Community matters
We encourage our people around the world to support the communities in which we operate with their skills and time.
We believe that charitable activity in our communities really matters and makes a difference.
We are keen for our people to volunteer their time and skills, as well as giving financial support.
The global theme of our programme is 'Inspiring Young Lives'. In support of this, many of our offices partner with schools, colleges, community groups and universities to broaden their horizons, build their aspirations, develop skills and learn about the world of work.
In the UK we run a work experience programme for 16-year-olds called 'Bridge to the City', which helps young people increase their understanding of professional careers and enhances their employability skills. We also run a number of mentoring programmes and reading partner schemes.
Examples of other charitable activity include
Place2Be
In the UK we have launched a three-year partnership with Place2Be, a charity that works in schools with young people to address mental health issues. This aligns closely with our Inspiring Young Lives theme and our wider focus on mental health.
Around 1 in 8 children have a diagnosable mental health problem and half of all mental health problems start before the age of 14. The charity provides emotional and therapeutic services in over 600 primary and secondary schools, supporting a school population of over 350,000 children and young people.
Working with this charity provides many opportunities for our people to get involved in fundraising, volunteering and providing pro bono advice.
Orbis
Several of our offices in the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions partner with Orbis, a charity which trains and mentors optical healthcare workers to prevent blindness, especially in children.
The charity operates a pioneering Flying Eye hospital, a fully accredited medical facility fitted into a plane. It also undertakes screening, training, operations and medical follow-ups via local clinics and hospitals.
EdUKaid
In Africa we work with EdUKaid, a charity that operates in the rural Mtwara region of southern Tanzania. Its aim is to improve access to education for some of the country’s most disadvantaged children.
On a recent visit, staff members helped put the finishing touches to the complete refurbishment of the Mkwajuni village primary school. This included painting classrooms, building hand-washing facilities, constructing a shelter for pre-primary classes and creating educational resources.
Mission to Seafarers
A number of offices in the MEA region support the Mission to Seafarers. This charity works in over 260 ports caring for seafarers of all ranks and nationalities by offering practical and emotional support through ship visits, drop-in centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services.
World Bicycle Relief
We have a pro bono partnership with World Bicycle Relief, a global not-for-profit organisation that distributes bicycles into rural areas in developing countries. In locations where distance can be a massive barrier to education, healthcare and economic opportunity, the gift of a bicycle can open up many opportunities.
Inclusion matters
As a global business, we recognise that developing innovative inclusion programmes really matters.
Find out moreWellbeing matters
We are building a diverse and inclusive working environment where we support our people to flourish, to find a balance between their personal and professional lives, and to manage their everyday challenges.
Read More