Our core values

Not just an observer but an active participant in making places better

• We inform and inspire the people who make a difference where it matters most. If we achieve our aim of providing our readers with a magazine which helps them in their work and in their communities, then we will play a part in helping to make places better for the people who live in them and to improve the quality of life in the places it is most needed.
• We are a social enterprise and our social objectives are written into our memorandum and articles of association.
• With the input of our readers, we choose 3 organisations that are relevant to making communities better to actively support each year: one local to our base in Sheffield; one national; and one international.
• For 2009-2010 we are supporting the Northern Refugee Centre, Trafford Hall (National Tenants’ Resource Centre), and European Disaster Volunteers.
• In 2008 we chose to support the work of 3 organisations: Just Change, Off the Streets and Into Work, and the Heeley City Farm.
• We seek to keep to the highest possible editorial standards. Our reporting and comment will be independent and accurate. We are passionate about what we stand for but even-handed in our reporting. We adhere to the Press Complaints Commission’s code of practice. Where editorial content has been sponsored by a third party or an advertiser, we will always make that clear.
• If mistakes are made in our editorial content, we will correct them. Where appropriate, we will offer a right of reply.
• We strive to achieve the highest professional standards in everything: we do the best job we possibly can. We do what we say we are going to do and when we say we are going to do it.
• Innovation and continuous improvement: we seek external and internal feedback to help us to continually develop our business.
• We offer our staff high quality training opportunities and encourage them to develop their talents in a positive working environment. Staff are given the opportunity to share in the company’s financial success.
• If we make a mistake we will admit to it and put it right.
• We treat our suppliers courteously, with respect, and as we would like to be treated ourselves.
• We are transparent, honest, realistic and accurate in our communications.
• We enable and encourage our staff to give their time to charity or community projects via an additional 5 days paid leave per year .
• We have an Environmental working group finding practical ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Our print suppliers are IS09001 certified and we print on FSC standard paper using vegetable-based ink.
• We are offering an alternative to print: our digital editions of New Start give readers the opportunity to receive a complete page-turnable version of the whole magazine on their screens.
• We operate an ethical procurement policy.