Engaging with our communities through colleague volunteering and charitable giving is an important part of our culture. Our colleagues are encouraged to use their time and skills for volunteering, fundraising for charity and helping people fulfil their potential. They were imaginative and generous in their support for their communities throughout the year.
Work placements
Equal access to opportunity is one of the most pressing issues young people face, so we work in our local communities to offer students work placements, an internship programme and apprenticeships. Twenty-nine people took part in paid internships across South Africa, the Philippines and the UK.
Volunteering
All colleagues are encouraged to give their time and skills to support their local communities and can take up to two days’ paid volunteering leave. We know of at least 290 colleagues who have volunteered nearly 1,300 hours to a variety of projects. 46 colleagues gave nearly 300 hours to environmental activities.
Charity partnerships
We partner with educational charities internationally, and our colleagues are encouraged to fundraise, support and volunteer with them. More than £177,000 was donated to many causes, nearly £78,000 of which was raised by colleagues, through a wide range of activities and UK Give As You Earn, with £7,000 added from matched funding.
