NorthStandard marks award-winning CSR year

A North East-headquartered marine insurer is celebrating another year of supporting charities and community organisations after investing £100,000 in projects across the region and earning recognition for its corporate social responsibility programme.

NorthStandard welcomed representatives from more than 20 charities and community organisations to its Newcastle headquarters for a Charity Community Impact Evening, marking the publication of its latest Sustainability Report and reflecting on a year of community investment.

The event followed an award-winning year for the insurer, which received the Outstanding Contribution to Skills and Community Award at Maritime Innovation Week 2025. 

Over the past 12 months, NorthStandard – which employs more than 350 people at its Tyneside headquarters and nearly 700 worldwide across 13 countries – has directed £100,000 towards North East charities and community projects, while employees contributed more than 780 volunteering hours.

Guests heard presentations and took part in a Q&A session featuring NorthStandard’s Katherine Birchall, global head of FD&D claims, and Chloe Kelly, corporate social responsibility (CSR) executive, alongside representatives from Stella Maris, Smart Works and Newcastle Hospitals Charity/Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. 

Discussions explored the challenges facing local communities and the collaborative initiatives helping to address them.

Chloe, pictured below, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of our CSR programme is bringing together organisations that are making a real difference within our communities. 

“By creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and relationship-building, we hope to support the incredible work being carried out by charities and community groups across the region.

“While funding and volunteering remain important, we believe lasting impact comes from building genuine partnerships that grow over time and respond to the needs of the organisations we work with.”

Chloe Kelly, CSR executive at NorthStandard

NorthStandard continues to support a broad range of regional organisations, including Maggie’s Newcastle, St Oswald’s Hospice, Greggs Foundation, Newcastle United Foundation and Children North East. 

One long-standing partnership with Greggs Foundation has helped provide more than 23,500 free breakfasts to 121 pupils across two primary schools during the past year.

The insurer has also invested in employability and skills initiatives through partnerships with organisations including Ngage, Neuroversal Studios, Smart Works Newcastle and the RISE programme, helping create opportunities for people across the region.

Alongside its community work, the company’s latest Sustainability Report highlights progress across its wider environmental, social and governance priorities. 

Recent improvements at its Newcastle headquarters include the installation of air source heat pumps, a modern heating and ventilation system, and roof-mounted solar panels capable of generating around 15 per cent of the building’s electricity needs. 

The project was delivered with support from North East firms Ward Robinson and Brims Construction.

Alongside the environmental improvements, the report highlights a workforce retention rate of 93 per cent and a continued focus on employee wellbeing, family-friendly policies and career development, reflecting NorthStandard’s commitment to creating positive impact both within its business and across the communities it serves.

Kate Kwiatkowska, head of sustainability at NorthStandard, added: “The past year has been an important step in maturing our sustainability approach. 

“This report demonstrates how sustainability is embedded throughout NorthStandard, from supporting our people and communities to investing in responsible business practices and reducing our environmental impact. 

“We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to creating long-term value for our members, employees, and the communities in which we operate.”

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