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Mitie and Centrica among employers backing volunteering initiative

Berkeley Foundation, Browne Jacobson, Coventry Building Society and Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation have pledged to boost their employee volunteering. 

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Several major employers have signed up to the 100 Million Hour Movement, an initiative led by Royal Voluntary Service. 

Berkeley Foundation, Browne Jacobson, Centrica, Coventry Building Society, Mitie and Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation have all pledged to boost their employee volunteering. 

The campaign aims to unlock 100 million hours of volunteering by the end of 2028. 

To join the movement, businesses have committed to three main actions – getting senior leaders involved, opening volunteering to more staff and making it easier to take part. 

Carole Urey (pictured), chief revenue officer, Royal Voluntary Service, said: “It’s encouraging to see so many organisations get behind the 100 Million Hour Movement and sign our pledge. 

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“By working together we can effect real change, for our communities and for millions of workers, powered by employee volunteering. 

“Having such a strong group of signatories makes all the difference, and we hope their commitment will inspire others to take action in the months ahead.”

Chris O’Shea, CEO, Centrica, said: “It’s so important that companies are an active player in the communities they serve. 

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“At Centrica we encourage our colleagues to volunteer by giving paid time off to volunteer in our communities. I’m so proud of how much good work our amazing colleagues do.”

Sally Dickinson, head of Berkeley Foundation, said: “Volunteering has so many benefits. At the Berkeley Foundation, we work with remarkable colleagues across Berkeley who volunteer their time and expertise with our charity partners. 

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“Their contribution supports charities to deliver their mission and have a deeper impact in our local communities. 

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“Volunteering also builds new connections, understanding, and commitment to creating change. It can help develop skills, strengthen team relationships, and even contribute towards job satisfaction and personal wellbeing.”

Dickinson added: “This pledge is well aligned with our commitment to volunteering and we are proud to support it.”

Kathryn Dolan, chief people officer, Mitie, said: “Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways we can support people, creating better places and thriving communities, and enabling lasting impact where it matters most.

“Last year alone, Mitie colleagues contributed more than 35,000 hours of their time to volunteering initiatives including tackling food poverty, supporting skills development programmes, and refurbishing local communal areas such as train stations and parks. 

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“We see first-hand the difference this makes, which is why we’re proud to support RVS’s 100 Million Hour pledge to help drive even greater impact across the UK.”

Camille Thobois, head of Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, said: “We are proud to support the 100 Million Hours Movement as it aligns closely with our longstanding commitment to tackling food insecurity and strengthening communities through volunteering. 

“At Sodexo and within the Stop Hunger Foundation, we already see the impact that employee volunteering can have, not only in supporting charity partners but also in building skills, engagement and purpose across our teams. 

“This pledge is a natural extension of that work, reinforcing our ambition to make volunteering more accessible, visible and impactful at scale.”

Lucy Becque, group chief people officer, Coventry Building Society, said: “When our people volunteer, everyone benefits. 

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“Volunteering strengthens the communities and organisations doing vital work, while giving our colleagues a deeper sense of purpose and connection. 

“We see higher engagement and retention, alongside people developing real-world leadership and teamwork skills.”

Becque added: “Ultimately, it helps build stronger communities and a more connected, purpose-driven workforce.”

Beth Dowson, partner and community action co-leads at Browne Jacobson, said: “Signing the pledge reflects our commitment to going even further, to expand our impact, create more opportunities to contribute and encourage more colleagues to get involved.”

Tim Campbell MBE, entrepreneur and star of The Apprentice, said: “Imagine the impact of 100 million volunteering hours! 

“Doubling employee volunteering isn’t just ‘nice to have’, it’s a practical way to strengthen workplaces, support wellbeing, and help communities thrive. 

“Every organisation can be a force for good, and there’s never been a more important moment to lead from the front.”

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