products and services in a way which is intuitive to our customers needs. We learn from our interactions with customers and the wider industry to drive improvements. Our customers should feel like they are completely understood and supported when they work with us.

We have a long history of being the experts at what we do and we’re proud of it.

That’s why we push the boundaries of best practice in our field of work to ensure we offer outstanding products and services. Customers should feel confident in our advice, which has been built on 100 years’ of expertise.

Assured

Progressive

Embracing the impossible.

We have the vision to see what ‘could be’ and the desire and creativity to make it

happen. Our customers should see us as being constantly one step ahead.

We are committed and flexible enough to continuously evolve.

1876Mining and manufacturing was started by the Sub Wealden Gypsum Company Limited at our Robertsbridge site in East Sussex.

1883 The first part of Fauld works was built by Peter Ford and Sons. -

ACTIVair We spend 80% of our time indoors, in schools, offices, hospitals and our homes. ACTIVair is a technology designed to make the air we breathe cleaner by absorbing impurities and decomposing them.

7british-gypsum.com

Getting to know us

1890 Mining was started by Henry Boazman at Kirkby Thore, Cumbria. 1914 The Marblaegis mine at

East Leake was formed.


A great history

Saint-Gobain

British Gypsum is a founding patron of CRASH – the construction

industry’s charity for the homeless

Launch 1stplasterboard recycling scheme

British Gypsum launched the UK’s

30% of Saint-Gobain’s sales come from products which save or produce energy British Gypsum supports

69across the UK through it’sThistle Partnership

colleges

190,000people globally

employs over

Our group’s legacy stretches back 350 years to the creation of Saint-Gobain during the mid-17th Century. About 250 years later, British Gypsum (or British Plaster Board as we were known then) came along and, between the two businesses, we’ve been making history ever since.



Thistle Magnetic Plaster

Help bring your walls to life with Thistle Magnetic Plaster. With a plaster that attracts magnets you can turn any wall in any room into an inspiring interactive gallery or notice board that you can change as often as you like, no fuss, no mess.


Getting to know us

World leader in the habitat and construction markets Saint-Gobain designs manufactures and distributes building materials providing innovative solutions to today’s critical challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Find out more: saint-gobain.com

Saint-Gobain invests

€430 million

into research and development

annually

1 in 4

British Gypsum

1100employees

has over

saw the launch of British Gypsum’s next generation of products designed to make people think differently about their rooms2014

2005 British Gypsum became part of the Saint-Gobain group.

British Gypsum

Manufacturer

of the Year

2013

Saint-Gobain products did not exist 5 years ago

1917The British Plaster Board Company (BPB) began – 20,000 shares of £1 each are issued.

1955 The company continues to grow and following a number of acquisitions has increased its original £20,000 worth of shares to £9.5m.


An even brighter future

We aim to inspire our people and customers with product leadership.

This means using insight to identify the needs of our market and thinking creatively across our organisation to passionately develop solutions.

We then challenge ourselves to act with focus, pace and agility to deliver value for our customers (both internal and external).

Product Leadership



Plasterboard Recycling Service

Our Plasterboard Recycling Service is based on the principles of simplicity and reliability. We are the only plasterboard manufacturer in the UK with dedicated plasterboard recycling facilities at our manufacturing sites, and our service continues to expand year-on-year.


Getting to know us

As a Saint-Gobain business we’re part of a group with the ambition to be the reference in sustainable habitat. This means developing high end, value-added solutions that improve our buildings, whilst protecting our natural resources.

Doing business sustainably is not new here at British Gypsum, it’s how we’ve always done it plus it will underpin how we meet the challenges of the future.

Sustainable habitat

british-gypsum.com

1966 Artex Products joins BPB. 1969 A plasterboard plant is created in Sherburn-in-Elmet, near Leeds.

12

To create the rooms in which we live, work and play we need a special group of people. With such a diverse breadth of opportunity there’s so much you could achieve. Here’s just some of what we do:

Where you could work

Kirkby Thore and Birkshead Mine, Cumbria

Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire

Barrow-upon-Soar and mine,Leicestershire

Robertsbridge and Brightling Mine, East Sussex

Fauld Mine, Staffordshire

Head Office, East Leake,Loughborough

Saint-Gobain training offices

Sales office

Engineering

Environmental

Technical Advice Centre

Sales

Research & DevelopmentResearch & DevelopmentProject Engineering

Administration


MiningMiningFinance and Accounting

Marketing

ScientistWarehouse

AdministrationOperations

Human Resources

Marketing

Occupational Health

Finance and Accounting

Training Academy

Design Studio

Information Systems Health and Safety

Supply Chain

Engineering Finance and AccountingPurchasing

Occupational Health

Logistics and Distribution

Key:

East Leake and Marbleagis mine, Leicestershire

british-gypsum.com


We provide the highest quality expert advice for architects, specifiers and users of our systems.

Getting to know us


13

How we work

Our principles of conduct and action inform ‘how we work’ and reinforce what it means to be part of British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain.

Principles of conduct

Professional commitment – we use our knowledge and know-how to ‘play our part’ with passion and commitment.

Respect for others – we respect the professional and personal needs of our colleagues.

Integrity – we promote what is great about our business through the way we conduct ourselves.

Loyalty – we’re proud to be part of British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain.

Solidarity – ‘we’re in it together’ putting the interests of our team and business ahead of self-centred thinking.

Principles of action

Respect for the law – we act within the boundaries of the law to ensure we do business in a fair and sustainable manner.

Caring for the environment – we promote the protection of our environment through the work we do and how we do it.

Health and Safety – we take care of ourselves and our colleagues to ensure we create a healthy and safe place to work.

Employee rights – we respect the rights of those around us and deserve to be treated in the same manner.

1992 A plaster plant is created in Barrow upon Soar. 1996 BPB enters a joint venture with

Saint-Gobain.


Our promise to you

At Saint-Gobain each woman and each man is able to build a career without boundaries in a genuine and ambitious group.

A career without boundaries is Saint-Gobain’s promise to you.

To find out more visit

www.saint-gobain.co.uk/careers.aspx

At British Gypsum we’re proud to support this promise and offer our people a world of opportunity, all the challenge they’ll ever need and colleagues with great pride in what they’re a part of.

White Book We’ve been producing the White Book for over 35 years. It’s a comprehensive guide to everything we do, and contains a wide range of partitioning and lining solutions, specifications and products, as well as test substantiation data and an overview of installation details.


Getting to know us

Our best kept secret

The following pages explore British Gypsum’s promise to you. They provide descriptions of what it means and share real stories from our people. They demonstrate our career without boundaries at its best.

Our employees created the houses to represent British Gypsum’s offer of a career without boundaries built on opportunity, pride, challenge and you.

british-gypsum.com

1890 Mining was started by Henry Boazman at Kirkby Thore, Cumbria.

14

british-gypsum.com

Saint-Gobain Technical Academies

We provide market leading and comprehensive training for installers and stockists of our products and systems.

Getting to know us

17

Opportunity to grow

– We invest over £1m per year on the development of our people

– Through Saint-Gobain we offer a huge range of training and development courses

– On average, each employee receives one week’s worth of training per year

Opportunity to progress

– More people in our business go on to bigger and better things within Saint-Gobain than leave to go elsewhere

– Saint-Gobain is present in over 60 countries with opportunities

in all of them

Opportunity to make a difference

– Through cross-functional projects you have the opportunity to make your mark

– We’re always looking for ways of adding more value to how we work. If you have the curiosity and drive to make a difference, we’ll support you

We’re lucky to be able offer a world of opportunity to our people. From our commitment to personal and professional development, through to the diversity of roles available within British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain.

We’re equally proud to be able to offer our people the chance to make a real difference across so many fields of industry. In how many businesses do geologists, scientists, miners, marketers, IT experts, technical advisors (and many more) come together with a common purpose?

Built on opportunity

We can truly offer a career without boundaries

british-gypsum.com18

Dave’s story

I graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Chemical Engineering in June 2007, and started with British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain in September 2007, working as a customer service advisor. At the time, this was a temporary position covering for some colleagues who were on a project.

On an induction day I met our HR Manager who advised me that British Gypsum employ Chemical Engineers and that she would look into possible opportunities for me. In July 2008, I joined our manufacturing plant at Sherburn as a Chemical Process Engineer working on projects to improve the plant’s efficiency.

I had three and a half fantastic years there and then in January 2012, I joined the central engineering team working on and supporting new Saint-Gobain manufacturing sites worldwide. I spent time on projects in Brazil, North America and Russia. I did this for two years and gained so much from it, both personally and professionally. I am very grateful for the opportunity that I have had and can honestly say I didn’t anticipate any of this back in 2007 when I joined!

Dave (far right) at SugarLoaf Mountain, Brazil.

www.british-gypsum.com 17

Hardy’s story

I started working for Saint-Gobain on a Graduate Programme back in 2000. So much has happened since then from getting married, having my children and at least six different jobs within the group.

Working for Saint-Gobain has allowed me to work in Building Distribution, Delegation and now Construction Products giving me lots of great experience.

British Gypsum believe in growing their own talent and provided me with an opportunity to develop myself by going back to university for my CIPD qualification.

The opportunity is here…the question is do you want it?

Hardy (opposite) is building a career in HR.

Lorna’s story

My experience is based on the opportunities offered by British Gypsum to help me progress my career since my Gap year in 2007 to my position now as Environment Manager.

By the time I graduated in 2011, I had worked with British Gypsum for over three years between my gap year and summer holidays. I could hit the ground running on my first day as an Environmental Assistant, already knowing the team, business and sites well enough to start my work.

This was a fantastic opportunity not only for British Gypsum to get to know me as a potential employee, but also for me to see how the business works. I was able to graduate and work full time with a team I already knew, which made the first day feel like coming home, rather than starting school.

Lorna is Environment Manager at our East Leake site.

1890 Mining was started by Henry Boazman at Kirkby Thore, Cumbria.

17 www.british-gypsum.com

Thistle Plaster Partnership learning hub

A resource for learning material for the next generation of plasterers. The hub provides access to relevant literature, health & safety information, product data sheets and posters. Plus, it hosts a forum where students, lecturers and our Technical Academy team can interact with each other.


Getting to know us

Pride in the good we do

– Founding patron of Crash – the UK construction industry’s charity for the homeless

– Our good causes committee supports our local communities – from renovating old buildings to sponsoring children’s football

teams. You name it we’ve done it

Pride in our great history

– Founded in 1917 – we’ve been a local employer for generations

– Throughout that time we’ve been a leader in our field and we continue to push the boundaries today

Pride in our bright future

– Despite our great history, we’re more excited about our bright future

– The work our people do in the coming years will reshape the way people think about the spaces in which they live work and play

You can feel the pride in the air around here. In our people and teams, in our products and services, and also in the support that we are committed to giving the communities and charities that are close to our hearts.

With 100 years of heritage, we’re built on solid foundations and generations of expertise. But we like to spend our time looking forwards and, with a new generation of people and products entering our business, there’s lots to look forward to.

Built on pride

We go the extra mile. Here’s a photo from when our Executive team did the Yorkshire 3 Peaks to give back to the causes close to their hearts


Mike’s story

I am proud to say that charity is at the heart of British Gypsum, we take pride in supporting local and national good causes. Here’s my story:

In 2012 I was challenged by an anonymous benefactor to raise £80k in 100 days. If I could do it the benefactor would top that up by £20k.

Not to be outdone, we launched the British Gypsum £100k in 100 days challenge and we did this for CRASH and Macmillan; two charities who are very close to my heart. The response was incredible. People came together to meet the challenge, have some fun and help give something back. Fundraising events were held across the UK including a netball tournament, cake sales, quizzes, a samosa day, bike rides, Tour de Gypsum and many more. At the end of the 100 days we had surpassed the target of £100k, a true team effort.

Mike is British Gypsum’s Managing Director and Regional Managing Director for the Saint-Gobain group. He joined in 1984 as a graduate.


Heidi’s story

“I started back in 2005 as a cleaner originally but a conversation with the HR Director over a cup of tea one evening changed all that. In my first couple of years I had a few roles, including time in Marketing and Supply chain. I applied for the Environment Advisor role in 2007, and was in post for six years before becoming Sustainability Leader. I have always been interested in the environment agenda, and I have taken great pride in what I do from a personal and professional perspective.

If you are willing to commit to the company then you will see that commitment back. We are part of a huge group but one of the best things about our company over others is that we still feel like a small, locally focused place to work, with the emphasis on the personal connections we have with our teams.

Carla and Jane’s story

“We are both very proud to work at British Gypsum, not only because of the prominence of British Gypsum in the local area but because of the opportunity and experience that the company has given us. We also work with a fantastic team of people, many of whom have a close relationship away from work as neighbours, life long friends or relatives and it makes the Kirkby Thore team have a unique and warming spirit.”

Both Carla (left) and Jane (right) were born locally and have always called the Lake District (where our Kirkby Thore site is located) ‘home’.

Heidi (opposite) From cleaner to sustainability leader.

Acoustic ceilingsOur ceiling systems - Gyprex, Gyptone, Rigitone and Eurocoustic - help building designers to create the ideal interior space for their clients. These products contribute to the aesthetic design, acoustic performance and indoor air quality in schools, hospitals and offices around the world.


Getting to know us

Our philosophy of challenge, support and feedback

– By challenging each other we improve the quality of how we work

– This should be coupled with support. Providing our people with a challenge and the help they need to get there

– Feedback is at the heart of this.Continuous and constructive feedback helps us stay on track and there is a pat on the back when we deserve it

Your challenge

– In a business with so many fields of work, you truly have the opportunity to be involved in a huge diversity of activities

– We encourage you to be curious and challenge yourself from day one. There’s lots to explore

Our challenge

– We aim to push the boundaries of how people think about the rooms in which they live, work and play

– This means challenging ourselves to excel in what we do and become the benchmark in our market place. We’re proud to have done this for a century

We want to be the best at what we do (it’s our vision). This means we have to push the boundaries as a business but also as individuals too. Constantly seeking to improve and innovate is part of the culture here. We encourage curiosity, insight, bravery and resilience – it’s how we’ll be the best.

But it’s not all challenge. We believe in a philosophy of challenge, support and feedback. That means you will get the challenge that you need to grow and develop however a helping hand and words of advice are never far away.

Built on challenge

We continue to push the boundaries to be a sustainable successful business


Lindsey’s story

My story begins when I started working for British Gypsum in 2004. Right from the start, I felt at home and had a great sense of ‘belonging’. I felt like I was having an impact and contributed to the team.

In 2007, I was selected by my team leader to be part of a major project and this is still the highlight of my career so far. This challenged me, helped me to progress and the project certainly made a significant impact on the business and my career.

I left the business to go travelling in 2008 and had the best six months of my life. Upon returning to the UK, I started a job in a very small company, which couldn’t have been further from British Gypsum.

In 2013, I decided to approach my old team leader at British Gypsum and enquired as to whether there were any vacancies. Unfortunately at the time there weren’t, but he did contact me five months later with the perfect opportunity I was waiting for.

Second time around I am here again and experiencing the same job satisfaction, which is all the sweeter knowing there really are no boundaries as to where I may end up.

Lindsey (above left) during her travels.


Fraser’s story

We have such a diverse range of opportunities – if you’re willing to challenge yourself. I started my working life after leaving school straight after my GCSE’s and was working in a pub whilst applying for the Navy.

I kept my head down, slowly progressing and joined British Gypsum in 2005. I quickly learned that this was a place where if you want to develop and progress you really can. I knew what I wanted to do early on (becoming a Regional Sales Director – RSD) but I knew that this would be quite a jump. So I worked hard and eventually the opportunity came along and the business took a punt on me – I like to think because of the capability that I had demonstrated. The fact I didn’t get great qualifications hasn’t held me back – within five years I was an RSD.

And best of all some of my closest friends work for British Gypsum. To wake up in the morning and know you’re going to work with your mates is brilliant.

Francesco’s story

Everyday has been a great challenge since I joined Saint-Gobain straight out of university. First, I learned quickly that the real world of engineering and manufacturing is challenging. Thanks to all the training I have been supported with, I’ve now learned how to deal with practical problems of working as a Chemical Engineer.

Secondly, merging into a new culture can be tricky. The great teamwork and working environment here has made this challenge easier and this is the best experience I have had in the company.

Thirdly, moving to a different branch of the company – from Saint-Gobain Glass to British Gypsum – has given me the opportunity to replant my skills and put them into good use in a new field. This has given me a lot of confidence in my abilities.

For me, the best thing is the wide range of challenges available at Saint-Gobain and the variety of the skills that you learn if you are willing to take the challenge.

Fraser (opposite) has demonstrated the opportunities available if you challenge yourself.

Francesco (right) is taking full opportunity to challenge himself.


Your contribution

– Our values are how we want to be known by our customers and colleagues

– Everyone of us helps to shape to this. How do your values match up?

Your team

– We have a wonderful team spirit at British Gypsum. We work together to ensure each other’s safety, well-being and success

– You can be sure of a warm welcome and family atmosphere

across all areas of our business

Your rewards

– You deserve to be rewarded for your contribution – it’s how we say thank you

– There’s a wealth of flexible rewards here from our Saint-Gobain Share Scheme to our huge range of high street cashback and discounts

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Without you and the teams you work in we wouldn’t have a business. Your contribution is how we continue to improve the places in which we live, work and play.

We believe in rewarding this. That’s why we have a wealth of great benefits from high-street cashback to generous share schemes – it’s our way of saying thank you.

Built on you

Approachable

User friendly

Easy to work with

Assured

Established

Credible

Experts

Constructive

Logical

Intuitive

Sensitive to needs

Progressive

Forward looking

Dynamic

Embraces possibility

Built on our brilliant people

To find out more about the products and services that we offer visit us at british-gypsum.com

Getting to know us


Orange Shift’s story

We have a very close knit loading team run by our Despatch Leader Gordon on Orange Shift. We share the business’ values and are extremely proud of our team, the company and the brand.

This is demonstrated by over 463 years of combined service in varying family groups. These groups have combined fathers, sons, brothers and uncles, working together over generations, to form a unique bond which not only served us well through the past decades, but is also passed on to newer family members joining the company. Staff turnover is almost non-existent.

British Gypsum is a great company and employer to work for.

(Above) The family atmosphere on Orange Shift.


Ricky’s story

I decided to raise money for my colleague Michael (who had been diagnosed with bowel cancer) by growing a beard for a year.

I always wanted to do something for charity and raising money to support those treating my colleague seemed like the perfect idea. However, I must say my now wife was glad that I cut the beard off just before our wedding day.

When Michael returned to work, he had no idea why I had a beard and was blown away when I told him.

I would absolutely recommend British Gypsum as an employer. Since joining the company11 years ago, I have had a lot of support from British Gypsum both personally and professionally, something that I am very grateful for.

Dinesh’s story

Mutual respect and appreciation of the different roles are integral to working at British Gypsum.

In the Customer Service Centre we always work as a team, ready to jump in and help if there is an issue to ensure our customer gets the best experience.

The spirit which is evident through the whole team is driven from the top with line managers encouraging an ‘in it together’ approach.

British Gypsum is a great employer due to the great people culture, encouragement from line managers and opportunity to develop.

For Dinesh (opposite) people make our business a great place to work.

Ricky (opposite) now beard free.

2005 British Gypsum joins the Saint-Gobain family. 2011 We were first to achieve zero

gypsum waste to landfill.


To find out more about a career without boundaries please visit:british-gypsum.com/about-us/careers saint-gobain.co.uk/careers.aspx

2013 British Gypsum named Best Manufacturer in the UK. 2014 British Gypsum launches

revolutionary Magnetic plaster.

“We are a family friendly company to work for” (

“There is a great sense of camaraderie working at British Gypsum, we have opportunities to be involved in projects and activities outside of our day job” (

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British Gypsum, we have of camaraderie working at British Gypsum, we have of camaraderie working at

“British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain offer security, stability, and career progression for those who want it”

“British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain has a hug

e

pool of talent, never to be

underestimated, it ensures

you get the expertise and

support you need to make

a difference” ()a difference” ()

“I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day” ()

“In terms of the career opportunities, British Gypsum is at a critical and really exciting phase of its evolution towards Product Leadership and any individual interested in strategic change management and/or radical innovation, would fi fi ffi fi ind that we have a lot to offer” (

“I am proud to say I

work for British Gypsum,

we pride ourselves on our

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the Saint Gobain group”)


we pride ourselves on our work for British Gypsum,


heritage, and are part of we pride ourselves on our


of our day job” (

“Being in an environment where you can be part of the changes and improvements being made is a good place to be”)offer” (

improvements being made is a good place to be”)


improvements being made

“I recommended British Gypsum as a great employer due to the great people culture, encouragement from line managers and opportunity to develop” (

Technical enquiriesBritish Gypsum Technical Advice CentreEast LeakeLoughboroughLeicestershire LE12 6HX

Telephone: 0844 800 1991

Fax: 0844 561 8816

Email: [email protected]

Training enquiries: 0844 561 8810

British Gypsum November 2014 BG-EVP-14-01

“Gyproc”, “Thistle”, “Gypframe” and “Glasroc” are all registered trademarks of BPB United Kingdom Limited. “Isover” is a registered trademark of Saint-Gobain Isover and “Artex” is a registered trademark of BPB United Kingdom Limited.

BPB United Kingdom Limited is a limited company registered in England under company number 734396, having its registered office at Saint-Gobain House, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2TT, UK. BPB United Kingdom Limited trades as British Gypsum for part of its business activities.

British Gypsum reserves the right to revise product specification without notice. The information herein should not be read in isolation as it is meant only as guidance for the user, who should always ensure that they are fully conversant with the products and systems being used and their subsequent installation prior to the commencement of work. For a comprehensive and up-to-date library of information visit the British Gypsum website at: www.british-gypsum.com. For information about products supplied by Artex Limited or Saint-Gobain Isover please see their respective websites.

“British Gypsum” is a registered trademark of BPB United Kingdom Limited.

british-gypsum.com

FM550533 EMS543324 OHS550586 ENMS606206


production through pouring.


Since we started back in 1917, we’ve been at the heart of building in the UK. Our expertise has helped to build the rooms in which we live, work and play for almost 100 years. We’re immensely proud of this and our reputation as a trusted and much-loved brand.

We’re equally proud of something that we aren’t as well known for: being a great place to work.

Being part of the Saint-Gobain group means we can truly offer a career without boundaries. We invite you to discover why we are one of the best kept secrets in the UK job market.

This handbook has been built on the experiences, stories and pictures shared by our people.

Introduction


We have the vision to be the UK’s best building material supplier as defined by our customers.

We aim to do this by delivering a superior level of customer satisfaction through our product leadership position.

Our vision

What this means:

Product LeadershipThis is our approach to doing business. All of us working together to support, create and deliver solutions that our customers can’t live without.

A superior level of customer satisfactionThis means delighting our customers by offering a product, service and experience that is unrivalled.

1789Saint-Gobain sees sales quadruple in 70 years and is still the world’s only glass casting manufacturer at the time of the French Revolution.

1840 Saint-Gobain glass is used in Napoleon’s funeral procession.


Our values are our guiding compass in achieving our vision. They are how we want to be seen by our customers and colleagues alike, and we believe that every single employee has a part to play.

Our values

Working with us is enjoyable – for both our colleagues and customers.

Through open and friendly conversations we provide a service that is smooth and pain-free. In fact, we often go beyond, offering supplementary support and advice to exceed expectations. People should look forward to dealing with us again.

Approachable

Constructive

We take the time to understand customers’ needs.

Doing this allows us to offer products and services in a way which is intuitive to our customers needs. We learn from our interactions with customers and the wider industry to drive improvements. Our customers should feel like they are completely understood and supported when they work with us.

We have a long history of being the experts at what we do and we’re proud of it.

That’s why we push the boundaries of best practice in our field of work to ensure we offer outstanding products and services. Customers should feel confident in our advice, which has been built on 100 years’ of expertise.

Assured

Progressive

Embracing the impossible.

We have the vision to see what ‘could be’ and the desire and creativity to make it

happen. Our customers should see us as being constantly one step ahead.

We are committed and flexible enough to continuously evolve.

1876Mining and manufacturing was started by the Sub Wealden Gypsum Company Limited at our Robertsbridge site in East Sussex.

1883 The first part of Fauld works was built by Peter Ford and Sons. -




A great history

Saint-Gobain

British Gypsum is a founding patron of CRASH – the construction

industry’s charity for the homeless

Launch 1stplasterboard recycling scheme

British Gypsum launched the UK’s

30% of Saint-Gobain’s sales come from products which save or produce energy British Gypsum supports

69across the UK through it’sThistle Partnership

colleges

190,000people globally

employs over

Our group’s legacy stretches back 350 years to the creation of Saint-Gobain during the mid-17th Century. About 250 years later, British Gypsum (or British Plaster Board as we were known then) came along and, between the two businesses, we’ve been making history ever since.



Thistle Magnetic Plaster

Help bring your walls to life with Thistle Magnetic Plaster. With a plaster that attracts magnets you can turn any wall in any room into an inspiring interactive gallery or notice board that you can change as often as you like, no fuss, no mess.


Getting to know us

World leader in the habitat and construction markets Saint-Gobain designs manufactures and distributes building materials providing innovative solutions to today’s critical challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Find out more: saint-gobain.com

Saint-Gobain invests

€430 million

into research and development

annually

1 in 4

British Gypsum

1100employees

has over

saw the launch of British Gypsum’s next generation of products designed to make people think differently about their rooms2014

2005 British Gypsum became part of the Saint-Gobain group.

British Gypsum

Manufacturer

of the Year

2013

Saint-Gobain products did not exist 5 years ago




An even brighter future

We aim to inspire our people and customers with product leadership.

This means using insight to identify the needs of our market and thinking creatively across our organisation to passionately develop solutions.

We then challenge ourselves to act with focus, pace and agility to deliver value for our customers (both internal and external).

Product Leadership



Plasterboard Recycling Service

Our Plasterboard Recycling Service is based on the principles of simplicity and reliability. We are the only plasterboard manufacturer in the UK with dedicated plasterboard recycling facilities at our manufacturing sites, and our service continues to expand year-on-year.


Getting to know us

As a Saint-Gobain business we’re part of a group with the ambition to be the reference in sustainable habitat. This means developing high end, value-added solutions that improve our buildings, whilst protecting our natural resources.

Doing business sustainably is not new here at British Gypsum, it’s how we’ve always done it plus it will underpin how we meet the challenges of the future.

Sustainable habitat

british-gypsum.com


12

To create the rooms in which we live, work and play we need a special group of people. With such a diverse breadth of opportunity there’s so much you could achieve. Here’s just some of what we do:

Where you could work

Kirkby Thore and Birkshead Mine, Cumbria

Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire

Barrow-upon-Soar and mine,Leicestershire

Robertsbridge and Brightling Mine, East Sussex

Fauld Mine, Staffordshire

Head Office, East Leake,Loughborough

Saint-Gobain training offices

Sales office

Engineering

Environmental


Sales

Research & DevelopmentResearch & DevelopmentProject Engineering

Administration


MiningMiningFinance and Accounting

Marketing

ScientistWarehouse

AdministrationOperations

Human Resources

Marketing

Occupational Health

Finance and Accounting

Training Academy

Design Studio

Information Systems Health and Safety

Supply Chain

Engineering Finance and AccountingPurchasing

Occupational Health

Logistics and Distribution

Key:

East Leake and Marbleagis mine, Leicestershire

british-gypsum.com


We provide the highest quality expert advice for architects, specifiers and users of our systems.

Getting to know us


13

How we work

Our principles of conduct and action inform ‘how we work’ and reinforce what it means to be part of British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain.

Principles of conduct

Professional commitment – we use our knowledge and know-how to ‘play our part’ with passion and commitment.

Respect for others – we respect the professional and personal needs of our colleagues.

Integrity – we promote what is great about our business through the way we conduct ourselves.

Loyalty – we’re proud to be part of British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain.

Solidarity – ‘we’re in it together’ putting the interests of our team and business ahead of self-centred thinking.

Principles of action

Respect for the law – we act within the boundaries of the law to ensure we do business in a fair and sustainable manner.

Caring for the environment – we promote the protection of our environment through the work we do and how we do it.

Health and Safety – we take care of ourselves and our colleagues to ensure we create a healthy and safe place to work.

Employee rights – we respect the rights of those around us and deserve to be treated in the same manner.

british-gypsum.com

Saint-Gobain Technical Academies

We provide market leading and comprehensive training for installers and stockists of our products and systems.

Getting to know us

17

Opportunity to grow

– We invest over £1m per year on the development of our people

– Through Saint-Gobain we offer a huge range of training and development courses

– On average, each employee receives one week’s worth of training per year

Opportunity to progress

– More people in our business go on to bigger and better things within Saint-Gobain than leave to go elsewhere

– Saint-Gobain is present in over 60 countries with opportunities

in all of them

Opportunity to make a difference

– Through cross-functional projects you have the opportunity to make your mark

– We’re always looking for ways of adding more value to how we work. If you have the curiosity and drive to make a difference, we’ll support you

We’re lucky to be able offer a world of opportunity to our people. From our commitment to personal and professional development, through to the diversity of roles available within British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain.

We’re equally proud to be able to offer our people the chance to make a real difference across so many fields of industry. In how many businesses do geologists, scientists, miners, marketers, IT experts, technical advisors (and many more) come together with a common purpose?

Built on opportunity

We can truly offer a career without boundaries

Thistle Plaster Partnership learning hub

A resource for learning material for the next generation of plasterers. The hub provides access to relevant literature, health & safety information, product data sheets and posters. Plus, it hosts a forum where students, lecturers and our Technical Academy team can interact with each other.


Getting to know us

Pride in the good we do

– Founding patron of Crash – the UK construction industry’s charity for the homeless

– Our good causes committee supports our local communities – from renovating old buildings to sponsoring children’s football

teams. You name it we’ve done it

Pride in our great history

– Founded in 1917 – we’ve been a local employer for generations

– Throughout that time we’ve been a leader in our field and we continue to push the boundaries today

Pride in our bright future

– Despite our great history, we’re more excited about our bright future

– The work our people do in the coming years will reshape the way people think about the spaces in which they live work and play

You can feel the pride in the air around here. In our people and teams, in our products and services, and also in the support that we are committed to giving the communities and charities that are close to our hearts.

With 100 years of heritage, we’re built on solid foundations and generations of expertise. But we like to spend our time looking forwards and, with a new generation of people and products entering our business, there’s lots to look forward to.

Built on pride

We go the extra mile. Here’s a photo from when our Executive team did the Yorkshire 3 Peaks to give back to the causes close to their hearts


Mike’s story

I am proud to say that charity is at the heart of British Gypsum, we take pride in supporting local and national good causes. Here’s my story:

In 2012 I was challenged by an anonymous benefactor to raise £80k in 100 days. If I could do it the benefactor would top that up by £20k.

Not to be outdone, we launched the British Gypsum £100k in 100 days challenge and we did this for CRASH and Macmillan; two charities who are very close to my heart. The response was incredible. People came together to meet the challenge, have some fun and help give something back. Fundraising events were held across the UK including a netball tournament, cake sales, quizzes, a samosa day, bike rides, Tour de Gypsum and many more. At the end of the 100 days we had surpassed the target of £100k, a true team effort.

Mike is British Gypsum’s Managing Director and Regional Managing Director for the Saint-Gobain group. He joined in 1984 as a graduate.

Acoustic ceilingsOur ceiling systems - Gyprex, Gyptone, Rigitone and Eurocoustic - help building designers to create the ideal interior space for their clients. These products contribute to the aesthetic design, acoustic performance and indoor air quality in schools, hospitals and offices around the world.


Getting to know us

Our philosophy of challenge, support and feedback

– By challenging each other we improve the quality of how we work

– This should be coupled with support. Providing our people with a challenge and the help they need to get there

– Feedback is at the heart of this.Continuous and constructive feedback helps us stay on track and there is a pat on the back when we deserve it

Your challenge

– In a business with so many fields of work, you truly have the opportunity to be involved in a huge diversity of activities

– We encourage you to be curious and challenge yourself from day one. There’s lots to explore

Our challenge

– We aim to push the boundaries of how people think about the rooms in which they live, work and play

– This means challenging ourselves to excel in what we do and become the benchmark in our market place. We’re proud to have done this for a century

We want to be the best at what we do (it’s our vision). This means we have to push the boundaries as a business but also as individuals too. Constantly seeking to improve and innovate is part of the culture here. We encourage curiosity, insight, bravery and resilience – it’s how we’ll be the best.

But it’s not all challenge. We believe in a philosophy of challenge, support and feedback. That means you will get the challenge that you need to grow and develop however a helping hand and words of advice are never far away.

Built on challenge

We continue to push the boundaries to be a sustainable successful business


Your contribution

– Our values are how we want to be known by our customers and colleagues

– Everyone of us helps to shape to this. How do your values match up?

Your team

– We have a wonderful team spirit at British Gypsum. We work together to ensure each other’s safety, well-being and success

– You can be sure of a warm welcome and family atmosphere

across all areas of our business

Your rewards

– You deserve to be rewarded for your contribution – it’s how we say thank you

– There’s a wealth of flexible rewards here from our Saint-Gobain Share Scheme to our huge range of high street cashback and discounts

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Without you and the teams you work in we wouldn’t have a business. Your contribution is how we continue to improve the places in which we live, work and play.

We believe in rewarding this. That’s why we have a wealth of great benefits from high-street cashback to generous share schemes – it’s our way of saying thank you.

Built on you

Approachable

User friendly

Easy to work with

Assured

Established

Credible

Experts

Constructive

Logical

Intuitive

Sensitive to needs

Progressive

Forward looking

Dynamic

Embraces possibility

Built on our brilliant people

To find out more about the products and services that we offer visit us at british-gypsum.com

Getting to know us

2013 British Gypsum named Best Manufacturer in the UK. 2014 British Gypsum launches

revolutionary Magnetic plaster.

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“British Gypsum and Saint-Gobain offer security, stability, and career progression for those who want it”

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pool of talent, never to be

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you get the expertise and

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improvements being made

“I recommended British Gypsum as a great employer due to the great people culture, encouragement from line managers and opportunity to develop” (

Technical enquiriesBritish Gypsum Technical Advice CentreEast LeakeLoughboroughLeicestershire LE12 6HX

Telephone: 0844 800 1991

Fax: 0844 561 8816

Email: [email protected]

Training enquiries: 0844 561 8810

British Gypsum November 2014 BG-EVP-14-01

“Gyproc”, “Thistle”, “Gypframe” and “Glasroc” are all registered trademarks of BPB United Kingdom Limited. “Isover” is a registered trademark of Saint-Gobain Isover and “Artex” is a registered trademark of BPB United Kingdom Limited.

BPB United Kingdom Limited is a limited company registered in England under company number 734396, having its registered office at Saint-Gobain House, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2TT, UK. BPB United Kingdom Limited trades as British Gypsum for part of its business activities.

British Gypsum reserves the right to revise product specification without notice. The information herein should not be read in isolation as it is meant only as guidance for the user, who should always ensure that they are fully conversant with the products and systems being used and their subsequent installation prior to the commencement of work. For a comprehensive and up-to-date library of information visit the British Gypsum website at: www.british-gypsum.com. For information about products supplied by Artex Limited or Saint-Gobain Isover please see their respective websites.

“British Gypsum” is a registered trademark of BPB United Kingdom Limited.

british-gypsum.com

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