A new purpose-driven initiative to create positive social, economic and environmental impacts within UK communities has been announced by Acorn by Synergie.
‘Acorn Impact’ will see 10,000 hours of company time dedicated to enhancing social mobility in local communities over the next three years. The 10,000 hours will include actively engaging with diverse communities via partnerships, networking events and jobs fairs to attract talent from under-represented groups, providing workshops and mentoring to help people progress further in their careers, plus more.
The new strategy also aims to reduce inequalities by providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background and reflects Acorn by Synergie’s belief that successful businesses must play an active role in addressing social challenges.
To mark its launch, companies including engineering giant Smiths joined representatives from training and employment specialists Maximus at Acorn by Synergie’s UK headquarters for a special ‘Acorn Impact Workshop’. The event, which was also attended by members of the public, provided job seekers with an inside look at the manufacturing and production sector.
The event facilitated shared experiences between employers and career experts to help give those attending the best chance of gaining employment and excelling within the sector, with the aim of getting them into the workplace.
Lawrence Beach, client development director for Acorn by Synergy led the event and said: “Acorn by Synergy has been working ever more closely with local communities to help close the loop between job seekers from all backgrounds and real-life work experience in recent years.”
He added: “Introducing Acorn Impact as a formal business strategy that will ensure this approach now becomes integral to the work we do in bringing employers and candidates together nationwide was the logical next step for us, therefore, as a leading recruiter for the UK.”
Centred around five strategic pillars – Social Mobility, Community Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, Ethical Sourcing, and Employee Wellbeing and Development – the initiative will now be rolled out company wide to help create positive social, economic, and environmental change within communities across the UK.
Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn by Synergy added: “As an organisation we’re really passionate about being socially responsible and working together in a way that helps us all to do right by the people and communities around us.
“With this in mind, over the next three years, Acorn by Synergie is pledging to dedicate a minimum of 10,000 hours of company time towards initiatives and activities which will enhance social mobility. Our aim is to help build a more inclusive and equitable society where people from all backgrounds can thrive, helping to create a brighter future for all.”
