Case Study: Liberum
Liberum and School-Home Support (SHS) have created an award-winning strategic partnership which improves educational outcomes for disadvantaged children in Islington and Hackney. The partnership won the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award last year for Education and Lifelong Learning, and was recently shortlisted for the Charity Times Award in Corporate Community Local Involvement.
“We couldn’t be more proud of this achievement. At Liberum we feel it is important to get involved directly with the local community and the charities that we support. For us, it’s not solely about writing a cheque – participation is a really powerful way of making a difference. All of our employees contribute in some way to help disadvantaged children and their families.” Tony Scawthorn, Chief Operating Officer
Liberum have been working in partnership with SHS since 2011 to improve the educational outcomes for disadvantaged children and families in Islington and Hackney. Liberum have a hands-on approach; financial support to SHS is part of a wider and deeper partnership that involves staff hosting Aspiration Sessions, running a weekly reading group at a local primary school and making up Christmas Hampers for families in most need of some extra help.
As well as making a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people, the SHS partnership with Liberum has also had a significant impact on Liberum employees. In a survey conducted in 2015-16, we found that 82% of staff feel more connected to Liberum as a result of this partnership (whether they have volunteered directly or not). Employees agree that the project has brought business benefits to Liberum, saying that it “brings a nice team spirit to Liberum and all for a good cause” and that “the reading sessions are one of the most rewarding things I have done, thank you.”
Liberum has also developed new initiatives for school leavers, as part of the partnership’s wider aim to give disadvantaged young people new opportunities. Abbie Ralph, HR Adviser says that changes to their recruitment process have come about as a direct result of the partnership with SHS: “we understand people’s struggles and pasts more.”
Links to articles: