The Ashridge Group, the Aylesbury-based company that offers FM services including security, has set up a Charity Foundation. It’s to support local charities and community groups in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire. The foundation provides free accredited training courses in subjects such as First Aid, Manual Handling, and Safeguarding; as well as awarding cash to various community groups.
Ashridge Group was founded in 2012 by Group Managing Director Emma Walker and Group Chairman Mark Walker, who are both strong advocates for charitable causes. Emma is also the Chair of the Hertfordshire division of Crimestoppers UK. The firm says that despite receiving adequate funding, many charities often do not have the business acumen which allows them to fully capitalise on collaboration opportunities. By encouraging charities to share with each other, the Charity Foundation aims to achieve reduced costs for all.
The FM firm gives each member of staff two extra days holiday to devote to good causes every year. All employees are free to choose the charity they would like to support.
Emma Walker says: “Our company has always put the wellbeing of our people at the heart of our philosophy. This is the natural next step for us and we expect to fund the foundation directly from our own revenues, with a mission to aid and support projects, organisations and causes, primarily but not exclusively, in the local area. Our work brings us into contact with all types of people and we believe we have much to contribute to the greater good, not just to our business sector.”
One recent beneficiary of the Charity Foundation is Transitions UK, which supports disadvantaged young people aged 15 to 25. The charity recently launched a new project in Milton Keynes to provide support to young people leaving care, as well as those with special needs, emotional and mental health problems or those at risk of offending or re-offending.
Mark Walker, pictured, says: “Ashridge Group currently employs a number of young and enthusiastic staff and apprentices, so we have seen first-hand the benefits of helping young people aspire to be all they can be. It is no coincidence that poverty and crime go together. Many turn to crime because of their current social situation and so we believe in creating pathways that will steer people away from that lifestyle. Not only will this directly improve individual lives, but there are wider benefits too. Investing in a positive future for young people now is significantly less economically damaging than if they remain on a pathway to prison. In areas of consistent growth, new homes are continuously built but the trade-off is that older stock housing is not being regenerated. There may be an abundance of new jobs regularly available but these are often highly qualified positions. We aim to address this social gap now and take a long-term approach in order to change mindsets early on and improve situations.”
