Our ESG in action

What has OSiT been doing to support our local communities?

Ever since we opened our doors we’ve supported charities and fundraising endeavours close to the hearts of our employees. In 2023 we decided to take this a step further and allow each OSiT centre to select a charity local to them to support. This allowed our OSiTeers not only to raise funds for these charities but also to donate their time as volunteers. It’s an approach which has proved incredibly popular … and we’ve continued it in 2024.

Our teams in our serviced office buildings are again busy supporting some incredible organisations in their neighbourhoods. And in the process hopefully cementing OSiT as a force for good in our communities.

This year our flex space office centres in London selected to work with: Whitechapel Mission, Bow Foodbank, Evelyn Community Store, Oasis Community Hub Waterloo and Idia’s Community Kitchen.

Throughout the year we have been fundraising for these charities, hosting events for our employees and office space clients to enjoy. Cocktail making nights, donut days and sip n’paint evenings, to name but a few, have all been popular and well supported. Our OSiTeers love to think up creative ways to raise money and the social, inclusive, friendly nature of our office workspaces mean our clients are more than happy to join in and support these events too.

As our St Paul’s office centre client, Karen, says “It has been a privilege for the team to raise funds, as well as volunteer for Bow Foodbank and reminds us of the ongoing importance of coming together during challenging times”. Similarly, Monument office client Graham mentioned that “Knowing I am supporting a wonderful charity like Idia’s Community Kitchen gives a warm feeling … I’m pleased to have played a small part of their mission this year”.

Volunteering their time to support their local communities is really important to many of our employees. This year 13 OSiTeers have regularly volunteered aa total of 73 hours. Their reasons for getting involved with this initiative are varied and personal, however, it is clear that all our volunteers find it a very positive experience and many mention how meaningful and rewarding it is for them personally.

Conferencing Coordinator Joyline says “I’ve loved getting to know the community that the charity supports, as well as the people who dedicate themselves to helping others”.

Aicha from our Monument office Reception shares that “Helping people in need through our chosen charity has been both fulfilling and inspiring, it’s been a rewarding experience … Knowing we’re part of a larger effort to give back and make a positive impact truly means an lot to me, and I feel proud to be part of this mission”.

Sarah, PA to our Directors highlights that she chose to volunteer because “I believe in helping those in need. I feel incredibly fortunate, and I think giving back is essential, both in and outside of work. Volunteering is an enriching experience that is educational, motivating, and inspiring. It also encourages mindfulness and a sense of purpose”.

Many of the charities we support run food banks or community kitchens. Our volunteers help at the Bow Food Kitchen by organising food donations and stock and sorting these into bags and serving the people using the food bank. At Idia’s Community Kitchen we help with pantry management and storing food deliveries which are not being used for meals, as well as serving food.

Several of our office centres have a food collection point in reception where our employees and clients can drop off food donations throughout the year. Sometimes we liaise with a charity to learn which foods are particularly needed sot this can be communicated to donors and in the case of our Blackfriars office we raise funds for big shops which can be taken to The Evelyn Community Store. Our teams also often use seasonal events such as Halloween, Easter and Christmas as an incentive to increase food donations. For example, our Liverpool Street office is asking attendees of the client Christmas party to bring an item of food for donation.

To find out more about the ‘social’ aspect of our ESG policy check out the ESG section of our website.