Community

We believe it is important that we engage with local community groups and individuals in the communities in which we operate. We aim to build and maintain the best possible relationship with our neighbours.

Arqiva has over 8,000 active sites and operates in accordance with the Code of Best Practice for Mobile Phone Network Development whenever we want to develop one of these sites. This Code provides clear and practical advice to ensure the delivery of significantly better and more effective communication and consultation between operators (like Arqiva and our customers), local authorities and local people.

As an operator or shared radio sites, Arqiva is responsible for ensuring that total emissions are well within the guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines are endorsed by the UK government and the World Health Organisation. In practice emissions are typically so low that maximum public exposure amounts only to small fractions of the levels permitted.

Arqiva's Community Relations Team ensures individuals and local communities in the area know of any plans to develop sites and who at Arqiva can address their questions or concerns. We have a streamlined process for dealing with issues, to ensure they are handled promptly. Email Community Relations

At some of our larger sites we have developed strong relationships with local organisations, from Naomi House children's hospice near Winchester to the Chalfont Wasps Football Club. Raffle money raised at employee events at our four main sites has been matched by the company and donated to local charities, including Kirkwood Hospice near Huddersfield, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Winchester Churches' Night Shelter. In addition the company routinely matches the funds raised by employees in their own charity initiatives (up to £500 per event) and there are four Outstanding Charity Awards of £2,500 each year.

Our next intake of apprentices will find charitable activities in their development programme, based around the Warwick area.

We are also encouraging our people to take up community roles such as magistrates, youth workers, hospital volunteers, school governors and special constables.