Volunteering time is a great way to give back to your community, and Bibby did that with passion, and a smile.
Each year, we are lucky enough to meet organisations who share our vision. We believe collaborating with businesses can maximise positive impacts in the communities we work in. And as a charity that relies on funding mainly from government, we don’t get to spend as much as we want on things like furniture, and decorating. When local businesses offer to help with things like refurbishing our work spaces, we’re incredibly grateful. Recently we had just that, from Bibby Financial Services and some volunteers from Ageas UK.
We met the organisation Bibby Financial Services through a fantastic networking event. And we realised we shared many of the same values. Assistant Director Karen Hobbs coordinated with Alex Cooper to have our IT office made over in Portsmouth. Alex came in and did wonders upgrading the space.
We also managed to sneak in a few questions about Alex and Bibby Financial Services. Thank you for your patience in answering them, Alex!
Alex Cooper from Bibby Financial Services stands with Kieran Way and his team from Ageas UK
Bibby is a family-owned business that’s over 200 years old. How do you think that helps inform your commitment to helping the community?
At Bibby Financial Services, we see our history as more than just a timeline, it’s also a legacy of responsibility. Being a family-owned business for over two centuries means we understand the importance of people, relationships and community and that really does shape how we operate. Supporting and helping out in communities isn’t about ticking a box, it forms part of who we are.
What made you want to help our charity?
I was drawn to your charity because of the genuine impact you’re making. Your mission to ‘creatively empower people to thrive in their communities’ really resonated with my own values. And, at BFS, we look for partnerships that align with our mission to make a real difference. Your charity also stood out because your passion and commitment to long-term change is apparent in everything you do.
How does your “Giving Something Back” programme support local or national causes?
Giving Something Back is our way of making sure we stay connected to the world beyond our desks! Every year we partner with a range of charities and community initiatives on local and national levels. All of which align with our values. We provide financial support, but we also roll up our sleeves and get involved. From food bank drives to fundraising challenges, our teams are encouraged to choose causes that really matter to them.
Can you share more about Project Compass and how it guides your social responsibility efforts?
Compass is our internal framework that brings together our goals around sustainability, social responsibility and ethical business practices. Whether we’re supporting a charity, making decisions about our carbon footprint or thinking about inclusion, Compass helps us stay aligned with our core values, and stay accountable.
How do you support charities beyond financial donations?
Obviously, charities need money, but we know that sometimes they also need time, skills and voices. That’s why we have days where we can really get involved. Whether it’s offering financial advice workshops, mentoring young people or painting a new office in Portsmouth, we try to help in ways that not only help but allow us to better understand the charity and what they’re trying to achieve. Again, it’s all about genuine connections and building relationships.
How are employees involved in your charity work?
BFS employees really are at the heart of everything we do, including our charity work. Many of our initiatives are employee-led and every team member has access to volunteering days and the freedom to bring ideas and causes they care about to the table. We want all BFS employees to feel empowered to give back in ways that are personal, meaningful and impactful.
