{"id":35267,"date":"2025-09-03T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/?p=35267"},"modified":"2025-09-10T17:17:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T16:17:55","slug":"volunteering-that-builds-opportunity-highlights-from-the-hr-director","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/news\/volunteering-that-builds-opportunity-highlights-from-the-hr-director\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteering That Builds Opportunity: Highlights from\u00a0‘The HR Director’ Publication"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UK & Ireland ESG Director, Jacky So, recently featured in The HR Director<\/em> with an article titled \u201cVolunteering opportunity creation outshines traditional support methods\u201d<\/em>. The piece explores how organisations can move beyond conventional volunteering models to create meaningful, long-term opportunities for individuals and communities.<\/p>\n

Volunteering for us is not a one-off activity; it\u2019s a way to build skills, confidence and pathways into employment. We design our programmes to create real social value, especially for those facing barriers to work.<\/p>\n

Creating pathways, not just placements<\/h3>\n

The article highlights how we embed volunteering initiatives into broader social impact programmes such as People into Work<\/em><\/a>, a mentoring scheme that supports individuals from marginalised backgrounds to gain experience and access employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

Structured placements, mentoring, and real-world experience foster growth in confidence and skills. This people-focused approach moves volunteering away from acts of charity towards creating long-term opportunities.<\/p>\n

Volunteering with purpose<\/h3>\n

Volunteering is one of the ways OCS advances its ESG objectives. It also adds social value directly on the ground. Whether through local clean-up drives, employability workshops, or community partnerships, colleagues dedicate their time and effort where it counts most.<\/p>\n

These efforts strengthen communities and support individuals, while also helping to shape a positive, values-led workplace culture. Colleagues who volunteer often develop new skills, build relationships across teams, and take pride in being part of a business that gives back.<\/p>\n

According to Glassdoor, 57 per cent of UK workers value company culture more than salary. Allowing colleagues to support causes they care about fosters a shared sense of purpose that extends beyond roles and responsibilities.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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Creating a culture of volunteering<\/h3>\n

A strong culture of volunteering requires more than just encouragement. It needs time, structure, and clear leadership backing. Volunteering at OCS isn’t confined to specific campaigns or single days of action. Instead, it is ingrained in policies and supported by partnerships that offer opportunities to give back in meaningful ways.<\/p>\n

From mentoring young people to supporting local charities and sustainability initiatives, colleagues are encouraged to engage with causes they feel connected to. Social value champions across the business promote opportunities and gather insights that inform future action.<\/p>\n

Volunteering is also recognised as a benefit in itself. It helps colleagues grow personally and professionally while making a tangible impact on society.<\/p>\n

Creating opportunities for marginalised groups<\/h3>\n

Social value cannot be delivered without inclusion. Supporting marginalised groups is a key part of OCS\u2019s volunteering and employability approach. This includes individuals from different ethnicities, women and girls, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQI groups, ex-offenders, veterans, and those living in poverty.<\/p>\n

There are a range of ways organisations can support greater access and opportunity. These include:<\/p>\n