One of the best parts of my work is getting to collaborate with organisations I genuinely believe in, businesses that don’t just talk about making a difference but actually live by those values every day.
There’s a lot of noise about corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical business practices. But how many organisations go beyond a tick-box exercise and make it part of who they are? Some put money into charity partnerships, some introduce green initiatives, and others champion ethical sourcing. But the organisations that stand out are the ones where doing the right thing isn’t a side project, it’s at the core of everything they do.
Are You Missing Opportunities to Make a Difference?
It’s easy to get caught up in the usual business pressures, growth, revenue, and efficiency, but when was the last time you asked:
- What impact are we making beyond our own success?
- Are we doing enough to give back?
- Could we do more to support our people, our communities, or the planet?
The great thing is, that making a difference doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be:
- Giving employees time to volunteer for causes they care about
- Partnering with organisations that champion ethical and sustainable practices
- Using your platform to raise awareness for something that really matters
- Investing in education or training to help break down barriers
Big or small, every business has the opportunity to create positive change.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, More Than Just a Framework
Back in 2015, the United Nations set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global roadmap to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, poverty, inequality, education, climate change, and more. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for businesses to align their efforts with global initiatives aimed at tackling challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. For more information on the SDGs and their specific targets, visit the United Nations’ official page here. They’re ambitious, but they’re also a powerful blueprint for businesses that want to use their influence for good.
Some of the key goals include:
- Climate Action – Taking urgent steps to combat climate change
- Quality Education – Ensuring equal access to education for all
- Partnerships for the Goals – Building collaborations that drive real change
- Reduced Inequalities – Breaking down social and economic barriers
When businesses align their work with the SDGs, they’re not just giving back, they’re part of a global movement to create real, lasting change.
For a deeper understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their global impact, visit the official UN SDG website: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
From Words to Action,Spokes Education
One organisation I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years is Spokes Education. They’re not just a business that cares about social impact, it’s the foundation of everything they do.
Their work directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in particular:
- Quality Education (Goal 4) – Creating accessible learning for all
- Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10) – Breaking down barriers to education
- Partnerships (Goal 17) – Working with others to amplify their impact
Unlike companies that treat corporate responsibility as a nice-to-have, Spokes Education puts purpose first, even when it’s not the easiest or most profitable path.
A Warm Welcome from their Chief Wellbeing Officer!
One of the things that makes visiting @Spokes Education extra special is the team itself. Every time I walk through the door, I’m greeted not just by a group of passionate, driven people, but also by Molly, their Chief Wellbeing Officer (and resident office dog!).
Molly takes her job seriously, offering cuddles, boosting morale, and making every visitor feel welcome. She’s a small but perfect reminder that the best workplaces aren’t just about strategy and goals, they’re about the people (and pets!) who make them great.
Introducing UnfoldEd, Making Education Free for Schools
One of their biggest projects this year is UnfoldEd, a new initiative designed to provide interactive, high-quality lessons for primary schools, completely free.
They’ve spent two years building this from the ground up, making sure it’s something schools will use and love. But offering it for free is no small feat. Instead of waiting for funding to appear, they’re committing a percentage of their profits to making it happen and inviting businesses to sponsor lessons so more schools can benefit.
Supporting Businesses That Do the Right Thing
Every time I visit Spokes Education, I’m reminded of what it looks like when a company truly walks the talk. In a world where businesses are often measured by profit and scale, it’s refreshing to see one that measures success by the impact it makes.
If your organisation is looking for a way to back something meaningful, UnfoldEd is worth getting behind. It’s not about ticking a CSR box or looking good, it’s about giving children access to the education they deserve and teachers the support they need.
Take a look at www.spokeseducation.com, have a chat with Phil and the team (and make sure to say hi to Molly!), and if you can, get involved. This is the kind of work that deserves real support.
Georgie McIntyre is an experienced coach and leader in education, not-for-profit, business and professional development. Georgie is passionate about helping individuals and organisations to unlock their potential. Connect with Georgie to explore fresh perspectives, projects and strategies for success.
United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals
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