One Magazine, Issue 07

NORSE GROUP’S EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE

APutting Wellbeing at the Heart of Norse

warm welcome to our latest issue. As we continue our journey towards creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, it’s essential that we place a strong focus on wellbeing. The spring edition of One Magazine is dedicated to wellness in all its forms - mental, physical, financial, and social.

At Norse Group, I am proud that we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment that puts you at the heart of your wellness journey, ensuring you have the tools and resources to be your happiest and healthiest self.

In this issue, you’ll find a range of resources and support to help guide you, including our Road to Wellness Calendar for 2025. Available via the intranet on our new wellness hub, this calendar features monthly resource sheets, offering practical advice to help you prioritise your wellbeing throughout the year.

There’s also plenty more to explore in this edition. We share an important update on Project One, introduce you to our latest Norse Heroes from South West Norse, and invite you to showcase

your creativity with the Generation Norse competition - find out more on page 49. Additionally, we take a moment to celebrate our incredible colleagues who reached long service milestones in 2024, recognising their dedication and contribution to Norse Group over the years.

I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available and get involved in the many initiatives designed to support your wellbeing. Looking after ourselves and each other is key to a thriving workplace, and I hope this issue inspires you to take positive steps towards a healthier and happier 2025.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please do get in touch. Please drop me an email at: justin. galliford@norsegroup.co.uk.

Justin Galliford Norse Group CEO

Hot off the press! We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for two Internal Communications and Engagement awards for the Norse Group Rebrand and One Magazine.

As we move through 2025, there’s never been a more important time to focus on our wellbeing - both individually and as a team. From mental and physical health to financial and social wellbeing, this issue is all about equipping you with the tools to be your happiest and healthiest self.

I’m delighted to introduce our guest editor, Louise Rich, Senior HR Business Partner, who has been at the heart of Norse Group’s wellness initiatives since 2023. Louise’s passion for creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered makes her the perfect person to help shape this issue.

She’ll be sharing insights on how we can all take small steps towards improving our wellbeing and making the most of the resources available.

Welcome to this special wellness edition of One Magazine!

In this issue, we also introduce Belonging—the new name for what was previously known as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, or EDI&B. This refreshed approach is all about creating a workplace where everyone feels they truly belong, and I encourage you to explore what this means for you. We also take a closer look at Our Voice,

our employee engagement forum, which is evolving to ensure your feedback helps shape the future of Norse.

There’s plenty more to discover, including a spotlight on International Women’s Day, where we celebrate the incredible contributions of women across Norse, and a special focus on Long Service, honouring the dedication and achievements of colleagues who have reached key milestones in their careers.

As always, One Magazine is about sharing stories that matter to you, and I hope this issue leaves you feeling inspired, informed, and supported in your own journey to wellness.

Happy reading!

Melissa Guest Editor: Louise Rich

I have had several different roles within the HR team since I started as an HR Administrator just over nine years ago, predominately supporting Norse Care and more recently, Project One.

With the support and guidance from others within the business, I have developed my career at Norse and over the last couple of years, employee wellness has been a key focus for me. Wellness is something that I feel very passionate about and I hope I can make a difference.

In this issue, we invite you to take some time to consider what you do to look after yourself – and others, whether that’s your loved ones, your colleagues or the local community and explore what support is available to you. Make sure you also keep an eye out for our ‘Care Completely’ employee profiles dotted throughout the rest of One Mag!

I really hope you enjoy the wellness issue and find our resources useful.

Louise Rich Senior HR Business Partner

How

are

Kickstart your wellness journey with 18 pages of resources, tips, and support to care for yourself, your team and those around you.

This commitment was the driving force behind the launch earlier in 2025 of our new Norse Wellness page - a central hub for all employees to access a holistic range of wellbeing resources.

The page is an extension of our efforts to help employees care for themselves and those closest to them.

From mental and physical health to financial and social wellbeing, the information and resources on the page encompass all aspects of wellness and are available for all employees 24/7, 365 days a year.

Access Norse’s Road to Wellness Calendar via the wellness page, which aims to guide our employees through their own wellness journey. Additional resources will be added each month throughout 2025, focusing on a range of national wellness days and initiatives to further support you and your loved ones. Have a sneak peek of what’s to come for the rest of 2025 on pages 12 & 13.

There is also a Learning Library section that directs you to various wellness training courses available via Access

It’s good to talk. Feel supported at work

Learning, links to bespoke wellness action plans via the HR Knowledge Hub, and a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) Directory, which is coming soon!

Wellness should be a priority for each and every one of us — it certainly is for us. To all our employees across the group, we are here to support you. Together, we can create a thriving workplace where everybody’s health and wellbeing are nurtured and promoted.

We look forward to seeing the positive difference the resources can make to you and your colleagues.

Norse puts its people at the heart of what we do – we care about you and encourage you to be your happiest and healthiest self both in and outside of work.

We

sat down with Louise Rich, Strategic HR Business Partner, to find out more about her passion for wellbeing, what wellness means at Norse and the support available to you.

Hello, Louise! As this is our wellness issue, we’d like to start by asking - how are you?

Thank you for asking! ‘How are you?’ is a question we ask most people daily. Ordinarily, others respond, ‘I’m good, thank you’, yet often they don’t tell you how they actually are. I am fortunate to genuinely be well, but it doesn’t stop me from having a bad day here and there!

On the subject of wellness, it’s great to launch our second Wellness issue of One Mag to all employees this spring. We’ve been working very hard behind the scenes on the new Norse Wellness resources for this year and are delighted to see that many colleagues across the business are engaging with these already.

What does wellness at Norse mean to you?

In our business of serving our clients and communities, caring for others is core to what we do.

Whilst we know that ‘life happens’ and there are factors beyond our control that can influence our health and wellbeing, at Norse, we aim to create an environment that promotes and encourages everyone to be as well as possible and reach their full potential.

We recognise that for many of us, our roles extend beyond our work – from caring for our children and parents to our partners, pets, neighbours, and friends. This is why we wanted to create a dedicated wellness platform that expands on our Road to Wellness initiative, which is already in place and includes support for those closest to us.

Can you tell us more about the new Norse Wellness resources?

Our new Norse Wellness page launched on the staff intranet in January and is accessible to employees 24/7. For the first time, we have an online platform dedicated to wellness that provides a wealth of resources to support employees beyond their own selfcare and enable care for others. Discover more about the platform on pages 24.

Our Road to Wellness Calendar and associated resources were also revamped for 2025! Designed specifically for our people, the calendar guides you through your own wellness journey and provides a host of monthly resources, offering everything from wellness tips to information on national awareness days. There’s something for everyone, so check back to the Norse Wellness page each month to see what’s new.

What support is available to Norse employees?

I encourage everyone to be proactive about maintaining their wellbeing. It’s essential to recognise the signs and symptoms we may display if we become unwell, especially with our mental health, and think about the support we might need if colleagues notice these or vice versa.

Whether you need to connect with our network of Mental Health First Aiders, seek action plans and advice through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), or would like to sign up for our wellness training courses, we’ve put all our wellness resources together in one place on the Norse Wellness page to help support you. This is one of the ways that we can be there for you.

If you are struggling, please reach out to your line manager in the first instance. All employees can also contact Health Assured, our EAP, if you’d like to seek confidential advice. Find out more about Health Assured’s services on pages 22 & 23.

It sounds like it’s been a busy time in the world of wellness. What’s next?

As recognition of all we are doing to enhance employee wellbeing, the group aims to achieve a national Wellbeing in the Workplace Charter accreditation in due course. Look out for more updates on that down the line! In the meantime, I hope everyone finds the new resources useful, please contact Ask HR (askhr@ norsegroup.co.uk ) if you have any suggestions or queries. Stay well!

What do you do to stay well?

Wellbeing looks different for everyone. Whether we care for ourselves or others, what wellness means to each of us varies.

The four pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, financial and social) underpin and impact all of us uniquely. Norse Group’s Road to Wellness (RTW) Calendar has been designed with that in mind, to help you develop healthy habits, make positive changes and explore a variety of elements which make up your overall wellness.

January’s RTW resources included a Wellness Goals Planner to help you set wellness goals for 2025. This can be started at any point throughout the year – it’s never too late to get your wellness journey underway!

Financial wellbeing is one of the four core wellbeing pillars. It encompasses several key aspects from setting clear goals to understanding your emotional connection with money and developing a healthy mindset towards it.

Financial wellbeing supports other areas of life, such as physical, mental, and social wellbeing. When your finances are in order, it can reduce stress and improve the quality of your life.

Financial wellbeing advice

Sarah Edwards, Business Administrator at High Haven, Downham Market has kindly shared some of her tips and tricks on managing her personal finances.

“Financial wellbeing is all about feeling confident and in control of your finances. As a mother of two with a self-

employed husband, financial wellbeing means a lot to us as a family. We like to ‘live for today’ but also ensure our bills are paid. We are also teaching our children to work hard for nice things and not take things for granted.

I live by a spreadsheet! It might sound silly but it’s my way of staying organised and on track.

When my husband became self-employed, I created spreadsheets to calculate job costs based on hours worked. He simply adds his hours, and the spreadsheet does the rest. I also use a spreadsheet to calculate termly childcare costs and a main ‘Bills Template’ spreadsheet, which lists all bills in date order

and includes our income. Pre-populated spreadsheets save me time and effort. I check my bills template a couple of times a week and mark off direct debits when required. This gives me peace of mind, knowing everything is paid and any leftover money is for spending or saving. If a bill changes, I can quickly update it. This efficiency gives me more time for things I enjoy. Getting organised with finances can be overwhelming. I’ve helped family and friends before to organise their bills –once it’s done, it’s easier to keep on top of it. I’ve put together a couple of tips below to help anyone get started!

Top Tips

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Ask for help, if needed:

Reach out to a family member, friend or there are organisations who will give guidance.

Save, even if its small:

We save for Christmas and birthdays each month. A little each month soon adds up, so it’s not such a big hit at an already expensive time of the year.

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Shop around:

The price difference can be incredible sometimes. Our TV recently broke but after shopping around and using my Blue Light card, I saved 20%.

Caring

Norse is dedicated to creating a workplace where we feel safe to share our true feelings and seek support when needed within our teams.

Feeling heard and listened to in a non-judgmental way is important for us all.

To support this, we have developed a number of tools, initiatives and learning modules to help each of us identify the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and guide us in supporting our colleagues. We encourage employees to nurture an environment where these conversations can happen openly and supportively within our teams.

Furthermore, Norse Group began a three-year phased Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England training rollout last summer, with a goal of recruiting 300 MHFAiders by 2027. Following the first successful training phase, we now have 125 MHFAiders across 24 Norse locations, with the second year of training starting this summer.

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Thoughts from our MHFAiders

Caitlin Richardson & Suzi Hughes (Alliance Norse):

We’ve been building relationships with colleagues in the office and our operatives out on site, trying to encourage conversations about mental health. Building these relationships is helping us to create a safe space for conversations, get to know colleagues better and recognise signs of mental health in the workplace. We can then offer immediate support, resources, or signpost them to further help.

for your team

Karen McBride (Havant):

“In February, we hosted a coffee and biscuit hour to raise awareness and ensure all staff know we’re here and who to approach. So far, we’ve supported individuals by listening to their concerns and providing information and advice on how to get help.”

Lisa Newbery (Havant):

“We have dedicated notice boards to promote Mental Health First Aid and created a newly decorated private room to offer a quiet space.”

Are you interested in becoming a Mental Health First Aider?

We aspire for our MHFAiders to be passionate about supporting others and champion wellbeing across the organisation. The recruitment window is open from 1 May - 31 May. Employees at all levels of the business in all roles can apply. Contact your line manager for further details.

Support others

Caring others

Communications Executive, Emily Wood, and Senior HR Advisor, Jo Bilverstone, have opened up and share their stories of caring for their loved ones, the impact this has on their lives and how Norse has supported them on their journey’s.

Fortunately, he made a good enough recovery to live independently since 2008, and I went off to University to pursue my career in marketing, stopping in on him as and when he needed me.

However, in 2022, I could see that his health was declining, so I decided to step back from my job to take care of him full-time. This was an incredibly tough decision - those who know me know how much my work means to me - but it was 100% the right one to make.

I became a young carer aged 17 when I was doing my A Levels.

A hardworking, talented architect, my Dad tragically suffered a major stroke in 2006, which changed all our lives forever. My Dad is my biggest inspiration, and although it was incredibly tough watching him learn to walk, talk and even eat again, the experience shaped who I am today and taught me how precious life is. My Dad has been left permanently disabled since the stroke, losing his exceptional drawing ability and talent in one night.

Thanks to continued support from Norse Care, Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Dad was accepted into a Norse Care housing with care scheme in the summer of 2023. It seemed the perfect fit for me to join the Corporate Communications team at Norse Group once I saw the role advertised shortly after.

Since my first day at Norse, I have felt incredibly well-supported by my colleagues. Sadly, my Dad suffered another stroke last summer and is now moving into a residential care home. The support I have received from my managers has been second to none. From checking in and giving me time to open up about my feelings to supporting me with juggling these next steps, I am so grateful and appreciative.

Thank you to all the wonderful Norse Care carers at Dell Rose Court for all you have done for Dad.

Final thoughts

If I could share one piece of advice to colleagues going through the same thing, it would be to please speak to your manager if you are struggling to juggle everything! Keep asking questions, and remember to take time for yourself, too. At one point, I was referred to a charity called Carers Matters, and they were so helpful.

My 10-year-old daughter has always struggled at school and was behind her peers with both her learning and development.

I always put this down to her being an August baby and only just turning 4 years old when she started school. However, when homeschooling during Covid, I noticed that she was struggling to concentrate, would quickly forget what we were working on and had difficulty understanding maths. It was also brought to my attention at parents’ evenings that her reading was not quite where it should be.

Things came to a head when I noticed behaviours such as pulling her hair, pinching the skin on her hands and chewing her school cardigan. This only happened when she was doing schoolwork.

Having a child who is struggling at school and has barriers to learning is hard. Concerns about getting lost in the system are really worrying and quite overwhelming, as you want to be able to support your child but don’t always know where to start. Then, you also have to factor in making phone calls for help with various things, such as trying to arrange for referrals and assessments while working.

I have contacted many local organisations who have been able to help and signpost me to get help for my daughter. By having these connections, I have been able to successfully obtain help and support for her both at home and at school.

I have been fortunate to be able to work from home when I have had a telephone call scheduled, a meeting with the school, or a GP appointment. I have also been able to take annual leave at short notice when I have needed to attend assessments that have fallen on workdays. I have been lucky enough that my manager has

been flexible, so I have been able to take advantage of appointments that have become available at short notice.

I have a good working relationship with my line manager and have been open and honest about the challenges that I am experiencing at the moment. They understand what is going on at home, and it’s nice to be able to chat with someone who isn’t directly impacted by the situation. I also find it helpful to hold back some annual leave for when appointments come up unexpectedly.

Another thing that worked well for us was finding a hobby that could take her mind away from school and help her meet new friends. I tried all sorts of clubs, but horse riding was the only thing that really worked. This became her ‘safe place’, and she absolutely excelled. With school being such a challenge for her, seeing her smiling and happy was so lovely. It brought her out of her shell and has made a real difference in her life and mine.

Jo’ s S yrot

To find more information on support available visit page: 24

Assured

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Did you know? Health Assured is a confidential service that provides support and guidance with any personal or professional problems that may affect your overall health and wellbeing.

It’s not easy to balance the pressure of work, home life, and any other personal issues that you may be experiencing.

Whilst Norse are here for you, Health Assured, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), provides support, guidance and management techniques for you and your immediate family * for whatever challenges you face. Your call will be handled by an experienced therapist or advisor, who will offer support in a friendly, non-judgemental manner.

What support is available?

Childcare support; Relationship advice and housing concerns; Retirement; Financial and legal information; Alcohol and drug issues; Domestic abuse; Stress and anxiety; Low mood; Menopause; Bereavement support.

How to contact

Call 0800 028 0199

Unlimited access to Health Assured’s 24/7 confidential UK-based telephone helpline

The Wisdom App

Wisdom is your guide to health and mental wellbeing. The features are designed to help track your wellness and improve your mental health.

Health Assured online portal

Visit wisdom.healthassured.org and use this code: MHA002559 to access the Wisdom app and portal.

Your

Health Assured Wellbeing Services

Home Life Support

If you’re having trouble balancing your budgets, debt, or civil disputes, Health Assured have expert advisors here to offer the support you need.

Work-Life Assistance

Health Assured’s work-life advice is dedicated to supporting you through professional issues, whether it be returning to work, coping with change or post incident support.

Physical and Emotional Health

There are a range of resources available to support you both physically and emotionally, from managing anxiety to simple breathing techniques. This can be supported via specialised talking therapy or self-help plans and programmes.

Wellbeing Resources

Health Assured provide a range of self-help tools, wellbeing modules, factsheets and video counselling.**

4 Week Health Plans

Whether it’s eating healthier, quitting smoking, sleeping better, or coping with pressure, these health plans are designed to support your health and wellness goals.

Webinars

Available for all Norse employees, webinar topics include financial wellbeing, menopause and supporting children. Sign up via the Wisdom app or online portal.

Peace of Mind Podcast

These monthly podcasts cover a range of topics including sports, mental health and LGBTQ+. There is something for us all to either educate ourselves or access support.

Digital CBT

One of the many clinical interventions is online CBT, covering over 30 support programmes from mental health, anxiety, diabetes, lung conditions and chronic pain.

Mini Health Checks

How are you feeling today? Take a minute to check in with yourself by using the health checks to assess and support your health and mental wellbeing. *Health Assured define immediate family members as spouse/partners and children aged 16 to 24 in full-time education, living in

y u for help

Health Assured

From financial, legal and housing advice to specialist menopause, CBT and incident support, Health Assured provide counselling support and so much more. Call their 24/7 helpline: 0800 028 0199 or visit https://wisdom. healthassured.org/login Use Norse’s organisation code: MHA002559 to log in with the username ‘Norse’ and the password ‘Care Wellbeing’. Access a wide range of resources from action plans to podcasts on Health Assured’s Wisdom App.

Mental Health First Aiders

Norse has a network of Mental Health First Aiders who are available to listen and provide support. For information regarding your local MHFAider(s), please contact your line manager or AskHR.

Norse Wellness page

Wellness training courses

Norse Group’s Road to Wellness Calendar which includes monthly resource sheets, created by Norse, to help guide your own wellness journey for 2025. Scan the QR code to access them. 1 2 3 4 5 6

From mental and physical health to financial and social wellbeing, the resources and information you’ll find on this page encompass all aspects of wellness, to help you care for yourself and others.

A host of wellness-related training resources are available for employees on Apollo (Norse Care) and Access Learning, via your People XD log in. The courses aim to educate, reduce stigma and ensure everyone has an understanding of signs and symptoms, with the ultimate aim of supporting each other.

Norse Wellness Action Plans

Norse Wellness Action Plans are a personalised, practical tool to help identify proactive ways to remain well at work and how your line manager can support you. Health and Wellbeing Support Plans are also available to document any reasonable adjustments. Access each plan via the HR Knowledge Hub.

Road to Wellness Calendar

Caring For Y ur Team.

TRIGGER WARNING

Lisa Brett Cleaner, Haverhill Fire Station

“My story starts in July 2020 when I lost my husband Justin to suicide. That day, I lost a very loving and kind man who was not only my husband, whom I loved so very much but also my best friend.

“Soon came the realisation I’d not only lost Justin but part of me and my life as I knew it. The only way I can explain it is that I felt like a ghost in my own life. I could see and touch

the world around me, yet I felt nothing. I was numb.

“My coping mechanism during this stage was to walk, work, walk, and sleep, then start again. Thankfully, I am blessed to have a loving family, friends and some wonderful colleagues. I say colleagues, but today, I like to think of them more as my friends - my work family.

“My job with Norse Group is very important to me, but in July 2020, it was the one thing that got me out of bed every day. It was the only thing I felt I recognised and knew. At the time, we were all dealing with the pandemic, and as a key worker, I felt fortunate to go to work and be with others.

“I can honestly say I’m not sure where I would have ended up had it not been for

my colleagues at the Haverhill Station being there for me every day, supporting me and checking in. I’m not afraid to admit that I did need more help, and that’s when I was signposted to Cruse Bereavement Support. All this support has brought me to where I am today.”

A huge well done to Lisa Brett, who recently completed a 30-second Ice Bath Challenge over 30 days to raise funds for Cruse Bereavement Support and The Firefighters Charity.

Scan the QR code to watch Lisa’s amazing Ice Bath Challenge video and donate if you can

Creating a Workplace Where Everyone is Valued

At Norse Group, belonging means more than just being part of a team, it’s about creating an environment where every colleague feels valued, supported, and genuinely connected to our shared purpose.

NG ING

As Norse Group’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) initiative, Belonging is at the heart of our efforts to create a workplace where differences are embraced, and everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Belonging links closely to our Wellness and ESG commitments, ensuring that we create a healthier, more inclusive, and socially responsible organisation.

Through initiatives like Safe Space, we are championing authenticity and encouraging every colleague to be their true self, free from judgment.

And with our InterFaith network, we are encouraging open conversations and connections across cultures and beliefs. These initiatives come together to strengthen our shared vision: a workplace where everyone feels they truly belong.

Celebrate You: Embracing Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing in the Workplace

The month of March was all about celebrating you - our employees. This month, we recognised three significant observances:

• Zero Discrimination Day (1 March)

• International Women’s Day (8 March)

• Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17-23 March)

Each of these serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, equity, and wellbeing, not just in our professional lives but in the way we support one another every day.

Zero Discrimination Day: Building an Inclusive Workplace

Zero Discrimination Day was a global call to challenge biases and create environments free from prejudice.

At Norse, this means ensuring that all employees—regardless of background, identity, or ability—have equal opportunities to grow and succeed. Belonging is about action, not just intention.

That’s why we are committed to:

• Creating inclusive spaces for all colleagues to thrive.

• Championing Safe Space, ensuring everyone feels welcome to express themselves.

• Providing learning opportunities on EDIB, helping colleagues better understand and support one another.

By continuing to drive an inclusive culture, we enhance creativity, collaboration, and job satisfaction, leading to better mental health and professional growth for all.

International Women’s Day: Empowering Women in the Workplace

This year’s International Women’s Day theme focused on gender equality and empowering women across all industries.

At Norse, we are committed to:

• Closing the gender pay gap.

• Increasing opportunities for women in leadership roles.

• Creating a workplace where all voices are heard and valued.

Supporting women’s success isn’t just about policies - it’s about everyday actions that create a better, more equitable working environment. That includes mentorship, career growth opportunities, and policies that support work-life balance. Read our special feature about Women in Consulting on pages 33-37.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Embracing Different Ways of Thinking

Neurodiversity Celebration Week highlighted the strengths and unique perspectives of individuals with

UR

BE SA FE

neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Recognising neurodiversity isn’t just about support— it’s about valuing different ways of thinking and working.

At Norse, we are creating a more neuro-inclusive workplace by:

• Providing flexible working options to accommodate different working styles.

• Raising awareness about neurodiversity and breaking down misconceptions.

• Encouraging colleagues to share their experiences, normalising open conversations.

Neurodivergent colleagues bring innovation, creativity, and fresh perspectives—all of which make Norse stronger. When we make space for different ways of thinking, learning, and communicating, we create an environment where everyone can do their best work.

Belonging, Wellness, and ESG: How They Come Together

Belonging isn’t just about feeling included - it’s about wellbeing. A workplace where people feel safe, heard, and valued directly impacts mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity. That’s why Belonging is deeply connected to our Wellness and ESG commitments.

Wellness: A culture of belonging contributes to better mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing for all employees.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG): Creating an inclusive workplace is part of our social responsibility—ensuring that Norse is a place where all employees, regardless of background, have opportunities to grow and succeed.

InterFaith: Our InterFaith network brings together colleagues from different backgrounds, creating a space for meaningful discussions and supporting understanding across different cultures and beliefs.

From Safe Space to InterFaith, from diversity and inclusion training to employee-led networks, every effort we make strengthens our commitment to a workplace where everyone belongs.

How You Can Get Involved

Creating a culture of belonging isn’t just about company-led initiatives - it’s about all of us.

Here’s how you can play a role in making Norse a place where everyone feels valued:

• Join the conversation: Take part in discussions, workshops, and training sessions on diversity and inclusion.

• Support colleagues: Encourage a workplace where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.

• Recognise unique contributions: Celebrate the differences that make our teams stronger.

• Prioritise wellbeing: Look after your own wellbeing and support mental health conversations in the workplace.

A Year-Round Commitment

As we celebrate these meaningful observances, let’s remember that belonging is something we commit to every day. When we actively create a supportive, inclusive workplace, we build a company where everyone feels they can bring their whole selves to work.

TOGETHER, WE ARE NORSE. TOGETHER, WE BELONG.

We act with integrity

Even in challenging circumstances, we do what we believe is right for our communities, people, and partners.

Celeb rating ments achieve

In celebration of International

Women’s

Day, we reflect on how women are shaping the male-dominated consulting industry at Norse.

This year’s International Women’s Day saw us celebrate the achievements of women in the consulting industry. We spoke to two colleagues from Consulting about their career journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they’re shaping the future of a traditionally male-dominated sector.

istant,London

Daniella Asare

How did you get started in your role?

After completing my bachelor’s and master’s in architecture, I started my career as an assistant to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Along the way, I have further developed proficiency in software like AutoCAD, Adobe suite, Revit, and others, as well as learning the intricacies of construction methods, building codes, and design theory.

have also motivated me to build strong networks, seek mentorship, and amplify my voice in team discussions. I embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, using my position to advocate for greater diversity and representation in architecture.

evolve into something tangible.

Whether it’s watching a building take shape or helping design a space that enhances people’s lives, the satisfaction of the final product is a huge motivator.

Additionally, the constant learning—about new technologies, materials, and techniques—can keep things fresh and interesting.

What’s great about this profession is the way to blend creativity with functionality. It’s about solving problems while creating something aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. I enjoy seeing my ideas come to life.

How does being a woman influence your approach in this role?

Being a woman in architecture can bring a unique perspective, particularly in a field historically dominated by men. It has encouraged me to approach my work with empathy, ensuring designs are inclusive and cater to diverse needs.

I often feel a responsibility to break stereotypes and create spaces that feel welcoming to all. My experiences as a woman

What motivated you to pursue a career in a field traditionally dominated by men, such as architecture?

My motivation stemmed from a deep passion for architecture and a desire to challenge the status quo. I was determined to bring a fresh perspective to a maledominated field, believing that diverse voices drive innovation. I embraced the challenge, knowing that my contributions could make a meaningful impact.

What’s the most satisfying thing about your job?

I enjoy contributing to the conceptual phase of projects, but it’s incredible to see those ideas

What changes or improvements would you like to see in the industry to make it more welcoming and equitable for women?

I’d like to see more supportive mentorship programs, equal opportunities for career advancement, and better work-life balance policies. Promoting diversity in leadership roles and fostering inclusive cultures will make the industry truly equitable.

Reflecting on your career, what are you most proud of as a professional woman in this industry?

I’m most proud of breaking barriers and contributing to a more inclusive design environment.

Overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field has fuelled my passion for advocating diversity and representation.

Knowing I’ve helped create spaces that benefit communities while empowering others is deeply fulfilling.

Thank you Daniella

Planning Consultan

Estates T ea m , hciwroN

Can you tell us a bit more about your role and how you got started?

My role primarily includes providing development advice to clients on likelihood of achieving planning permission and preparing and submitting planning applications for development projects. I work in a range of sectors from educational/commercial to rural, including assisting with development projects for new or expanded schools, and seeking prior approval consent for conversion of agricultural barns within the Norfolk County Farms estate to residential use. I started at Norse Group in March 2020 as a Graduate, moving up to my current role after qualifying as a Chartered Planning Consultant in 2022.

What’s the most satisfying thing about your job?

It’s really interesting seeing the development projects progress from feasibility stage to completion and the positive impacts those proposals have for existing and

future generations. When driving past completed development projects that I have been a part of, it is nice to think that I helped deliver those.

What motivated you to pursue a career in a field traditionally dominated by men, such as Planning Consultancy?

I did consider that going into the construction industry may be male dominated but I had enough confidence in myself and my abilities to pursue it anyway.

Planning is definitely becoming less male dominated as there is a barrier breaking movement in the industry to champion women in planning which is good to see.

What advice would you offer to young women who are considering a career in your field?

Just go for it. Planning itself isn’t particularly male dominated as I have worked with numerous female planning officers and I know of other female planning consultants.

Don’t let the traditionally male dominated construction industry thinking put you off – become part of the change. Reflecting on your career to date, what are you most proud of as a professional woman in this industry?

I’m proud of being able to demonstrate my ability to perform my role satisfactorily by clients and colleagues repeatedly coming to me for planning advice directly.I think it took a bit of time due to my level of experience at the start but I carried on, with confidence that despite being a woman in the construction industry, this would not impact my ability to perform my role well or affect how much my peers or clients respected me. I am looking forward to seeing what opportunities arise for me in the future and welcoming any future women in Planning into the industry.

Thank you Phoebe

Wear your strength with pride, We Care about women’s equality.

Watch our interview with Mikaela Roberts

Don’t miss the insightful video interview with Mikaela Roberts from NPS Leeds. Mikaela discusses her journey within Norse and the broader consulting industry, providing a profound perspective on what it means to be a woman in this dynamic field. Scan the QR code to watch her video.

Our brand in

Creative Brand Manager, Adam Buxton looks at how our brand has become more than a look - it’s how we work, connect, and make a difference every day.

It’s been a year since our brand launch, so I thought it would be a great time to explore how our new brand has become embedded into our daily lives here at Norse Group, a “brand” is often misunderstood as simply a symbol or a trendy style that helps us identify ourselves and stand out from the crowd. However, the strongest brands create a communicated and lived emotional connection. We did this with our brand’s “cultural north star”, which is a guiding principle that defines our purpose, values, and aspirations, shaping our identity. It inspires us to work towards a shared vision that

positively impacts and aligns our brand, people, values, and the communities we serve. We’re an organisation of 9,000 local people driven by Improving People’s Lives - a commitment to live our values for the communities and colleagues who depend on us.

In the early stages of our internal brand launch, getting buy-in from all Norse Group levels was essential. Doing so created two key benefits. First, it directly links key functions that can impact our organisation’s strategic plan. Secondly, it has started to build a united workforce.

Bringing our brand to life was no easy feat; it didn’t just

happen overnight. It took a concerted effort to design an internal brand experience that is delivered consistently.

Engaging with our internal audience was a fundamental step toward activating our internal brand because, ultimately, our brand reflects your hard work and dedication. By organising ways to identify and showcase those efforts, we have begun to create a culture that has galvanised our brand.

It’s been amazing to see our new brand slowly embed itself in our company, from the flashes of red or pink (depending on your opinion) on vehicles in the community to the professional uniforms that now embrace a united front.

I am very proud to have been part of our brand journey and truly believe it will continue to grow and unite us in the future.

We care completely

We are real people who look after each other. We champion diversity, offer a helping hand to those who need it, and build trusted partnerships through empathy.

FORWARD MOVING

Our transformation journey continues...

1D365 NORSE GROUP’S NEW FINANCE AND OPERATIONS PLATFORM GOES LIVE IN JULY 2025

GET READY FOR D365

In July 2025 the Project One team will deliver a new Finance and Operations platform, D365, replacing the existing Great Plains solution. D365 will deliver market practice processes, allowing Norse to future proof for growth and adopt to new technologies as required. When D365 has been fully implemented, it will be more straightforward for our finance and operations teams to provide access to the high quality, accurate data needed by both the business and our customers to perform effectively in today’s markets.

2AS A GROUP, WE HAVE BEEN ON A LONG JOURNEY TO SELECT, DESIGN, BUILD AND IMPLEMENT OUR NEW FINANCE SYSTEM - D365. WE NEEDED TO DO THIS IN ORDER TO REPLACE OLD SYSTEMS AND CREATE A PLATFORM WHICH MATCHED OUR SIZE AND COMPLEXITY. WE WILL SHORTLY IMPLEMENT D365, INTRODUCING MARKET LEADING PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGY. THIS IS A BIG STEP IN ENSURING THE GROUP IS BEST PLACED TO CAPITALISE ON OUR GROWTH PLANS: GIVING BOTH OPERATIONS AND FINANCE COLLEAGUES EFFICIENT WAYS OF WORKING WHICH ARE EASILY SCALABLE.

IN ORDER FOR IMPLEMENTATION TO BE TRULY EFFECTIVE IT IS VITAL THAT WE ALL LEARN HOW TO UTILISE D365 AS PART OF OUR JOB. THEREFORE I ASK EACH OF YOU TO ENSURE THAT YOU CAN ATTEND THE TRAINING SESSIONS YOU ARE OFFERED OVER THE COMING MONTHS.

JUSTIN GALLIFORD CEO NORSE GROUP

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE, AND WHAT ABOUT TRAINING?

We have a network of D365 Change Champions, nominated by Operations Directors, who are making themselves known to colleagues in their part of the business. Look out for D365 Change Champion posters in your area with the name of your local

champion. Their role is to support D365 users by making sure everyone is aware of D365 and that you have the information you need, about training for example, as we move closer to go live in July 2025. D365 training is being scheduled for mid-May and

June. The training invitations will be sent out in April. Training will be a mix of online and in-room training. D365 change champions will be able to help you with questions about training. There will also be a range of updates and drop-in sessions to make sure D365 users have all the necessary knowledge and information to be confident about using the new platform when it goes live in the summer.

PXD in 2025

A STRONG START FOR PXD IN 2025

Over 2000 colleagues across Norse Commercial Services and Norse Consulting are now using Norse Group’s new learning management system, Access Learning, which launched in December ’24. The mobile app is proving especially popular, over 25% of users have downloaded it onto their smartphones. By the end of February around 2000 courses had been completed. Access Learning goes live in Norse Care in March ‘25.

COMING LATER ON PXD

To ensure employees continue to be paid accurately and on time we are planning the introduction of timesheets (except for Norse Care and Norse Consulting). This will include colleagues who don’t currently record their time, as this is an HMRC requirement. For some colleagues this will replace existing solutions. Colleagues who currently complete paper-based time sheets will move to a new online system

The phased roll out of the new PXD Work Force Management (WFM) and Rostering system across Norse Care started in December ‘24. All care homes will be live with the new system by late spring. Norse Care employees will make their holiday booking requests on PXD, as well as using a new digital clocking in system..

The PXD Payroll module is currently in testing. Once the new system is live employees will access their payslips on PXD, either via desktop or via the PXD app on their smartphone.

THERE WILL BE LOTS OF INFORMATION AND SUPPORT BEFORE WE INTRODUCE THESE NEW SYSTEMS TO MAKE SURE ALL COLLEAGUES ARE CONFIDENT AT GO-LIVE

At Norse, we believe in the power of creativity and teamwork.

That’s why we’re excited to launch Generation Norse, a brand-new competition opens to all employees. This is your chance to showcase what makes your job special and the passion you bring to work every day, with a chance to win:

WHAT MAKES A GREAT VIDEO?

Be real – We want authenticity, not a Hollywood production! Keep it fun, engaging, and true to your day-to-day work.

Be clear – Good lighting and clear sound will make all the difference.

Be creative – Tell a story, showcase teamwork, and think outside the box!

1st prize: £1000

2nd prize: £500

3rd prize: £250

* all prizes after Tax

HOW TO ENTER

Gather your teammates or work solo to create a short, fun video that highlights what it’s like to work in your part of Norse. Whether you’re fixing roads, cooking up a storm in our kitchens, supporting residents in care homes, designing a new school or driving a waste wagon, we want to see you in action. Show us the best bits of your work and unleash your creativity!

Your video should be engaging, authentic, and give viewers a real sense of what your day-to-day work involves.

Your videos will help showcase life at Norse, offering a real, behind-thescenes look at different roles across the business.

Show us what makes your job unique, why you love it, and the impact you have every day. Whether it’s a creative skit, a day-in-the-life, or a montage of your best moments, we want to see it all!

Be proud – This is your chance to highlight the amazing work you and your colleagues do every day.

Judging Criteria: Our judging panel will evaluate videos based on several criteria:

Creativity: How original and creative is your video? We want to see your unique perspective and innovative ideas.

Storytelling: How well does your video tell the story of your work at Norse? Make sure your video has a clear narrative and showcases your role effectively.

Passion: Show us the passion you bring to your job every day. We want to see your enthusiasm and dedication.

Quality: While we don’t expect professional-quality videos, make sure your video is clear, well-lit, and has good sound quality.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your work and win £1000! Get your phones ready, unleash your creativity, and show us what makes your job at Norse special. The competition is open until Monday, 7 April. Simply scan the QR code or visit generation.norsegroup. co.uk for more information and start filming today. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see your creativity in action!

Show us what makes your job

special for a chance to win!

A DAY THE LIFE

of your role in a 60-second video or photo compilation for a chance to win £1,000!

Visit generation.norsegroup.co.uk or scan the QR Code for more information.

Ellisa Cryan, Systems Manager

Did you know Norse employees can apply to take up to eight hours a year of paid time off work to volunteer for a good cause?

Alongside her role as Systems Manager, Ellisa Cryan brings her passion for community service to RE:Think, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to reduce food waste and beat food poverty. Ellisa has worked at Norse Group for five years

and has supported the ongoing system implementations as part of Project One over the last 12 months.

Together with a dedicated team of volunteers, she collects surplus food from major retailers weekly and redistributes it to support those in need. Their collective efforts have saved over 391,000 meals from going to landfill/waste so far.

“I love the positive impact that the food parcels have on families within our community and (in a tiny way) towards our planet,” says Ellisa. “I also love how my children have been able to get involved and see the value of community support firsthand. As a family, we are keen to avoid waste and always look for ways to help.”

“From hearing the individuals chatting to each other when they collect their food parcels to the time we picked up four large carloads of mince pies and distributed all 3,000 of them with zero waste, I have had so many wonderful moments volunteering. These experiences fill me with a real sense of achievement.”

“My advice to anyone looking to volunteer would be to find something you are passionate about and then find an organisation with that same passion. Volunteering doesn’t feel like work if it’s something you believe in!” Compassion and dedication to helping others can make a significant impact. If you’d like to consider volunteering, please talk to your line manager about how Norse Group can support you.

The volunteer policy can be found on the HR Knowledge Hub.

OF KINDNESS ACTS

Celebrating the incredible stories of our Norse Care residents—heartwarming moments, inspiring lives, and the dedicated teams who support them.

The Meadows was proud to host one of the pilot schemes for Veterans Day, organised in collaboration with the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant Board, Norfolk County Council, and the Royal British Legion. The event, attended by nearly 50 tenants, their families, social services, and staff, was an informative and heartening success.

It provided valuable information to veterans and their families about the wide range of support services available through the Royal British Legion.

The event raised awareness of the help and resources veterans can access, ensuring that no one faces challenges alone. Refreshments for the day were

kindly sponsored by Norfolk County Council.

This initiative was a wonderful opportunity for The Meadows community to come together, show appreciation for our veterans, and strengthen the support network available to them.

HONOURING OUR HEROES: AT THE MEADOWS

A PINCH OF NOSTALGIA

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

One of our newer residents, Sheila at Westfields, who has a passion for cooking, shared fond memories of preparing a special chicken dish that she used to cook often.

Remembering how much joy this meal brought her, our Wellbeing Coordinator went the extra mile to source all the necessary ingredients, making sure everything was just as she liked it. With the ingredients in hand, she was able to prepare her favourite dish once again.

The smile on her face as she enjoyed the meal for tea was priceless, and it was a reminder of how something as simple as a favourite recipe can bring comfort and happiness.

We collaborate, proactively

We create environments where ideas and knowledge are shared and voices are heard. We spot opportunities and solve problems before they occur.

Teams Behind the Wheels

Meet the teams working 24/7 to keep emergency vehicles, winter gritters, and vital transport services running safely across Norfolk.

Every day, people across Norfolk rely on emergency vehicles, transport buses, and winter gritters. From fire appliances rushing to emergencies, to school buses for children with special educational needs, to gritters keeping roads safe in freezing weather — these vehicles must be ready to serve the community. Behind the scenes, two dedicated teams work around the clock to keep them moving. Shaun Hynd’s team maintains the winter gritting fleet and the Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service fleet, from fire appliances and aerial platforms to specialist rescue equipment. Meanwhile, Darryl Taylor’s team looks after transport buses, ensuring vulnerable adults and schoolchildren travel safely every day.

In this feature, we take a closer look at the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the garage doors - those who keep Norfolk moving, no matter what.

Shaun, your team’s responsible for keeping the Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service fleet and winter gritters operational. What kind of pressure does that put on your team, and how do you manage it?

With responsibility across the whole county, teamwork, communication and careful planning are essential. Our Technicians are IRTEC qualified, highly experienced, and receive specialist training to exceed industry standards—they take real pride in their work. Quality control and regular stage checks during any procedure ensures compliance is adhered to. I’ve also just completed my Emergency Response Driver Training Course, giving us the confidence to declare Blue Light vehicles safe and ready to perform when needed.

Your team looks after rescue equipment, ladders, 4x4s, and aerial platforms. How complex is it to maintain such a varied fleet?

Specialist training helps the team manage the wide range of equipment and vehicles. While the chassis are industry-standard, each vehicle’s body is customised for its role—whether it’s water pumps on fire appliances or hydraulics on aerial platforms. By applying core engineering principles, we break down the complexity, and if needed, we have direct support from manufacturers.

With 73 HGV fire vehicles, 60 Fire fleet vehicles, and 55 winter gritters under your care, how do you prioritise work, especially in emergency situations?

Me and the team have a solid industry and service understanding, allowing us to prioritise our focus and keep an open view to the bigger picture and how certain situations overlap and feed into the different operations. Both are equally vital: if roads aren’t safe, there’s a risk to life, and if a fire vehicle can’t respond, the same applies. It’s a big responsibility, but with the team’s expertise and support, we thrive under that pressure.

Winter services are crucial for keeping Norfolk moving in bad weather. What does preparing the gritter fleet involve, and what challenges do you face during peak winter months?

The maintenance of these vehicles is very demanding due to the nature of what they do with spreading of Salt. Every vehicle needs a Preventative Maintenance Inspection every six weeks in winter, which takes careful planning to collect, service, and return them to depots across the county—often in time for the next run. During the summer months each vehicle has a full overhaul service and then maintained throughout the year to ensure serviceability for the forth coming winter.

Shaun Hynd

What’s the most rewarding part of your job, and what makes you proud of your team’s contribution to the wider community?

Being part of a team that reacts professionally and takes real pride in keeping Norfolk moving is hugely rewarding. Our technical expertise helps keep vehicles safe and ready, ultimately reducing risk to life across the county whether it be spate fire conditions or severe winter weather.

Despite challenges like fleet replacement strategies, we’ve consistently kept maintenance on track and driven improvements in delivering the compliance schedules therefore ensuring both Fire and Highways fleets are always ready to respond.

Darryl, your team maintains buses used to transport children and adults with various needs. What does a typical day in the workshop look like?

Alongside Transport service vehicles, we also maintain a wide range of fleet vehicles at Fifers Lane, requiring broad skills and parts knowledge. Each internal customer has different delivery pressures, so we constantly flex and react to meet their needs. Transport services, with its sensitive passenger model and large fleet, often drives much of our reactive work throughout the day.

How do you maintain specialist vehicles used by passengers with additional needs, like school children and those attending adults’ centres?

To meet the requirements of the Section 19 permit scheme, we ensure all safety-critical equipment—such as emergency exits, fire prevention systems, and passenger safety features— are fully compliant. Because we manage the work internally, we also collaborate closely with the delivery teams,

supporting their decisions on vehicle investment and future replacement programmes.

You manage a fleet that operates across the entire region. What are some of the biggest challenges in keeping such a diverse set of vehicles on the road?

Although we mainly cover the Norwich area, we also work closely with external providers in the east and west of the county. The biggest challenges are maintaining older vehicles with high mileage, turning around repairs quickly between runs, and sourcing parts— especially when supply chains are struggling. A huge amount of time and effort goes into finding parts quickly and cost-effectively to make sure we deliver the best value for our clients.

What goes on behind the scenes to make sure buses are where they need to be, when they need to be there?

Our workshop priorities shift constantly throughout the day, with vehicles coming in for repairs and others sent out to provide cover. We rely on a multiskilled team, so everyone can step in to handle reactive repairs as they come up - keeping services running smoothly.

A lot of what your team does happens out of sight, but without you, transport services simply wouldn’t run. What do you wish more people knew about the work your team does?

If we get our bit right, and services are delivered smoothly, there is the risk that our role can easily go unnoticed. That’s why it’s great to have this chance to highlight the vital work our team does behind the scenes at Fifers Lane to keep the fleet moving.

Thank you both for your time.

DarrylTaylor

Roundup Charity

We take a look back at some of your charity fundraising efforts supporting our local communities.

Christmas Collections

Back in December, Norse Group’s head office rallied together and to collect toys and food items for two Christmas appeals, the Alive Church and Norfolk Community Foundation.

As part of our newly launched Inter Faith network, colleagues in and around Norwich came together to donate much-needed toys for children for the Alive Church. The annual toy appeal distributes hundreds of new toys to families across the city and beyond who wouldn’t be able to afford presents for their children.

As well as donating food items, support from Norse Group and the wider Good for Good community, Norfolk Community Foundation were able to give over 600 Norfolk families Christmas essentials like gravy, stuffing and mice pies at Christmas through their Nourishing Norfolk food hubs – all delivered in time for Christmas thanks to Norse Group’s n-able fleet. N-able also helped the charity distribute over half a tonne of tinned food donated by Norwich City fans – equal to over 1,500 meals!

Winter Walk for Public Sector Challenge 2 3

In January, Melvyn Stone, Operations Director, and Richard Gawthorpe, Group Business Development Director at Norse Group, took on the Public Sector Challenge London Bridges Walk.

Joining them was Daniella Barrow, Senior Director of Consulting, who participated alongside her ACES (Association of Chief Estates Surveyors and Property Managers in the Public Sector) colleagues.

This charitable event, held in support of Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the British Heart Foundation, saw participants take on 25km and 15km routes through the heart of London, crossing its iconic bridges.

Bringing together over 650 representatives from local authorities and the wider public sector across the UK, the challenge concluded with a memorable finish, where Team GB sprinter and Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, also known as Nitro, welcomed participants at the finish line.

Cake Sale and Raffle for Aching Arms Charity

The Cleaning team held a charity bake sale and raffle in January to raise money and awareness for Aching Arms, a charity that provides comfort bears to hospitals, hospices and support groups to offer to parents after the loss of a baby.

Each bear is donated in memory of another baby, and families can also request one directly. The charity works with over 190 hospitals across the UK and demand for their support has doubled in the last year, with over 5,000 bears donated to bereaved families in the past 12 months.

There were some great raffle prizes up for grabs including a Robobuddy Vacuum, restaurant vouchers and a range of hampers, and thanks to the generosity of everyone who entered the raffle and bought a sweet treat, the Cleaning team managed to raise an amazing £685!

Have a story?

Are you fundraising or supporting a local charity?

Let us know! Email onemagazine@norsegroup.co.uk and share your news and you could appear in the next issue.

4

NEWS steps up with walking aid recycling in Norfolk

A new collaboration between the NHS, Norfolk Recycling , and HMP Norwich is making waves in the effort to reduce waste and support sustainability in Norfolk. The pilot project, designed to recycle and refurbish hospital walking aids, has officially gone live, with strong participation and positive results so far.

The initiative, led by the Norfolk and Waveney AHP Faculty as part of the Integrated Care System (ICS), aims to streamline the process for patients to return unused walking aids (such as walking frames, sticks, and crutches) to local recycling centres.

These walking aids are then cleaned and refurbished by inmates at HMP Norwich, before being returned to local NHS hospitals for reuse by new patients.

In just two months, the project has already collected 400 walking aids from Norfolk

residents. The new recycling scheme is available at all 19 recycling centres across Norfolk, operated by Norse Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) on behalf of Norfolk County Council. The centres act as collection points, making it easy for individuals to drop off their walking aids without needing an appointment.

Join the social revolution: Stay informed and connected with Norse Group by following us on social media.

Our platforms offer a dynamic way to engage with the latest updates, celebrate the exceptional work we’re doing, and build connections within our broader community.

By interacting with our posts, whether through liking, sharing, or commenting - you’ll play a vital role in amplifying the meaningful contributions we’re making together. Get involved and help us highlight the significant value we bring to the communities we serve.

INSIDE NORSE

Stream the latest episodes of Inside Norse on Spotify, where we explore key business strategies and insights. With contributions from senior leaders within Norse Group and our valued

partners, this podcast offers an in-depth look at the company’s operations, transformative projects, and the strategic vision driving our success. With six episodes available, you’ll gain exclusive access to operational insights and thoughtprovoking discussions on industry developments.

SHARE YOUR NEWS

Have you been involved in a groundbreaking project or achieved a significant milestone?

We’re always eager to showcase the innovative work and accomplishments of our team. Get in touch and let us share your story with our clients and the broader Norse community.

Fresh Ideas Feeding Minds

Wondering about Allergens?

Between 2008 and 2018, the number of people in England with a food allergy more than doubled. Recent research shows that 1 in 13 young people in the UK now have a registered food allergy.

In Norfolk, the Group’s catering team provides over 15,000 meals per day, including 564 meals for children and young people requiring a special diet menu.

So, how does the catering team safely cater for allergy children?

We have an Allergen Aware Menu that removes most of the top 14 allergens (excluding sulphites and fish) and has become fully embedded in our service. However, this was the result of a transformative journey.

Until October 2023, the catering team produced 12 different allergen-aware menus, in addition to the standard and plant-based options. Some of the busiest kitchens were preparing multiple menus every day, while allergen numbers continued to rise.

After a process review, we decided to reduce the risk while still offering choice, variety, and inclusivity for children with allergies.

To help us with this change, we reached out to Megan Sims, an independent Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) specialising in Public Health nutrition, who assisted us with research and insight from other school catering providers and the School Food Network.

Parent Feedback:

“Thanks for the meeting and to the team for continually improving the allergen menu. The support Norse provides for our daughter is far better than what many coeliac children get at other schools. We really appreciate it.”

Across the school catering industry, an allergen-aware menu excluding the top 14 allergens is a common practice, as it reduces the risk compared to offering multiple allergen-specific menus, which increases the potential for errors. The decision to adopt a single allergen-aware menu reduces the risk of contamination and simplifies kitchen processes.

To support this operational change, we updated policies and procedures, created kitchen process maps, and revised allergen-aware registration forms. Kitchen staff received allergen training and refresher courses, supported with allergen folders and purple colourcoded utensils to further minimize cross-contamination.

What does the allergen-aware menu look like?

The Allergen Aware Menu is aligned with the standard weekly menu, offering 2-3 hot choices every day, in addition to a packed lunch option. The Menu Development Team works with suppliers to research allergen-friendly products, trial new recipes, and adapt existing ones. For example, we replaced vinegar with lemon juice in our homemade BBQ sauce to make it suitable for all.

Our allergen-aware menu is carefully checked by multiple team members, including Megan, to ensure it is free from the stated allergens, providing peace of mind for parents.

“Where Norse stands out as a provider is in the variety of allergenfriendly meal options they offer. While many providers remove meals that aren’t suitable, Norse adapts recipes and sources alternative ingredients to ensure there’s always a suitable meal for allergy children. Their allergen menus are the best I’ve seen in the industry for both inclusivity and variety, ensuring no child is excluded from meal options.” Megan Sims, Registered Nutritionist (RNutr)

Parent Feedback:

“I appreciate all the hard work to improve the experience for allergy children. Starting school can be daunting, and many parents opt for packed lunches. The picture menu on the website has been a huge help in showing families what their children can enjoy.”

How do we ensure inclusivity for children with allergies?

Since launching the Allergen Aware Menu in November 2024, we have learned a lot about the emotional needs of allergy children and their families, in addition to managing physical risks. Nearly 90% of allergy parents worry about their child’s wellbeing, with over 65% reporting that their children have been excluded or discriminated against due to allergies (source: Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, 2024).

To better understand the experiences of children, we set up a Parent Steering Group.

The feedback from these meetings led to several improvements, including:

Allergen-aware picture menus for better visibility

Taster sessions for children to try new foods

An allergen-aware FAQ leaflet for parents

An allergen-aware version of every menu promotion

A partnership with the NNUH Paediatric Diet Team to address specific queries

The Norse Group catering team is proud of the inclusive approach they’ve adopted. We believe a child’s school lunch experience shouldn’t be compromised by their allergy, and as one of our core values states, we will always pursue better for our young customers.

A self-confessed MS Excel wizard, NPS Project Co-ordinator Kris Kilsby has worked at Norse Group for over four years.

His role involves capturing team resource data from Operational Directors, getting involved in bespoke reporting requirements and helping to streamline data analysis and decisionmaking across the business.

care is essential for Kris. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, he ensures to unwind by spending quality time with his wife and staying active through regular exercise.

Each week after work, Kris and a group of Norse colleagues meet up at Highball Climbing Centre in Norwich for a bouldering session - sometimes followed by a well-earned coffee and cake!

Balancing part-time postgraduate studies with a full-time job means self-

“It might sound like a cliché but exercising, doing something you enjoy, and maintaining a positive mindset really do make a difference.

“Bouldering gives me the chance to socialise with colleagues outside of work while also being physically active and building stamina (to work off that cake)! It

sharpens problem-solving skills, provides a sense of achievement and fosters a positive mindset.

“Bouldering has helped me improve both my physical and mental wellbeing. I used to believe that just telling yourself you can do something wouldn’t make you successful, but I’ve learned that if you stay positive and commit to the climb, you really can achieve more than you think!”

Physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress (nhs.uk).

If you are interested in joining your Norse colleagues for a bouldering session at Highball, please contact: kris.kilsby@norsegroup.co.uk.

We care completely

Employee Care profiles

Kristopher Kilsby

Helping colleagues grow their skills, progress their careers, and embrace new challenges through learning and development.

Week at Norse

Investing in the Future National Apprenticeship

From new faces to award success, National Apprenticeship Week saw Norse Group celebrate skills, development, and career growth.

National Apprenticeship Week in February was a chance to reflect on the impact of apprenticeships and how they help shape careers at Norse Group. With over 100 colleagues across the organisation currently taking part in an apprenticeship, this week-long celebration highlighted the opportunities available to those looking to develop their skills and progress.

One of the key milestones during the week was welcoming Coco D’Hont as our new Learning & Development Specialist, reinforcing our commitment to supporting apprentices and professional growth.

To showcase the power of apprenticeships, we launched our new apprenticeship video, highlighting real success stories from across the Group. Scan the QR code to watch our new Apprenticeship video!

Throughout the week, we also championed T Level placements, a vital pathway for young people looking to gain real workplace experience. Abi Howard, a SHEQ Administration Assistant, shared insights into her T Level placement in Management and Administration, giving a first-hand look at how this route is helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals.

We also took the opportunity to spotlight the Skills Transformation and Enhancement Programmes (STEP) website, the go-to resource for anyone looking to take the next step in their personal development. Whether you’re interested in apprenticeships, leadership programmes, or job-specific training, STEP provides everything you need to explore the right path for your career.

With so many development opportunities available, now is the perfect time to think about where an apprenticeship could take you.

If you’re interested in learning more, scan the QR Code to visit the STEP website or contact apprenticeships @norsegroup.co.uk.

Norse Celebrates Success at the Apprenticeship Norfolk Awards

Recognition at the Apprenticeship Norfolk Awards highlights Norse Group’s commitment to developing skills and careers through apprenticeships.

February’s Apprenticeship Norfolk Awards was a proud moment for Norse Group, as we were recognised for our commitment to apprenticeships and professional development. With a strong presence across multiple award categories, the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships and the individuals driving them forward.

Norse Group was highly commended in the Large Apprenticeships Employer of the Year category, recognising our ongoing investment in developing talent across the organisation. This reflects the dedication of our Learning & Development team, who work closely with apprentices, managers, and training providers to ensure colleagues get the support they need to succeed.

A special mention also goes to Kirsty Shanahan, Senior Learning

& Development Specialist who was highly commended in the Mentor or Manager of the Year category. Kirsty plays a key role in guiding and supporting apprentices at Norse, and this recognition is a testament to her commitment to helping colleagues grow.

Being acknowledged at these awards is not just about celebrating success - it reinforces the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the future of our workforce. With over 100 employees currently enrolled in apprenticeship programmes, Norse is committed to providing learning and development opportunities that help colleagues progress in their careers.

If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your professional development, explore the opportunities available on the STEP website or get in touch at

apprenticeships@norsegroup.co.uk.

Awards

Celebrating Long Service: The Class of 2024

At Norse, we’re proud to celebrate those marking significant long service milestones in 2024 – from 10 to 40 years.

While we recognise the incredible journey of those who have spent decades with us, we also know that many of our colleagues reached these milestones through the TUPE process, where their previous service was honoured when they joined Norse. Whether joining us directly or via a joint venture partnership, your contribution is just as significant, and we’re thrilled to have you as part of our team.

Your class of 2024:

year’s service

Employee and Area:

Tatsiana Sesay

Norse Care

Loreta Raile Norse

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Kate Grange

Norse Care

Karen Baran

Norse Care

Nathan Ashdown

Norse Commercial Services Limited

The Class of 2024 represents the dedication, passion, and teamwork that define Norse, and we’re honoured to celebrate their achievements. Thank you for everything you do – here’s to many more years ahead!

Asiatu Bangura-Smith

Norse Care

James Dwan

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Laura Collins

Norse Care

April Cunningham

Norse Care

Sarah Welton

Norse Care

George Kosti

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Martin Page

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Makuiza Nsiamundele

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Antonio Do Espirito Santo

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Elizabeth Thorpe

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Nathan Ashdown

Norse Commercial Services Limited

David Spanton

Norse Care

Aaran Ford

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Kathryn Hughes

Norse Commercial Services Limited

David Smith

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Stuart McHale

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Malcolm Tucker

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Mark Perry

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Aaran Ford

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Jane Bunney

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Barbara Schofield

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Loveina Harris

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Christopher Murch

Norse Commercial Services Limited

year’s service

Employee and Area:

Neil Payne

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Sharon Simpson

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Karen Dunnett

Norse Care

Alison Knight

Norse Care

Beverley McDowell

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Sharon Bardoe

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Martin Osborne

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Anthony Davis

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Kerrie Fryer

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Tracey Taylor

Norse Care

Tracey Taylor

Norse Care

“I joined the HR Department in 1996 (known back then as the Personnel Department) and our team consisted of just 4 people. I currently still work in HR as a Senior HR Administrator with the HR Transactional Team.”

Tracey Taylor, Senior HR Administrator – 20 Years

Kerrie Fryer

Norse Commercial Services Limited

“My 20 years in IT at Norse has seen many changes. My team has expanded, as has the businesses we are supporting every day. I’ve seen and been a part of new joint venture start-ups and office relocations and spoken to many different Norse staff across the country supporting their first line IT needs over the years and now I look after and manage the mobile phones and tablets of the group. There is always a new challenge to overcome and that’s what I love about working in this team, every day is different!”

Kerrie Fryer, IT Service Desk Technician – 20 Years

Phillip Jacklin

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Richard Glancey

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Brian Oakley

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Gary Underhill

Norse Commercial Services Limited

year’s service

Employee and Area:

Gary Hydon

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Susan Wood

Norse Commercial Services Limited

Angela Talbot

Norse Commercial Services Limited

year’s service

Employee and Area:

Andrew Moore

Norse Care

Thank you all

Life Savers: When a colleague needed help, the team at South West Norse stepped up, showing true teamwork and compassion.

What started as a typical Wednesday morning in November quickly turned into a life-or-death situation at Great Moor House in Exeter.

But thanks to the incredible response from Dominika Buczek, Andrew Shaw, Ian McFarlane, and Sam Elliott what could have been a tragedy became a testament to the power of quick action and teamwork.

On the morning of 13th November, just before 10am, the team was shocked to find a colleague from Devon County Council had collapsed in the foyer of Great Moor House. He was unresponsive, and time was of the essence.

Acting swiftly, Sam grabbed a nearby AED (Automated External Defibrillator), while Dominika and Ian immediately began performing CPR. The seconds ticked by as they worked together, using their first aid training to keep their colleague alive. Andrew quickly joined the effort, taking over chest compressions to ensure that they had continuous, steady care while waiting for emergency responders. Just minutes later, both an ambulance and an air ambulance arrived,

and he was stabilised before being transferred to hospital.

Dominika, Andrew, Ian, and Sam didn’t just act as colleagues—they acted as a team who knew exactly what to do in a critical situation. Their first aid training, which might seem routine on a typical day, became the difference between life and death. Dominika is delighted to share that their colleague “has since been discharged from hospital and is now at home”.

Thank you, Dominika, Andrew, Ian, and Sam, for your swift and courageous actions. You are an inspiration to us all.

New Website

Coming Soon

LOADING

We’re excited to announce that we are in the process of creating a brand-new website for Norse Group. Following on from our rebrand, which took place last year, the new site will provide a contemporary, user-friendly experience, showcasing our people, our values, and the incredible work we do.

Designed to highlight our commitment to delivering the best for the communities we serve, it will provide a fresh platform for connecting with clients, partners, employees, and the public.

We’ll keep you updated as we move forward, and we can’t wait for you to see the final result.

Connor Houghton, Recruitment Project

Lead, shares how we’re helping individuals nearing release find opportunities to rebuild their future.

Since 2022, Norse Group has been developing a Prison Rehabilitation Programme with local correctional facilities, including HMP Norwich and HMP Wayland, to support individuals nearing release.

This programme aligns with our Group goals of diversity, inclusion, social responsibility, and ‘improving people’s lives’ while developing a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. We are exploring how Norse Group can act as a supportive partner in reintegrating former offenders into society and the workforce.

Recruitment

As part of our current work with local correctional facilities, we have developed and implemented a successful framework for work placements within Norse that provides meaningful rehabilitation opportunities for individuals nearing release. Following this framework alongside the fantastic support from managers, we have had successful placements into Highways and Waste and seen fantastic results in acquiring and developing talent.

Recognising these great successes and the talent pool available to aid operational challenges, we are keen to explore further avenues within Norse to facilitate support for this programme.

Ongoing Support

Alongside supporting rehabilitation through offering employment opportunities, this programme also focuses on upskilling and enhancing prisoners’ employability skills, ensuring they are fully supported with their transition into society. HR, Learning & Development and Recruitment have

SUPPORTING NEW BEGINNINGS

been working closely together on the development of wider support avenues to ensure prisoners have access to various new opportunities including:

• CV & disclosure letter templates and guidance packs.

• Mock interview practice opportunities with constructive feedback.

• Competency-based & strengthsbased interview guidance.

• Supporting statement / Cover Letter guidance.

Highways Academy

The Norse Group Highways Academy is a successful FLTS training centre established within HMP Wayland, offering continued support and opportunities to upskill the prisoner’s capabilities through our Highways expertise, crediting them with a formal qualification upon completion. This one-week course captures key elements of the highways environment with core focuses on Health and Safety, CAT & Genny and manual handling. This course runs multiple times throughout the year and is a fantastic incentive to encourage and support prisoners by ensuring they are equipped and confident to establish a career within the highways industry. Over the coming months, we will be hosting some Lunch & Learn sessions where you can find out more about our work with HMP Norwich and HMP Wayland prisons. If you are interested and would like to know more, please email belonging@norsegroup.co.uk.

We make it happen

We act with expertise, specialism and pragmatism every step of the way. We get the job done.

RUN 2025 NORWICH

Norse Group is delighted to return as the main sponsor of Run Norwich 2025.

The popular road race, organised by the Community Sports Foundation (CSF), will return on Sunday 7 September, marking its tenth anniversary.

Capacity for the event will be set at 8,500 entrants, maintaining its position as one of the region’s largest and most anticipated running events.

Following the successful debut of the Junior Run in 2024, the event will also feature its return, offering an opportunity

for younger runners to be part of the celebrations.

“We are immensely proud to support Run Norwich once again,” said Justin Galliford, CEO of Norse Group. “The event embodies our core values of integrity, collaboration, and community and we look forward to celebrating the dedication and charitable spirit of all participants at the special ten-year milestone later this year.”

Pilot All for One Programme Launches

The All for One programme officially launched as a pilot at the start of January, marking the beginning of an exciting new opportunity for colleagues to develop their leadership skills and shape their future careers.

Designed, developed and delivered by our Senior Management Team, the programme brings together tailored training, mentoring and hands-on projects to help nurture talent and strengthen leadership across the business. Running over the next few years, All for One is a key part of our commitment to investing in our people and building a strong pipeline of future leaders. Keep an eye out for more information over the coming months.

Latest episode of Inside Norse Claire

Mackintosh (Norfolk Community Foundation)

The inspirational Claire Mackintosh MBE, Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Foundation, joined Paul Pawa, Group Strategic Development Director, in the studio to record episode 7 of Inside Norse.

In this episode, Paul and Claire explore the vital work of Norfolk Community Foundation, an independent charity committed to empowering small local charities and voluntary groups that aim to remove the inequalities in our society. Through their efforts, they provide essential care, support, and opportunities for the most vulnerable in our communities, creating a lasting impact on local lives.

They also discuss Norse Group’s partnership with Norfolk

Community Foundation as part of the pioneering Nourishing Norfolk Network, an important initiative focused on tackling food insecurity and creating long-term solutions to ensure everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food across the county.

Uttlesford De-mobilisation

Are you ready to take on the Public Sector Challenge?

Last year, an intrepid group of hikers took part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and helped to raise an incredible £219,690 for Cancer Research UK!

Get ready for this year’s exciting challenge - Peak Pursuit, taking place on Friday 5th September 2025 in the beautiful Peak District. With five circular routes to choose from, ranging from 5.5 miles to 26 miles, there’s something for everyone - including a fully wheelchair accessible route, so all abilities can get involved. Whether you’re up for a gentle walk or a tougher trek across iconic peaks like Mam Tor and Lose Hill, this is your chance to soak up stunning views while raising money for a great cause. If you’re interested in taking part, keep an eye out - more information will be coming soon!

At the end of March 2025, Norse Group said goodbye to the dedicated team from our Uttlesford joint venture as our five-year partnership with Uttlesford District Council came to an end.

Since 2020, the team made a significant impact, initially providing cleaning and facilities management services, which were returned to the Council a year ago. More recently, they focused on building maintenance, reactive repairs, compliance services, and supporting the Council’s annual capital programme.

On behalf of Norse Group, we thanked everyone involved in this partnership and wished the Uttlesford team the best for the future as they continue to support their local community.

Medway Internal Event

Back in February, the Medway Norse Soft Services team came together for a special open day - a chance to step away from the day-to-day and focus on training, wellbeing and team spirit.

The event gave colleagues the opportunity to catch up with each other, complete important training sessions, and take advantage of free Health & Wellbeing checks. There was also the chance to try out some new products, adding a hands-on element to the day.

With a great turnout and plenty of positive feedback, the open day proved to be a valuable mix of learning, connecting and taking time to focus on personal health.

Employee Survey –Coming in July 2025

This July, we’ll be launching our next Employee Survey and it’s your chance to share honest feedback about what it’s like to work at Norse.

We know how important strong leadership is, and how much our values matter, so this is your opportunity to tell us how leadership feels in your area and how well our values are brought to life. Your voice matters, and your feedback will help shape the future of our business. Keep an eye out for more details over the coming months.

Operational changes to the Norse Commercial structure

As part of our commitment to strengthening One Norse and ensuring we are structured to support the business in the best possible way, we have made some important appointments within our Commercial operational leadership team.

We are pleased to announce that Jason Glasspoole has been appointed Group Director of Operations - Highways & Fleet and Matt Wilby appointed Group Director of Operations - Contracts. Jason and Matt join Andy Tansley, Group Director of Operations –Partnerships, with all three roles reporting directly to Nick Maddox, Group Chief Operating Officer.

These appointments bring together a team with extensive operational experience, strong sector knowledge, and a deep understanding of Norse.

Each has demonstrated a clear commitment to delivering for our clients, supporting our people, and continuously improving the way we work.

Spring Wellness

Belonging Issue

NORSE GROUP’S EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE