Volunteering and corporate social responsibility - how Magdalen helps organisations give something back

More and more organisations are stepping up their contribution to their communities by giving something back. It's often called 'Corporate Social Responsibility' or CSR. CSR is not only good for the community but it’s also a very beneficial team building exercise that can engage, motivate and boost the productivity of employees - and it’s often based around volunteering. 

At Magdalen Farm in Somerset, we are delighted at the growing interest in CSR and volunteering as we do just that - and have been for many years.

Why should you bother with corporate social responsibility?

If you are a business and particularly if you work in HR and recruitment, you might have noticed candidates asking about what your organisation does in the wider community, perhaps they’ve also asked about your values too.

That’s because research from Deloitte has shown that 56% of the ‘next generation’ or Millennial workforce (anyone born after 1980) would rule out working for an organisation if they didn’t feel they had a fit with their values. The same research found that opportunities to be involved with local good causes is highly popular with this group.

CSR is also particularly effective when a team work on creating something they are passionate about and, when it has a lasting impact on the environment. Getting out of the office, working together and solving a problem or doing work with a social impact has a much more immediate benefit than a traditional work-based course.

How can Magdalen help?

There are opportunities for organisations to volunteer with us on the farm. We are a therapeutic and educational centre, set on 132 acres of organic farmland, near Chard in Somerset.

Volunteering even just for a couple of hours can help people feel better about themselves. And, by making a contribution to our organic and sustainable environment, teams can bond and it also gives give groups a common purpose.

Our volunteering activities cover organic fruit and vegetable gardening, animal care and nature conservation in wildflower meadows. We can cater for your stay too - with a home made two course lunch using produce grown right here on the farm.

Here’s what one organisation had to say about volunteering at Magdalen…

“It’s a great fun and active day out. We are looking forward to our next visit already and would encourage others to volunteer at least once - and then you’ll want to keep returning!!” Elsevier, Exeter.

For organisations looking for a team-building exercise, volunteering can be a perfect way to achieve your objectives while giving something back. And, if you wanted to stay for longer, perhaps using our facilities for your own meeting, our accommodation and venue facilities or meeting rooms are available on a day rate basis.  

Download our brochure here.

If you would like to discuss a volunteering session on Magdalen Farm for your team or your beneficiaries, please give Linzie or Giles a call on 01460 30144. 

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