Catering
Our on-site facilities vary between sites but include a subsidised restaurant/deli bar offering everything from hot meals and soups to fresh salads and paninis. Look out for special offers and themed food days! Our Adams House site offers tea and coffee making facilities, microwaves, fridge/freezers and food vending machines.

Sports and Social
IFDS has an active Sports and Social Committee who organise all kinds of events from theatre trips, quiz nights and trips abroad to more sporting events such as football tournaments, bowling nights and skid panning. We also have regular clubs including badminton and squash. The Sports and Social Committee have negotiated reduced membership fee with local gyms and discounts with local retailers for all IFDS staff.

Visiting Retail
If it's a bit of retail therapy you are looking for IFDS brings the high street to you! We have visiting retailers selling everything from greetings cards and jewellery to clothing and remote control toys!

The Forum
The Forum comprises of a committee of employees who act as a conduit between the employee base and corporate level to discuss employee issues companywide. These issues range from clarity around business reorganisation and grading structures, corporate branding, Learn @ IFDS and prices in the canteen. The Forum essentially enables everyone to improve their understanding and involvement in the Business.

Community Investment and Charity
Community Investment and Charity IFDS is committed to contributing to charities and the local community and has an active Charity Committee that meets regularly to award sponsorship to employees and organise events. Each year the Committee actively supports a chosen charity such as Essex Air Ambulance. IFDS operates a Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme allowing employees to give to charity directly from their gross salary.

Some of the charity events we have been involved with in the last year include:

• Hosting the Call Centre for Comic Relief, Sports Relief and Children in Need
• Monthly "dress down" days for a chosen charity which is suggested by employees
• Participated in Environment Day, holding an art competition for employees' children. The entry fee was donated to the Essex Wildlife Trust's Plotlands Project. Employees participated in a "Wear Something Green" jeans day and donated £1; this money was also donated to the project and a total in excess of £900 was raised for the charity
• Work with the Basildon Foyer; an independent provider of accommodation for single and vulnerable homeless 16-25 year olds. IFDS funded a Christmas party for them.

The Company also contributes to the local community in the following ways;

• Working in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), IFDS supports a volunteering programme for its employees to work with local children who have difficulties with their reading and numeric skills
• Mentoring undergraduates in association with the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). The University runs a mentoring scheme to allow 2nd year undergraduates' access to local business professionals (working in a relevant field) and the experience and guidance they can offer
• Supporting Enterprise in Education which supports local senior schools providing students with a day of activities based around the business environment
• Working in partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust to support the environment, wildlife and conservation initiatives
• Sponsors a category of the annual Regional Business Awards and have also been involved in hosting the judging panel
• Work with the Basildon Foyer; an independent provider of accommodation for single and vulnerable homeless 16-25 year olds. IFDS funded a Christmas party for them