We are delighted that our commitment to social responsibility has been recognised through B-Corp certification (and re-certification in 2024!). This means that we’re part of a community of like-minded businesses, all committed to achieving the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. While we are proud of this achievement, it is only one step on our journey as a responsible business. We are continually striving to improve what we do.
Senior Consultant Holly Cooper received a 3Keel grant towards buying an electric car, and charges for free at 3Keel offices using electricity from our rooftop solar panels.
Our staff
We want 3Keel to be a supportive environment where careers are fulfilling, and with plenty of opportunity for learning and progression. We encourage all staff to actively pursue learning and development, setting goals that are linked to their career objectives. Our in house learning and development team are constantly developing what training we offer within 3Keel, as well as identifying the best external training opportunities.
We are proud of our apprenticeships, which we first introduced in 2020. We introduced them as an alternative to university. Four apprentices have now joined 3Keel this way and you can read an interview with Amy Thomson, the first, in the report and on our website. We also have internships for graduates who might otherwise struggle to break into the sustainability sector and already 12 young people have begun their career with us this way.
We have a strong emphasis on ensuring that colleagues enjoy a work-life balance and avoid burn out. Flexible working is available to all our staff, along with generous annual and parental leave policies. We have a fantastic sabbaticals policy, which you can read about in this interview with Fin Kenneth.
We enjoy regular socials and have plenty of team volunteering opportunities. Staff are also encouraged to undertake further volunteering in the community with 22.5-hours paid volunteering time each year.
We encourage everyone to use sustainable transport where possible. For example, we offer grants to help with purchasing an electric car or bike, and have a cycle-to-work scheme.
Consultant Caitlin McCormack took advantage of the Cycle to Work Scheme, and regularly cycles to work (weather and daylight permitting!)
Our community
We feel it is really important to support other responsible businesses in our community, and charities that act for an environmentally and socially just world. 3Keel purchases from and employs local businesses where possible, paying the Oxford Living wage and the London Living wage as a minimum for services such as office cleaning.
We donate 1% of our profits to charities, nominated by and voted for by colleagues.
We are always open to ideas on how we can do more and better though. We have staff reps and run anonymous staff surveys every two months, so that everyone can give feedback. We take this on board in our decision-making.
FarmAbility is a local charity a few miles from 3Keel’s Oxfordshire offices. It provides outdoor, farm-based programmes for adults with learning disabilities and autism. After first being nominated by Catherine McCosker in 2016, 3Keel now donates a share of our profits each year. In addition, team members spend a day working onsite to support FarmAbility.