How Thorpe Park Operates Ethically: Policies and Sustainability

Thorpe Park Resort (Chertsey, Surrey), owned by Merlin Entertainments, implements a structured ethical framework across operations:

Governance and Compliance

• Employee Code of Conduct – Defines expectations for integrity, harassment prevention, conflicts of interest, data protection.
• Whistleblower Hotline – Confidential reporting (independent third party) for unethical conduct, safety violations, fraud.
• Diversity & Inclusion – Targets for gender/ethnic representation; LGBTQ+ network; disability-confident employer accreditation; inclusive recruitment.

Sustainability Commitments (Merlin's "Change for Good" Strategy)

• Zero waste to landfill by 2030 – Waste segregation, recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion.
• Renewable energy – Solar PV on roofs; green electricity tariffs; EV charging points.
• Water reduction – Leak detection, low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.
• Biodiversity – Wildflower meadows, bug hotels, bat boxes, pond management on 200+ ha estate.
• Carbon – Science-based targets (SBTi) for Scope 1, 2, 3 reduction; annual reporting.

Responsible Sourcing

• Supplier Code of Conduct – Modern slavery, labor rights, environmental standards, community impact.
• Food – Red Tractor, MSC/ASC seafood, cage-free eggs, local produce targets, plant-based menu expansion.
• Merchandise – Ethical sourcing audits; recycled-content plush; reduced packaging.

Safety (Core Ethical Obligation)

• ISO 45001 certified health & safety management.
• Daily ride inspections, third-party audits (ADIPS), comprehensive staff training.
• Guest welfare – Lost children, first aid, accessibility (Ride Access Pass), mental-health first aiders.

Community

• Local hiring, apprenticeships, school STEM workshops, charity partnerships (Merlin's Magic Wand).

Annual Corporate Responsibility Report (Merlin group) details KPIs. Independent assurance by Ernst & Young.