Celebrating Cirrus’ work in the community across 2024

Doing good and doing business go hand in hand. This philosophy has driven our team to make a real impact in communities across the UK and beyond in 2024. Whether giving their time to causes close to their hearts or embracing sustainability with creative solutions, Cirrus employees have demonstrated what it truly means to make a difference.

Here’s a closer look at the stories, initiatives, and values that defined our year of giving back.

Making a difference, one day at a time

The Make A Difference (MAD) Days initiative continues to shine as a cornerstone of Cirrus’ commitment to social impact. Every team member is given one paid day off annually to volunteer for a cause they’re passionate about. This year, 85% of our team seized this opportunity, with many using it as a springboard for regular volunteering.

The range of causes supported reflects the diverse passions of our people:

• Organising a charity bike ride for Caring Cooks
• Cleaning up rivers and parks with UOcean in Leicester
• Gardening and maintenance at St Mary’s Church, Wigan
• Supporting scouts on adventure days
• Helping animals at Teckels Animal Sanctuary

Volunteering stories: Small actions, big impact

Every MAD Day at Cirrus has a story behind it, and in 2024, one that truly stood out was from a team member who chose to volunteer at Berkshire Vision. Initially inspired by the idea of giving back through their MAD Day, this individual spent the day supporting a blind football match. The experience left such a lasting impression that they’ve since become a regular volunteer with the organisation.

They described how the experience challenged them to think differently about accessibility and inclusivity. From helping players navigate the pitch to cheering on the sidelines, the sense of camaraderie and purpose was unforgettable.

This story is just one of many. Another team member spent their MAD Day at Stripey Stork, sorting donations for families in need and preparing school bags filled with essentials. Meanwhile, another colleague cleaned up Leicester’s parks with UOcean, collecting litter and helping to create safer, greener spaces for local communities.

These moments highlight the diversity of causes our team supports and the deep personal connections they form. Every contribution, no matter how small, has a ripple effect—making a difference not only in the community but in the lives of our people.

Unlimited time off: A culture of trust and giving

Giving back isn’t just encouraged at Cirrus—it’s celebrated through our unique Unlimited Time Off (UTO) policy. Employees who participate in a MAD Day unlock UTO, reinforcing the connection between work-life balance, personal growth, and community impact.

This policy reflects our culture of trust and responsibility, empowering staff to take ownership of their time while prioritising meaningful contributions to the community.

Celebrating our people

Remote working hasn’t stopped us from showcasing the amazing efforts of our team. Quarterly in-person meetings and monthly town halls have been opportunities to share the incredible stories and photos from MAD Days.

One highlight this year was a collage of high-vis jackets, muddy boots, and smiling faces—a vibrant display of the diversity of causes supported. These moments inspire others to get involved, creating a cycle of giving that grows stronger every year.

Beyond MAD Days: Small actions, big impact

Cirrus’ commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) extends far beyond MAD Days. This year, we’ve taken meaningful steps to reduce our environmental footprint and embrace more sustainable practices. One of the biggest changes was transitioning from our office in Epsom to a more flexible working model, moving to hybrid-friendly spaces. By reducing the need for colleagues to be onsite at the same time, this move has not only cut down on energy usage but also encouraged more efficient and sustainable work habits.

In addition, we’ve onboarded GreenPerk, a platform that helps businesses offset their travel emissions by investing in tree-planting initiatives. Every booking made through GreenPerk includes a small surcharge, which goes directly toward offsetting carbon emissions. This initiative ensures that even essential travel leaves a positive mark on the environment, aligning with our goal of creating long-term sustainability across all aspects of the business.

We also distributed reusable stainless-steel water bottles to all employees, encouraging eco-conscious habits even in home offices. While some of these changes are small, they reflect our belief that collective action can lead to meaningful environmental impact.

Looking ahead: Building a brighter future

2024 has been a year of generosity, creativity, and care—but we’re not stopping here. Next year, we’re focusing on:

• Carbon footprint accountability: Collaborating with suppliers and tracking our progress towards net zero.
• More fundraising: Expanding our efforts to include team-based charity events and challenges.
• Reinvigorating our Culture Club: Bringing more fun, connection, and opportunities to make a difference into the workplace.

We’re also exploring ways to make environmental volunteering, such as tree planting or community clean-ups, part of our regular activities.

Why it matters

At Cirrus, our commitment to community and sustainability isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a core part of who we are. As Leah Delaney, our Head of Governance, puts it, “It’s about more than meeting ESG standards. It’s about taking ownership—at work, at home, and in our communities—to leave the world better than we found it.”

From every baby bank supported to every litter pick completed, Cirrus is proud of the passion, creativity, and heart our team has shown this year. Together, we’re proving that even the smallest actions can have a big impact.

If you’re looking for a partner who shares your values and cares about the difference we can make together, Cirrus is here to help. Let’s connect.

Interested in learning more about Cirrus’ ESG initiatives? Explore how we’re creating impact every day.