Devonshires and Social ResponsibilityAnnual Report 2016

3

Welcome3 Welcome

4 Our CSR programme

6 Employability Skills

8 The Devs’ Singers

10 Sports at Devonshires

12 Friends of the Elderly - Summer Fete

13 Keeping the City Clean: Our Environmental Achievements

14 Devs Does Panto

15 Christmas Collection for Changing Pathways

16 Action for Kids Christmas Appeal

18 What we raised in 2015 - 16

20 Action for Kids

22 Friends of the Elderly

24 Theatre Royal Stratford East

26 Wide Horizons

Annual Report 2015/16

Welcome

I am pleased to report another fantastic year for the Devonshires’ Corporate Social Responsibility programme. With the support and generosity of our staff and clients we have again raised an enormous £50,923 for our three charities: Wide Horizons; Action for Kids; and Theatre Royal Stratford East. Once again staff have participated in a huge range of activities in order to raise money for the Foundation which the Foundation has in turn match funded. This brochure gives you a taste of the sort of activities we have got involved in. For 2016/17 we are excited to welcome a new charity, Friends of the Elderly, who are one of the UKs oldest charities supporting older people. All donations make a huge difference to our charities and I would like to take this opportunity to say how incredibly grateful we are to all of our staff, clients and friends who have given so generously to our many fundraising ventures.

Nick BillinghamCSR Partner020 7880 4272nick.billingham@devonshires.co.uk

5

Workplace

Community

Environment

Charitable GivingWhat Corporate Social Responsibility means to Devonshires

Our CSR programme focuses on four strands

4

6 7

Since our last annual report we have hosted two more successful employability sessions at our offices for local unemployed people. Not only do these sessions provide the participants with valuable CV writing and interview skills, they also offer an opportunity for participants to apply for a temporary role within our general office team after the session.

After an initial meet and greet with Devonshires’ staff, the participants enjoyed sessions run by Devonshires volunteers which included general ice-breaker activities and open discussions about entry into and experiences in the workplace, CV advice and mock interviews.

In addition to the two sessions we ran for local unemployed people, in April 2016 we also teamed up with Action for Kids to host a skills afternoon for their young service users who are hoping to take their first steps into the world of work. The afternoon workshop consisted of a CV session and reverse interviews, where the attendees took the turn of playing the interviewer and interviewed a number of willing Devonshires volunteers.

Since the workshop we are delighted to learn that seven of the attendees have gone on to secure either paid employment or voluntary placements, one at a large supermarket chain and two at a global law firm!

Employability Skills

6

8 9

The Devs’ Singers

Devonshires Choir (otherwise known as ‘Devs Singers’) have continued to go from strength to strength hosting a number of performances this year. In December 2015, they hosted an evening of carol-singing at All-Hallows-on-the-Wall, a centrally located chapel on London Wall. They served mulled wine, mince pies and other festive delights. Representatives from the charities we support were in attendance. This was a family-friendly event where staff were encouraged to bring the kids, their partners, clients and friends. In May 2016, Devs Singers performed at an Octavia sheltered housing scheme for older people. 50 residents and care home staff attended the performance which was followed by an afternoon tea. The event was a success, providing a great chance to meet and chat with both staff and residents and enjoy an afternoon of music and cakes! In June 2016 Legal Harmony in conjunction with City Music Services put on a Musical Gala. Devs Singers were invited to participate in forming a 200 strong Massed Choir and stage an event at Central Hall Westminster to raise money for three charities: AvMA, London Legal Support Trust and Sparks Children’s Medical Research. Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra and Lesley Garrett CBE as the headline act, the audience was treated to Handel's Zadok the Priest, Mozart's Laudate Dominum, Verdi's Triumphal March alongside more contemporary classics such as My Fair Lady, You'll Never Walk Alone and even Abba's Dancing Queen. In total over £13,500 was raised for charity. Choir membership is open to all staff members of all singing abilities. It is a great way for colleagues from different departments to build relationships through their mutual love of singing. The Choir helps make our workplace feel more connected and work well as a team. Singing and making music as part of a group creates good teamwork through listening and communication, raises confidence and self-esteem and promotes creativity.

10 11

Sports at Devonshires

During the summer we held our second internal Sports Day at Clapham Common which involved eight ‘old school’ Sports Day events including a sack race, hula hoop race, 3-legged race, wellie toss, water relay, egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow race and a tug of war.

Sports Day

Devonshires Tri Stars (Nadine McNally, Nicki Thompson and Carolyn Thomas) took part in the 2016 AJ Bell London Triathlon at London Excel on Saturday 6 August and completed the race in 3:42:02.

They took part in the Olympic team relay, which is 1500m swim (Nadine), 40km bike (Nicki) and 10km run (Carolyn). It was a scorching hot day on Saturday and many weren’t able to finish due to heat exhaustion/dehydration, but Devonshires Tri Stars soldiered on through the heat to finish magnificently! This wasn’t their best time but at least they were ahead of at least 20 other teams!

They raised a total of £1,340.00 which was donated to Friends of the Elderly.

London Triathlon

On Sunday 9th October a team from Devonshires (Dave Noble, Harriett Ray, Jack Garrett, Eren Ozkan, Ruby Whitehead, George Elliman, Francesca Baynham and Martin Parfitt) took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for Action for Kids.

The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon takes place each October, starting and finishing in the stunning Hyde Park. Over 16,000 runners take part in the 13.1 mile route through Central London, taking in the spectacular sites of the capital and the beautiful Royal Parks.

Royal Parks Half Marathon

On 9 July, three intrepid volunteers from Devonshires (Sam Moodey, Suzanne Gallagher and Felicity White) embarked on the ‘Housing Challenge’ – a team event for people working in the Social Housing Sector.

The team covered 50km on bike and foot before flying across the finish line on a 100m zip wire over the Kent North Downs. Despite sore legs and bums at the end, everyone had a great time and the event was followed by a party/BBQ for all those involved.

Over £800 was raised for two of our charities - Wide Horizons and Action for Kids. This was kindly matched by the Devonshires Foundation.

Housing Challenge

12 13

205Trees saved

30Tonnes of CO2

saved

91%recycling

rate

Gold Award

with Special Commendation from Clean City

Awards

Silver Standard

certificate from First Mile

Keeping the City Clean:Our Environmental Achievements over the last 12 months

13

Friends of the Elderly - Summer Fete

Over the summer 2016, the Friends of the Elderly care home in Staines hosted their annual fete for the residents and their families. A group of volunteers from Devonshires attended to help build the marquees, hang the bunting and feed the mosquitoes(!) It was a gloriously sunny day and by the end of the day the gardens of the home looked ready for all the fun and frolics the fete had to bring.

12

14 15

Last Christmas, Devonshires hosted its Christmas pantomime event at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, welcoming our charities to attend a Christmas party and see the theatre’s production of Robin Hood.

Our young guests from Virginia Primary school and Action for Kids enjoyed pre-show games and lunch before the performance and afterwards were taken on a backstage tour to meet the cast and go “behind the scenes”. The children (and Devonshires volunteers!) had a great day and are already looking forward to this year’s pantomime event which is taking place on 10 December. We have hosted this event for over five years now and it is always a highlight on the social calendar!

Devs Does Panto!

Christmas Collection for Changing Pathways (formerly Basildon Women’s Aid) We were proud to continue our relationship with Changing Pathways, a charitable organisation providing a refuge for women who have been victims of domestic violence and their children. Staff acted as “Secret Santa” buying presents for the children residing in the refuge over the Christmas period. As always our staff dug deep and generously donated to gifts for the mothers as well as donations of nearly new household items and books for day to day use in the Refuge and for families moving on. All Christmas presents and donations were very gratefully received.

“Devonshires has supported Changing Pathways ( Formerly BWA) for many years. We would like to thank them for donating and making each childs Christmas extra magical. We are very grateful.” Natasha Jean-Louis, Changing Pathways

14

16 17

Action for Kids Christmas Appeal

On Sunday 18 December Martin will be again running the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon to raise funds for the Action for Kids Christmas Appeal.

The 26.2 mile course includes roads, beach, possibly seawater, grass, muddy trails and the seaside promenade. Many of the marathoners choose the event because of its tough mixed terrain course set in the cold wintery conditions of the Portsmouth coastline. This race has a 6 hour time cap, thanks to the tides, if you don’t hit the halfway mark within 3 hours then you won’t be able to finish; otherwise you’ll be swimming!

The money raised will go towards the Christmas Appeal that is organised by Action for Kids.

Last year Martin Parfitt, Facilities Manager at Devonshires ran the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon to help raise funds for the Action for Kids Christmas Appeal.

Alfie is five years old, has cerebral palsy and desperately wanted a trike to help his legs grow stronger and help him walk. Through the generosity of his sponsors and the Devonshires Foundation Martin was able to raise over £3000 so that Alfie’s dream of receiving his first shiny new trike came true!

This year Action For Kids is again trying to raise funds for Santa to deliver more vital and life-changing mobility equipment to disabled children all around the UK.

Tymek is six years old and has a very rare genetic defect resulting in a complex range of health issues.

He has heart problems and chronic lung disease, a kidney defect, a hearing impairment and incomplete brain development. Tymek also has severely decreased muscle tone in his whole body meaning he cannot sit unsupported, stand independently or walk unaided.

Tymek’s family don’t want him to be restricted by his disabilities. We could make such a difference to this little boy and his family if we raise the funds together to buy a lightweight special needs buggy for him this Christmas.

17

18 19

What we raised in 2015 - 16

Devonshires Firm Donation £30,000Amount raised by staff and partners £20,923TOTAL £50,923

Charity Total raisedWide Horizons £13,647Action for Kids £26,901Theatre Royal Stratford East £10,375TOTAL £50,923

We are very grateful to everyone at the firm and outside who either took part in our activities or donated to the cause. Next year we aim to beat this record!

Broken down, the total amount raised for each of our charities is:

In the period of April 2015 – March 2016 we raised £50,923 for the three charities we support.

19

20 21

“Thank you to everyone at Devonshires for another great year of fundraising and volunteering support. Everything you do has a tangible impact on the lives of disabled children and young people in London and all around the country. The equipment you fund enables children to play, socialise and get around independently, sometimes for the first time in their life. It can relieve pain, or align limbs and internal organs, therefore improving muscular strength, breathing and digestion. Only 6% of people with a learning disability are in a paid job. Action For Kids and Devonshires are working together to try to do something about this. The Skills for Life residential training and the inhouse employability services that you fund and support are a valuable opportunity for unemployed young people with learning disabilities to gain the skills and confidence they need to get into work. Your approach to inclusivity, enthusiasm and skills are hugely appreciated by all everyone here at Action For Kids.

You are true AFK champions!”

Lyn Prodger - Action For Kids

For almost 25 years Action For Kids has helped and empowered disabled children and young people and promoted an independent lifestyle by providing employment and training opportunities, as well as specialist and life-changing equipment not available from the NHS, such as bikes and trikes. Their mission is to create a world where everyone living with a disability gets to lead the life they choose.

Action For Kids has been a Devonshires charity partner since 2011 and to date more than £80,000 has been donated to support the purchase of bespoke mobility equipment for disabled children all around the UK and a range of education, training and employment projects for London’s disabled youngsters.

Employees at Devonshires have abseiled, run marathons, taken on gruelling cycling challenges, sang at concerts and baked cakes to raise vital funds. In addition the pro bono support and volunteering that the firm provides offers great benefits to Action For Kids. Recently a group of young people with learning disabilities, including Down Syndrome and autism, visited Devonshires in Moorgate for some valuable CV writing and interview skills workshops. One of the highlights of the year is the annual ‘Devonshires Does Panto’ party at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Disabled children and their families receive VIP treatment and an unforgettable day out.

21

22 23

“Devonshires have been a fantastic partner already – and it’s still early days! An enthusiastic team of volunteers gave up their Saturday to help us set up a summer fete at one of our care homes, and Nicki Thompson, Nadine McNally and Carolyn Thomas braved the London Triathlon for us raising over £2,000! All donations will go towards our vital befriending and grants services, to help isolated and lonely older people and those living in poverty, for which we are so grateful.”

Yvonne Martin, Friends of the Elderly

Founded in 1905, Friends of the Elderly are one of the UK’s oldest charities supporting older people. Their vision is a society where all older people are treated with respect and have the opportunity to lead fulfilled lives. To achieve this, they provide support for all older people, particularly those in need due to mental or physical frailty, isolation or poverty.

22 23

24 25

The Theatre Royal opened in 1884 and since then it has undergone many changes. In 1992 the beautiful Victorian-era auditorium was restored. The refurbishment project enabled the theatre to re-open in the Autumn of 2001 with both technical facilities and public areas fit for the 21st Century.

They produce approximately seven new shows a year, including a pantomime, plus one-off events. In 1999 they launched their Musical Theatre Initiative, with the vision to break new ground with musicals that bring contemporary and urban music into the mainstream of British theatre. The aim is to revitalise the musical form, to create work that is relevant to and informed by today’s Britain and attract new diverse audiences.

Their youth arts and education work, new writing and audience outreach all form part of their holistic approach to developing new work and new audiences.

They are committed to developing new work that represents the aspirations and concerns of their diverse local community.

“Devonshires have been our partners for 5 years. It has been a wonderful connection, which we value immensely.

As a charity, the support of businesses is a vital cornerstone of our work. The generosity of Devonshires has enabled us to provide sustained support for young people living in east London aged 13 – 24 years, many of whom are at risk of isolation.

Our activities also inspire young people to explore a number of progression opportunities in theatre, supporting their self-development and further learning. Through our regular programmes young people have the opportunity to interact with their peers and improve their self-confidence, communication, presentation, language and literacy skills.

An eagerly anticipated feature in our Christmas calendar is “Devonshires Does Panto”. This annual event offers us the opportunity to engage with other charities supported by Devonshires.

This year we are excited to invite Friends of the Elderly and Action for Kids to see our performance of Sinbad the Sailor, meet cast members and celebrate your support in one of our prestigious rehearsal rooms in a post-performance party. Devonshires’ gift enables us to provide this great Christmas treat for young people, their siblings, family members and the elderly. We thoroughly enjoy working alongside Devonshires’ staff members who volunteer their time on the day to assist team us in staging this event.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Devonshires for their support and hope it may inspire other companies to support us too.”

Sal Goldsmith, Theatre Royal Stratford East

26 27

Wide Horizons was formed in 2004 as a result of a joint initiative on the part of the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham, providing outdoor adventure learning centres for kids and young people.

They are now an independent charity which continues to serve all London Boroughs and beyond. Their vision is for their services to be free at the point of delivery for disadvantaged children. They provide:

• Challenge – This could be a physical or mental challenge.• Something New – A new destination or a new group of people.• Learning – Skills, personal development or educational learning.• Fun – Enjoyable, rewarding experiences.

By making sure that everything they do has an element of each of these components, then it is an adventure.

“Wide Horizons believe that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience adventures as part of their education and development. They are dedicated to developing well-rounded young people who are environmentally conscious, active members of their communities and have the right skills to build better futures for themselves. Wide Horizons do this by working with schools and local community groups to provide Adventure Learning programmes for children and young people. who are behind in their education, at risk of suspension or permanent exclusion, children suffering with depression and mental health problems, children with disabilities or debilitating illnesses, NEET young people and young offenders.

Devonshires have been working in partnership with Wide Horizons since early 2013 funding the delivery of inspirational, high quality Adventure Learning, helping to provide disadvantaged children in London with the skills and experiences to help break the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves. Specifically Devonshires have supported Wide Horizons Adventure Learning Partnerships programme. This exciting initiative embeds Adventure Learning into the school curriculum whilst ensuring the funding challenge is met, particularly for the most disadvantaged children and young people. Through this programme Devonshires have been supporting Virginia Primary School. Virginia Primary School is situated in Tower Hamlets, in an area of high deprivation where the number of children eligible for free school meals is nearly double the national average. The partnership began in 2013 and over the course of the three year partnership has helped embed Adventure Learning into the school curriculum from reception through to year 6 where the school has seen their academic achievement improve year on year with OFSTED reporting that all pupils are making outstanding progress throughout their school journey.

Devonshires are also proud to support the Wide Horizons Housing Challenge helping to engage companies from across the Social Housing Sector to participate in a 50km duathlon helping to raise funds in order to provide life-changing adventures for disadvantaged children and young people who live in or around social housing. Across the sector, we are continuously looking at new ways in which to improve the social and economic well-being of the communities in which we work and by taking part in and supporting the Wide Horizons Housing Challenge we can meet these aims, and provide maximum benefits for the communities in which we operate.”

Neil Munro, WideHorizons

We hope you have found this report informative and useful.

We are always looking for more ideas for our CSR activities from our clients and friends and are keen to work together with anyone who shares our values or wants to get involved.

To find out more, please contact:

Martin Parfitt, Facilities ManagerEmail: martin.parfitt@devonshires.co.uk,

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7065 1857