MP visited to hear how local employer CGI protects the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure and leverages digital services to drive climate action.

CGI welcomed Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West and President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, to their Green Park, Reading office on Friday 11 February.

During the visit, Alok met with professionals from across the UK operations of the global IT and business consultancy firm, including Tara McGeehan, President of CGI in the UK and Australia, and Michael Herron, Senior Vice President for Central Government & CGI’s Global lead for Net-Zero. He found out more about CGI’s involvement in managing Critical National Infrastructure projects, such as work for the UK Government, Policing and Energy & Utilities industry. Other topics covered were CGI’s cyber security capabilities, how it helps protect the vulnerable in society, and its work enabling sustainability from the seabed to space.

Employing over 900 members (the term CGI uses to refer to their employees) at the Reading Green Park office, CGI is committed to supporting the local community and participates in local community programmes such as volunteering, STEM events in schools and litter picks. The organisation has also recently started working alongside WorkFit, the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme, and during his visit Alok met with some of those employed through the scheme in the on-site café.

Tara McGeehan, President of CGI UK and Australia Operations, said:

“As a major employer in the Reading area and an active member of the COP Business Leaders Forum, it was great to meet with Alok in person to discuss our local community activities and what responsible businesses can do for a more sustainable world. We were able to share our sustainability plans here at CGI to reach net-zero by 2026 in the UK and how we are enabling clients achieve their plans through digital technology.”

Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, said:

“It was a very enjoyable and informative visit to CGI. I learnt about their support for the Down’s Syndrome Association WorkFit employment programme, tech sustainability programme to tackle climate change and work on the smart meter rollout. I was also pleased to meet an organisation in my local constituency which puts a priority on being a responsible business, both in terms of supporting the local community and the wider environment.”