Baillie Gifford: Why we partnered with Social Good Connect

Investment management firm Baillie Gifford is a new and very welcome supporter of Social Good Connect. Here’s our interview with Sponsorship Manager Samantha Pattman.

Why did you sign up with Social Good Connect?

To help develop a credible, growing business. We became a supporter in February by making a financial contribution to help grow the platform’s capability over 12 months, and in doing so we were happy to join the platform ourselves and encourage our employees to volunteer for causes that mean something to them.

Volunteering is something we actively encourage – our staff can take two paid days per year to volunteer or undertake charity work.  We have strong beliefs and values about giving back to our local communities. Although we have 1,500 staff across several countries, it still feels like a family firm, and a charitable mentality has always been a strong part of who we are.

Why was now a good time for Baillie Gifford to join?

We learned about it during a time of extreme social need and we wanted to help quickly. The philosophy and purpose behind its creation fits well with our own philanthropic ethos.

What do you particularly like about Social Good Connect?

It’s a quality one-stop shop for employee volunteering. The platform is easy, transparent and appealing to business professionals who want to put their skills to good use in the community, based on tailored matches.

What would you say to other businesses thinking of signing up?

It makes sense for a firm’s employees to lend their considerable skills and expertise by helping charities who need input from willing professionals in all walks of business.

Social need is greater than ever, and the pandemic has shone a huge spotlight on support gaps, particularly in food exclusion and the mental health of young people: two areas we have been focused on, even more so during the pandemic. If every business gave something back, however big or small, whether in time or money or other resources, it might just start to reduce that gap.

Want to get involved?

If you want to find out more about how Social Good Connect can help you organisation measure the impact of your employee volunteering programme then please get in touch!