Community case studies
Case Study - The Heart of Experian
What was the need? The Heart of Experian meets a number of needs: it provides employees with a very direct way to get involved in community activity; it makes donations to a wide range of local projects and it helps as a significant donor to some large-scale initiatives.
How did we help? The programme makes employee time and financial donations widely available, including all the elements described above. In 2006 $325,000 was donated plus over $300,000 in gifts in-kind including shoes, food, toys, mobile phones and computers.
What is the social benefit? The direct financial donations reached more than 125 different organisations, helping support a broad base of small charities and projects. The in-kind donations widened this by a further 50 organisations. Among larger donations, over $80,000 was raised for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is one of the US’ largest private funding sources for breast cancer. Twenty-four high school seniors received $1000 scholarships helping fund their education, and 50 students in the Junior Elite program were each awarded a $100 savings bond. The very local and diverse nature of the awards can make the benefits hard to record, but Experian believes that employees are often the best placed to understand the needs of their own communities, and this is a key tenet of the programme’s operation.
What impact did the project have in the business? Twenty-four employees participated in the employee participation program, 52 in the volunteer match program and 10 in the college donation match program. Between them they recorded more than 3,500 volunteer hours, which represents a significant commitment from these individuals. But the programme’s impact goes beyond this: the Heart of Experian helps all employees relate to and feel proud of the business that they work for. It is a popular and important part of Experian America’s approach to business.
Case Study - The ‘On Track’ programme
What was the need? To reduce drug use it is essential to equip children with the life skills they need to grow up safely in a drug-using world. Whilst there were many schools-based programmes available, research showed that none specifically targeted children aged 6-7.
How did we help? Experian donated £116,600 to develop and evaluate ‘On Track’ - an education programme for schools - in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire City and County Local Education Authorities, and Southampton University, who evaluated the programme. The materials were distributed free to all schools in Nottinghamshire and forms part of the child’s personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE) in both mainstream and special needs schools. The materials give children knowledge, life skills and understanding to help them make informed choices about medicines, drugs and healthy lifestyles.
What is the social benefit? ‘On Track’ has been exceptionally well received, by teachers, parents, children and industry professionals attracting comments such as “an inspiration”, and “very teacher friendly and a child friendly approach”. It has been hugely successful, with evaluations by Southampton University indicating that children retained this important knowledge. ‘On Track’ has also been successful working with vulnerable young people, children in referral units and traveller children, often where more traditional education failed. Following ‘On Track’s’ successful launch to Nottinghamshire primary schools in 2002, it has been developed to include a website and DVD containing all the materials needed to deliver ‘On Track’. The partnership is now developing ‘Keep On Track’, - which can be used alone or following on from ‘On Track’ to give additional skills to 8 – 9 year olds. The national forum for drug education is showcasing ‘On Track’ as an example of good practice.
What impact did the project have in the business? The new materials were launched at the House of Commons in 2005 by Graham Allen MP, helping raise Experian’s profile with important groups of stakeholders. The project has also helped demonstrate Experian’s commitment to the local communities around its Nottingham headquarters.