Cares

Cares is a network of more than 350 partner companies that address social issues in communities by volunteering their employees' skills and time during business hours. The programme operates throughout the year and welcomes new partners to support city-based and regional Cares partnerships in 35 locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Cares offers well-established expertise in emloyee engagement that delivers benefits for companies, employees and communities. In addition to providing a brokerage service for high-quality volunteering opportunities, Cares also campaigns nationally to increase the impact of employee volunteering in communities of greatest need and address social issues including education, employability and economic renewal.

How companies benefit

Businesses have the opportunity to address key social issues in the most deprived areas and disadvantaged communities throughout the UK. Cares takes the guesswork on how to do this out of the equation for companies and provides a crucial link to channel community investment through employee volunteering where the impact will be greatest.

Cares also provides a network of experienced employee volunteering advisors and access to quality-assured, meaningful volunteering opportunities across the UK that develop the skills and talent of employees.

How employees benefit

Our research shows that employees gain motivation and a sense of pride when they are actively engaged in community investment programmes through work. Employee volunteering is a fun way for staff to connect with their employer's local community and an effective way to develop new skills.

How communities benefit

Specific social groups and communities faced with education challenges, barriers to work and restricted resources and skills benefit from volunteered services and support from business.

Take action with Cares

For further information, advice or to pursue employee volunteering opportunities, contact your local Cares partnership or call Business in the Community's national employee volunteering team on 020 7566 8732. 

You can also email Rob Compton, Employee Volunteering Campaign Manager.