ESG is a critical part of the modern world of work. At OneAdvanced, we power organisations making a significant impact on the world around us, which means we have a duty to ensure that our impact is as positive as possible. As a business of just over 2,300 people, we have a disproportionate impact on wider society. That is because of our software. Through our software, we power eight of the most critical sectors in society, giving them the power to get the job done sustainably and responsibly.
A strong ESG commitment goes beyond a tick-box approach focused on internal practices – it means assessing the wider impact of our organisation and making positive changes. This is the multiplier effect, showing how every change we make can have a much bigger impact as it radiates out. It can be how our investments shape our community, or how we support our customers to improve their societal impact.
The impact of our work
One of the most straightforward ways we contribute to ESG goals is by reducing our own carbon footprint. This involves adopting energy-efficient practices, utilising renewable energy sources, and minimising waste. One of the most significant ways we do this is by removing paper from our workflows, which reduces emissions from paper production and reduces waste production.
We have also been working hard to ensure that all aspects of the way we do business are as responsible as possible. As well as implementing strong governance, risk management and compliance, we ensure that we do what is right for our people and our communities. By investing in responsible and sustainable business practices, we are investing in the future.
What makes the biggest difference is how we bring these same capabilities to our customers through our software. We provide cloud-based services that reduce paper usage, as well as software that supports strong governance and positive people capabilities, alongside a wide range of ESG-focused capabilities across our portfolio. We also support our customers to get their critical jobs done, which has an even bigger impact.
Supporting our customers
Our software solutions are designed not only to improve business operations but also to help our customers make a positive impact on the world around them. We provide software that creates greater environmental efficiency, as well as helping some of the most important organisations in society to get their critical work done. Here are a few examples:
New City College London has successfully reduced paper workflows by integrating our cloud-based solutions. This shift not only makes their processes more efficient but also significantly lowers their environmental impact.
Weston College Group uses our learner management system to support programmes for learners in prison and young offenders’ institutes. This has had a profound social impact, helping people to reintegrate into society and succeed in their changed futures.
LiveWest Housing Group employs our governance and risk management system to protect themselves against critical failures as they provide 40,000 homes. This has improved their operational efficiency and enhanced their ability to reliably serve vulnerable people in communities across Southwest England.
Your multiplier effect
Assessing your multiplier effect is crucial to ensuring a positive ESG outcome for your organisation. The first step is to assess how the services you provide can support your customers to have a more positive societal impact. This could be replacing a more environmentally negative solution, providing a product designed for sustainability, or even how your customers can have a more positive social impact through the use of your product or service.
These steps could be key to making a positive impact on your multiplier effect:
1. Identify key areas: Determine which aspects of your business have the most potential for positive impact.
2. Set clear goals: Establish measurable objectives for your ESG initiatives.
3. Engage stakeholders: Involve employees, customers, and partners in your sustainability efforts.
4. Monitor progress: Regularly track and report on your ESG performance.
Importance of a positive societal impact
Achieving a positive societal impact isn't just about “doing the right thing”; it's a business strategy. Organisations that prioritise ESG are often more attractive to investors, enjoy higher customer loyalty, and are better positioned for long-term success. A sustainable business model has a positive effect on the world around us, and on your ability to do business in a changing world.
The Multiplier Effect is a more comprehensive way to assess your impact and responsibility as an organisation. By making an accurate assessment, we have been able to focus our attention on what matters most, and you can too. Learn more about the work we have been doing over the past year in our latest Societal Report.