THE ASCERTIVA GROUP, one of the world's top third-party certification companies, helps secure safe electrical installation in Britain. Almost 2.5m people get an electric shock in their homes or garden every year, any one of which could result in injury or death. The organisation works with a range of businesses, government departments and charities to combat unsafe installation of electrical wiring and equipment and improve safety across the country. The company, a new entry to our list, was established in 1923 and was formerly known as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). The organisation's operating arms include NICEIC Electrotechnical, serving Britain's electrical contracting industry; NICEIC Certification, for gas operatives and new energy; and NQA, the international certification body. The 331 staff feel proud to work for Ascertiva, with a 79% positive score, and believe their company makes a positive difference (73%). All profit made by the group is gift-aided to its parent, the Electrical Safety Council, a registered charity since 1971. The last Friday of each month is “dress down for charity day”. Employees pay £1 and donations are matched by the firm. Based in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, Ascertiva has recently expanded into renewable energy, with its Puragen renewable energy franchise, and staff feel the organisation cares about the environment (74%). It also has several green practices in place, such as a cycle-to-work scheme, double-sided printing and recycling of waste materials. Having failed to make our list last year, the firm responded to feedback from our employee-engagement survey by giving its workforce the opportunity to volunteer in the community. One day was spent redecorating the visitors' room of the local hospital, while another was dedicated to creating a nature trail in the grounds of a primary school close to company headquarters. Area engineers earn an average basic salary of £47,267 and staff tell us that they are happy with their pay and benefits (64%). Workers received a bonus of £150 to thank them for helping the group achieve its financial targets at the end of March last year, and they got an extra day's holiday at Christmas because the business was ahead of the budgeted surplus at the end of November. Employees of the month, nominated by their colleagues, receive £50 in gift vouchers.
