Serco

Serco is a giant outsourcing company operating in the UK, described as ""probably the biggest company you've never heard of."

Areas it operates in include the following: health, defence, transport, prisons, education, aviation and leisure.

Healthcare

Serco health employs over 300 doctors and nurses in primary care and community health services, including out of hours care. Serco also provides facilities management in three NHS hospitals and prison health care.

It was beaten by Circle in a bid to be the first private healthcare company to run an NHS hospital.

Nuclear

This article is part of the Nuclear Spin project of Spinwatch.

Serco describes itself as 'one of the world's most experienced companies in nuclear safety, technology and management'. Its nuclear Technical Consulting Services (TCS) division supports the operation of over 20 nuclear reactors, and 'serves as the lead nuclear safety advisor to Westinghouse, designer of the AP1000 nuclear reactor currently under assessment for the UK's new civil nuclear programme'.

In May 2012 it was announced that Serco was in talks with AMEC, a UK consultancy, engineering, and project management services company about selling TCS.

Nuclear partnerships

• Partnered with University of Manchester and Battelle to manage the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), 'the leading nuclear technology services provider in the UK. NNL has expertise across the full range of nuclear technology, including waste management, nuclear safety and non-proliferation, materials and corrosion and plant inspection.

• Serco manages the UK Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) as part of a consortium with Lockheed Martin and Jacobs. According to Serco, 'AWE is one of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world, developing the sophisticated materials, quantum physics and computer modelling vital to the safe and effective maintenance of the UK's nuclear deterrent. AWE experts also play a leading role in nuclear non-proliferation and international nuclear security'.

External lobbyists

• Bellenden - lists 'Serco Defence, Science and Nuclear' as a client on the UK Public Affairs Council register in 2011.

Controversy

PR Week reported in November 2010:

"Outsourcing giant Serco is on the hunt for fresh public affairs support as it seeks to restore its reputation in Westminster following a barrage of negative headlines. Serco... has been attacked for the manner in which it conducts negotiations with suppliers. Last week, the company was forced to apologise for demanding cash rebates from its biggest suppliers in an attempt to help it deliver the Government's cost savings. According to reports, Serco's stance angered Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude because the Government had agreed with Serco that the cuts would come from its own profit margins, rather than those of suppliers and sub-contractors.

Lobbying

• Serco employs Weber Shandwick for lobbying services. The account is led by Joe Phelan at Weber. Serco previously employed lobbying firm Fleishman-Hillard for a 'specific lobbying issue' until 2010.

• Four Communications also list Serco as a client as of November 2011 on the UK Public Affairs Council register.

• Serco previously enlisted Weber Shandwick Square Mile for its financial communications work from 2000-2005, though its relationship was on an ad hoc basis according to PR Week until the arrival of Serco director of corporate communications Dominic Cheetham from British Gas in 2004.

People

• Christopher Hyman, chief executive
• Stephanie Elsy, UK director of government relations.
• Lisa Lipshaw, government relations manager

Legal firms used

• Linklaters (principal legal adviser) (corporate); Ashurst; DLA Piper LLP; Hogan Lovells; Kemp Little LLP; Nabarro LLP; Pinsent Masons; White & Case LLP

Contacts

Website:http://www.serco.com