Supporting our communities

We lead from the heart

Helping people connect and drive progress isn’t a business-only goal. We know that the world is a better place when we all lead with heart, supporting charitable causes that make a difference. We do this primarily through our Corporate Charity Partnerships, Employee Groups, and Volunteering Days.

Media Trust
In July 2024, we embarked on a new charity partnership with Media Trust. Media Trust is dedicated to bridging the gap between the media and creative industry and underrepresented communities. They provide essential communications and digital skills training to charities and local communities, and mentoring to young people aspiring to join the media and creative industries. Our Chief Executive, Phil Thomas, is a Media Trust Trustee, having been Chair of Media Trust from 2021-2024, and a Board member from 2019-2021. Through this new partnership, we are excited to continue making a positive impact on society, empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

The Prince's Trust
From 2013-2024, our official charity partner was The Prince’s Trust. The Prince’s Trust helps young people from challenging circumstances to get into education, training and jobs. Our teams raised over £2 million over the course of the partnership, through the Million Makers Fundraising challenge. In 2023, Ascential won The Prince's Trust's Employee Fundraiser of the Year award, a testament to the dedication and hard work of our people.

Employee Groups
Many of our groups gear their efforts towards charities close to their hearts. In previous years, Empower Women’s Network have collected sanitary product donations for period poverty charities on International Women’s Day, whilst Ascential Pride has supported Just Like Us, an LGBTQ+ charity that supports school-age children to connect with LGBTQ+ role models and thrive.

Volunteering Days
All of our people, all over the world, are given an extra day of annual leave every year to dedicate to a cause of their choice. Whether that’s volunteering at a food bank or taking part in a beach clean, our people are paid to connect with a cause they feel passionate about each year.

“Leading from the heart is key for success. We can only truly do that well when we look outside of ourselves and support and learn from others.”

PhilIP Thomas, Chief Executive

Employee groups

Sustainability

Diversity, equity and inclusion