BT has a strong commitment to charity work and corporate social responsibility, encouraging employees to participate in various charitable activities and community engagement initiatives. Here’s how charity work is supported at BT:
1. Employee Volunteering
- Volunteering Leave: BT offers employees paid leave to participate in volunteering activities. This allows employees to give back to their communities without sacrificing their income.
- Community Projects: BT encourages employees to get involved in local community projects, whether it’s through mentoring, educational programs, or environmental conservation efforts. Employees can choose causes that align with their personal values.
2. Payroll Giving
- Payroll Giving Scheme: BT operates a payroll giving scheme, allowing employees to donate to their chosen charities directly from their salary. This program is tax-efficient, meaning that donations are made before tax is deducted, increasing the amount the charity receives.
- Matching Donations: BT often matches the donations made by employees through the payroll giving scheme, effectively doubling the contribution to the chosen charity.
3. Fundraising Initiatives
- Charity Events: BT organizes and supports various fundraising events throughout the year. These might include sponsored runs, charity auctions, bake sales, and other activities aimed at raising money for selected causes.
- National and Local Campaigns: Employees are encouraged to participate in national and local fundraising campaigns, supporting well-known charities or smaller local organizations.
4. BT’s Charitable Foundations
- The BT Benevolent Fund: This fund is designed to support employees and their families who are experiencing financial hardship. It is a way for BT to give back to its own community by providing financial assistance in times of need.
- BT’s Community Aid: BT has established charitable foundations that focus on supporting education, digital inclusion, and other community needs. These foundations often partner with NGOs and other organizations to deliver impactful projects.
5. Supporting Digital Inclusion
- Skills for Tomorrow: BT’s “Skills for Tomorrow” initiative is aimed at helping people across the UK develop digital skills. This program provides free resources, training, and workshops, particularly for underserved communities, to ensure that everyone can benefit from the digital economy.
- Tech for Good: BT supports “Tech for Good” initiatives that use technology to solve social issues. This includes supporting charities and social enterprises that are developing innovative solutions to challenges like mental health, education, and accessibility.
6. Employee-Led Initiatives
- Empowerment to Lead Charitable Efforts: BT empowers its employees to lead their own charitable initiatives. Employees can propose and organize their own charity events or campaigns, with BT providing support and resources.
- Charity Champions: BT designates certain employees as “Charity Champions” who help coordinate and promote charity work within their teams. These champions play a key role in driving participation and ensuring that BT’s charitable efforts have a broad impact.
7. Environmental and Social Responsibility
- Sustainability Programs: BT integrates charity work with its sustainability efforts, focusing on environmental initiatives such as reducing carbon footprints, recycling programs, and supporting conservation projects. Employees are encouraged to participate in these efforts as part of their charity work.
- Global Impact: BT’s charitable efforts are not limited to the UK; the company supports global initiatives as well. This includes disaster relief, global education programs, and health initiatives in developing countries.
BT’s approach to charity work reflects its broader commitment to being a responsible and positive force in society. By supporting employees in their charitable efforts, BT helps make a significant impact on communities both locally and globally.
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