Bouygues UK Staff Volunteering Scheme

Recognising the importance of contributing to the communities in which we work and the enthusiasm of staff to involve themselves further in the projects we do, in 2009 Bouygues UK launched its staff volunteering scheme. The scheme offers all employees the chance to get involved in the various initiatives the company undertakes in a number of London schools, and with the different charities it supports. Every member of staff is entitled to a full day's pay to support the numerous volunteering opportunities available.

Working closely with the Education Business Partnerships in each of the boroughs in which the company operates, Bouygues UK supports a number of different school events which aim to improve students' employability skills, as well as encouraging them to think more broadly about their future career aspirations. This includes mock interviews, career round table events and business challenge days which involve encouraging students to explore ways to create and promote different business ideas.

As well as providing invaluable support and resources to schools and charities, Bouygues UK's volunteering scheme also assists substantially to the personal development and aspirations of the company's staff members.

Bouygues UK employee Hannah Rider was one of eight Bouygues employees who spent a day carrying out mock interviews with 15 Year 10 students from Jo Richardson school in Barking & Dagenham, prior to the students' first work experience placement the following week. Speaking of her experience, she says:

“Getting involved in a volunteering event is a great opportunity to do something totally different to your normal working day and provides a real insight into the different environments of the projects the company is involved in. I really enjoyed the whole experience and think it's a fantastic initiative that benefits both the wider community as well as Bouygues UK staff.”