About Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS)

Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS) is a social service organisation formed in 2006. We aim to enhance the quality of life and independence for the blind and vision-impaired community in Singapore through the following programmes and services:

Guide Dogs Singapore has been responsible for successfully training and pairing 11 guide dog teams in our history, of which 6 are currently active. A steadily increasing number of potential clients have also joined our waiting list.

Vision

An inclusive society where every blind and vision-impaired person is empowered for independent living.

Mission

We are dedicated to help blind and vision-impaired people to achieve their fullest potential within society.

Goal

To build a world-class organisation providing excellent service quality and lifelong support to the blind and vision-impaired community.

Our Values

Empowerment
To enable the blind and vision-impaired community to realise their potential and aspirations
Dedication
To promote the interests of the blind and vision-impaired community through close and dedicated partnerships with our stakeholders
Inclusiveness
To promote inclusiveness amongst the society towards the blind and vision-impaired community
Accountability
To always act with accountability and transparency in the course of our work

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Standards Compliance

As a social service agency that advocates for equal rights and inclusive participation on behalf of the vision impaired community in Singapore, we see our move towards being an ESG-focused organisation a natural progression that aligns with the nature of our work.

Environmental

Staff are strongly encouraged to develop daily habits that reduce their and our carbon footprint and help the environment through these practices:

Recycling in the office
Going paperless whenever possible by digitalising our operations
Green commuting such as carpooling
Avoid commuting through virtual meetings and working from home when appropriate
Using energy-saving electrical appliances
Switching off all lights and aircon when no one is in the office
Using personal non-disposal foodware for takeaways
Trainers use their own wet bags to store wet umbrellas instead of plastic bags
Bringing foldable shopping bags to buy food and store items when needed
Through their own initiative, some staff have planted trees in Indonesia and Philippines to reduce carbon footprint through EcoMatcher Tree

Social

GDS ensures the wellbeing of staff and clients by promoting a collegial and inclusive work environment through these policies in place:

An annual budget is set aside for staff welfare and professional development
Our Human Resource Manual documents procedures on fair, inclusive and equal employment
Staff have access to a comprehensive employee handbook to understand their benefits, responsibilities as well as rights, and the appeal process should they have any grievance
A whistle-blowing policy is in place to provide an avenue for any employee or stakeholder to raise concerns about actual, suspected or anticipated wrongdoings or improprieties in matters or concerns within GDS
Clients are informed of their rights and the appeal process should they have any grievance
Establishment of an Advisory Committee that is represented by our clients to ensure a diversity of views that impact our policies and services

Governance

As a social service agency with an Institutions of a Public Character (IPC) status, we comply with a governance checklist which we submit to the Commissioner of Charities every year. It covers these broad categories: