Our Supporters:
Hippo Digital

Hippo Digital is a trusted digital services partner solving whole problems through a human-centric approach. They design with empathy and build for impact, using a combination of data-informed evidence, human-centred design and software engineering to deliver bespoke digital services that make a positive and meaningful impact on organisations and society. 

We spoke to ESG (environmental, social and governance) and Social Value Lead, Steve Saunders, about being a Leeds Community Foundation Member and how important it is for the company to maximise social value and have a positive impact on both their people and local communities.

 

How have you been involved with Leeds Community Foundation? 

Hippo Digital is now entering our second year as a member of Leeds Community Foundation. We are proud to have been a part of the wonderful work done by the foundation to support the Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund. Our collaboration has helped raise money to make a real impact in the Leeds community. Last year’s Digital Ball was a huge success, and we were thrilled to be a part of the panel that assessed and awarded five grants of £10,000 each to incredible organisations such as Burmantofts Senior Action, Your Back Yard, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Highrise Project, and Smartworks.

We are excited to continue our partnership with Leeds Community Foundation to ensure that our fundraising efforts keep benefitting the amazing community organisations that tirelessly work to support the people in Leeds who need it the most.

 

How important is social value to you? 

I think my recent appointment signifies how important social value is to Hippo Digital. I’m privileged to be the business’s first dedicated ESG and Social Value Lead, meaning I oversee our environmental management, social impact and corporate governance activities. 

We’re currently developing our first social value strategy, which will be launched later this year. This will align our approach with the UK Government’s Social Value Model, which requires all public sector organisations and their suppliers to consider the positive impact they can make to the communities in which they’re based. We have four priority areas.

Tackling economic inequality: We’re continuing to extend and grow our Hippo Academies which provide accessible routes to working on digital services. We’re also looking into new ways to attract and develop the next generation through our school engagement programme, T Levels and apprenticeships.

Fighting Climate Change: Our Carbon Reduction Plan is aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2025. All of our leased offices use green energy and we are working with our landlords to encourage them to also make the switch. Our priority is to ensure we stay on-track as we continue to grow our business. We are also committed to eliminating unnecessary waste and donate old IT equipment to charities – such as Solidaritech – who refurbish our laptops and donate them to asylum seekers and refugees. 

Equal opportunity: It’s vital we continue to grow a workforce reflective of the communities we serve. This year we are refreshing our EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) strategy, working with our four employee networks to increase EDI data capture and continuing our work to make Hippo the UK’s most innovative, human-centred, and inclusive consultancy. We’re working towards Disability Confident Level 2, developing a calendar of events to celebrate the diversity of our Hippos and ensuring all new job opportunities are accessible to everyone – irrespective of personal circumstance or background.

Wellbeing: The wellbeing of our Hippo’s is of paramount importance – demonstrated by our Psychological health and safety at work ISO certification which we secured last year. By providing opportunities and time off for our Hippos to volunteer with the community organisations most important to them, we aim to boost mental and physical health whilst maximising social impact.

 

What community issues are important to you? 

Social mobility is really close to our heart. We believe everyone should have access to high quality, sustainable employment – with the support to reach their full potential. Our role is to ensure we provide accessible opportunities and remove any barriers faced by groups underrepresented in our industry.

As a digital services partner, digital inclusion is also very important to us. We must go further than simply providing access, we must help everyone to develop the skills, motivation and trust to go online and make the most of digital opportunities.

The wellbeing of our people is also vital. Poor employee health and wellbeing has the potential to impact our ability to deliver a contract efficiently and effectively for our clients. We know that when our teams are happy and supported, they’re also more engaged, productive and resilient. 

 

What makes Leeds a unique city? 

Leeds is a city like no other. It is a dynamic and exciting community that offers endless opportunities for entrepreneurs and tech professionals alike. We are proud to be part of this supportive and collaborative environment where individuals can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Leeds is a place where creativity and innovation are encouraged and where new ideas are celebrated. It is a city with a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene, and a world-class business community. Whether you are looking to start your own company or embark on a new career challenge, Leeds is a great place to be.

Hippo Digital began in Leeds and we’re proud to call it home. We encourage other growing businesses to join us and experience all that this unique city has to offer.

 

Have you got any advice for organisations that are looking to support Leeds Community Foundation? 

Start by understanding its mission and priorities. This will help you identify areas where your contributions can make a meaningful difference.

Then jump in! Get involved in the community and collaborate with others. By working together, you can maximise your impact and make a positive difference in the lives of people in Leeds.

Don’t forget to be transparent about your contributions and share your impact as widely as you can. By inspiring others to get involved, you can create a ripple effect that helps to make Leeds a better place for all of us.

 

Leeds Community Foundation creates opportunities for all by working with partners to make a positive impact within communities across Leeds and Bradford. We do this by generating and investing philanthropic giving as well as maximising statutory funding to deliver grants and provide trusted expertise into Community Organisations, benefitting thousands of local people. 

 

Read more about Leeds Community Foundation Membership here.