IT consultancy Airwalk Reply has been awarded the prestigious Silver Quality Mark by Social Value Quality Mark CIC. This recognises Airwalk Reply’s commitment to values-led business that benefits its people, customers, communities and the planet. During 2023, the organisation created £2.7m in social value.
The Silver Quality Mark is the UK’s national standard for social value. It allows technology organisations to demonstrate measurable evidence in response to public sector procurement requirements.
To gain the Silver Quality Mark, Airwalk Reply underwent a thorough audit to prove it was effectively reviewing, measuring, and delivering social value.
During 2023, Airwalk Reply offered additional support to the community and to employees and contributed to youth empowerment and sustainability. Initiatives included:
- Delivering 74 hours annually supporting the elderly through Octavia Foundation and providing 36 hours annually supporting employee mental health via Airwalk Allies.
- Supporting 20+ underprivileged young people with a 10-hour leadership curriculum, career insight day, and 100+ hours of mentoring via the Airwalk Reply Academy.
- Providing a four-day leadership certification, achieving 50%+ female participation, delivering four sessions promoting tech careers for women, and providing one-week work experience for undergraduates.
- Donating ten chess sets to St. Barnabas Primary School, raising £1,000 for Bluebell Children’s Hospice, and donating 50 tech items to Computers4Charity.
- Implementing 100% digital recruitment and onboarding and installing segregated recycling bins in various locations.
Richard Dickins, MD of Social Value Quality Mark CIC, said: “We are delighted to award Airwalk Reply with Silver and commend them, particularly on their proactive approach to community engagement and volunteering. This is a time when tech companies will need to increasingly demonstrate value to be successful in the public sector. The award is a testament to Airwalk Reply’s tangible impact within its supply chains, teams and wider society.”
Airwalk Reply Partner Alex Hammond said: “We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with our social value and CSR initiatives – they are intrinsic to who we are as a company and a group. So, to have this recognised is fantastic and a testament to the awesome people we have.”
Following the introduction of public procurement rules in 2021, technology firms have been increasingly required to provide evidence of social value. The measures aim to generate additional value for society beyond the price of a contract. This might include, for example, the provision of local jobs and apprenticeships or investment in local communities. The focus on additional value is expected to continue under Labour, with the government creating a new role in Social Value policy.