Press release
Blog
How is your work helping Opencast build its social impact? “With increasing climate and ecological disruption we need to make IT as sustainable as possible to reduce its impact on society and the planet. I work with our consultants and clients to meet net zero and wider sustainability goals through sustainable digital delivery.”
What is your proudest moment in terms of social or environmental impact within the business so far? “Winning an international hackathon with an Opencast team and a submission that measured the impact software and hardware has on water consumption - something we're continuing to develop so that the wider IT community can reduce the water impact of their own software.”
Why does Opencast's commitment to social responsibility matter to you? “Work is a major part of our lives and it's important to me that I work somewhere that is in alignment with my own values. Having Opencast achieve B Corp status showed me that this somewhere I can feel comfortable working to common goals.”
One key insight from your experience in this space? “We're more than just individuals. The work you do can be more impactful than any other part of your life if you work with others to the same goal.”
How is your work helping? “I contribute to Opencast's social impact strategy by facilitating our Open Spaces programme, which offers free community space to charitable organisations. Additionally through organising work experience opportunities for both adults and students, helping create paths into the tech sector.”
Proudest moment so far? “Our nomination for 'Most Inspirational Technology Employer' at the 2024 North East STEM Awards. This recognition highlights our dedication to inspiring both adults and children on their STEM journeys, reinforcing our commitment to positively impacting the wider community.”
Why does social impact matter? “I’m proud to be part of a B Corp. I believe businesses should lead by example and create a positive impact in our communities by caring for people and the planet, while also leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations. It’s fantastic to be with a company that prioritises doing the right thing.”
One key insight? “The lack of opportunities for adult work experience, especially for career switchers. There's a real gap in the market to upskill these individuals and harness their knowledge from other industries. Supporting this transition can positively impact both the business and wider community.”
How is your work helping? “I lead on the delivery of our net zero and decarbonisation strategy, working with all functional areas in the business to embed it in the fabric of our organisation, whilst engaging with other organisations on how we can collectively move the dial.”
Proudest moment so far? “I'm always filled with pride when I see our various work experience cohorts in HQ throughout the year. It's a great feeling knowing my colleagues are inspiring the next generation of tech professionals of all ages and backgrounds.”
Why does social impact matter? “The fact that we are committed to having a strong positive impact in our local community, wider society and the environment matters demonstrates the purpose and impact at the core of our company and it makes me very proud to work at Opencast.”
One key insight? “There's an African proverb that says if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together. That's very true in the decarbonisation space in that whilst it's important for Opencast to set ambitious goals and work towards achieving them, it's not something that we can or should do in isolation.”
How is your work helping? “I've been working with the social impact team since we began the work, helping to tie the strategy into our purpose, mission and vision and our wider brand. This focus continues, along with ensuring we're communicating clearly about our work and avoiding greenwashing in any information we provide.”
Proudest moment so far? “Seeing everything grow from the initial conversations, through work with the exec about how to implement social impact into the business to achieving B Corp status. It's been a real team effort but we wouldn't have got there without the social impact team driving everything forward.”
Why does social impact matter? “It's part of who we are as a business and the work to embed it into what we do is inspiring. There's still a lot more we can be doing but to see it genuinely being integrated into our work means it has a real impact on society.”
One key insight? “Make sure it's not just lip service or something you add at the end. To be impactful, it needs to be built from the ground up.”
How is your work helping? “I drive Opencast’s social impact by implementing inclusive policies like enhanced family leave and wellbeing support, fostering a supportive workplace culture that aligns with our B Corp commitment to prioritise people, community, and environmental responsibility.”
Proudest moment so far? “Recently, we introduced enhanced family leave policies, providing greater support for both primary and secondary caregivers. This commitment to supporting our employees’ lives beyond work has been one of the team's proudest moments—it reflects our belief in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.”
Why does social impact matter? “Being B Corp certified is a powerful reminder of our commitment to social responsibility, ensuring that we consistently prioritise people, the community, and the planet. This dedication means that every policy we implement, from family leave to well-being support, actively contributes to Opencast’s mission of doing good.”
One key insight? “Positive impact starts with listening to our people. By building policies around their needs, we can inspire change, showing that business success and social responsibility go hand in hand.”
How is your work helping? “I'm leading my team to curate a growing number of clients that enable us to deliver tangible social impact through the projects that we deliver with them and on their behalf.”
Proudest moment so far? “My proudest moments are always where we win opportunities that both enable our business to deliver real social impact, as well as delivering on the expectations of our consultants for interesting, varied and impactful work.”
Why does social impact matter? “Our commitment to social responsibility is not only the right thing to do, but it also represents good business. I fully believe that businesses that commit in the same way stand the best chance of long-term success.”
One key insight? “It is far more fulfilling to work in an organisation where purpose and profit not only exist, but thrive together.”
How is your work helping? “By embedding initiatives into our hiring processes that are aimed at creating equal opportunities for all and reaching those from under-represented communities. We have worked hard to build the right partnerships and interview communities, which provides us with diversity offering differing perspectives throughout the hiring process.”
Proudest moment so far? “Winning a national diversity, equity and inclusion award for inclusive hiringdemonstrates the efforts we have put into achieving the standards we have at Opencast. We want to make a real difference to people’s lives, and in doing so aim to remove blockers in recruitment practices and promoting social mobility, creating a fairer opportunities for all regardless of their socioeconomic status.”
Why does social impact matter? “It demonstrates our overall commitment to evolve and improve our efforts in socially impactful recruitment. We don't want to stand still and it allows us to measure our existing standards and encourages us to focus on the right initiatives that positively impact society.”
One key insight? “This is a complex journey that grows and evolves over time. The effort that goes in from all angles requires time and collaboration. I've loved seeing the outputs and the value of understanding our position as an organisation. You don't need to have it have it right first time but the mindset and cultural commitment to achieve is a must.”
How is your work helping? “Our team’s role is to lead Opencast’s social impact initiatives. This includes working directly with partners and communities to invest time and money into projects that create a fairer economy, healthier, happier lives and protect our environment.”
Proudest moment so far? “The B-Corp certification was a massive team effort, and we were proud to lead that process. The assessment showed us our strengths and where to grow, whilst also making us part of an awesome community that motivates us to be better every day.”
Why does social impact matter? “Our team of three has been working in social impact for 20 years, and we’re passionate about how businesses can and should tackle the world’s biggest challenges. For us, it’s more than just work – it’s personal. Our leaders’ vision at Opencast feels very much like ours. It’s a place where we can live our purpose: to do the right thing for people and planet.”
One key insight? “To make a real impact, we need to look outward and see that we exist to serve others, not only ourselves. That means understanding the systems we work within and finding ways to improve them. This is what we are trying to do. It’s a long, complex journey that requires patience and humility – but that’s why it’s so worth it!”
Our team has been working in social impact for 20 years, and we’re passionate about how businesses can and should tackle the world’s biggest challenges. For us, it’s more than just work – it’s personal
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