V Teamers in the UK give back through corporate social responsibility.

We create the networks that move the world forward. And when we say networks, we don’t just mean 5G. We’re also talking about the human networks that connect millions of people, businesses and things. As part of our corporate social responsibility platform, we pledge to move #ForwardTogether and dedicate 2.5 million volunteer hours by 2025 to make an impact in three key areas: digital inclusion, climate protection and human prosperity.         

Human prosperity: Gaining independence through employment.  

Partnering with Smart Works, a UK-based charity that helps women get back into employment, our Verizon UK team works as a company that gives back, supporting the organization with everything from professional clothing to interview coaching. Our UK Talent Acquisition team, led by Lorraine S., lends their recruitment expertise to mentoring women, conducting mock interviews and coaching them on how to answer even the toughest interview questions.

Mindy G., a recruiter on Lorraine’s team, recently mentored Maria, who was anxiously preparing for her first-ever interview. Following the passing of her father, Maria took some time off to help her mother get back into high spirits. She then came to Smart Works and met Mindy, who gave her one-on-one coaching and guidance. 

“By the end of our hour together, she felt more confident and better equipped to take on the interview,” Mindy said. “A week later, I received an email saying that she was successful and got the job. I was over the moon and ready to do it all again.”

Digital inclusion: Empowering entrepreneurs through technology. 

Our panel of judges for the Verizon and Unloc Enterprise Challenge.

As another aspect of our corporate social responsibility efforts, Verizon UK also partners with Unloc,  a nonprofit organization that empowers budding entrepreneurs. As part of this partnership, Verizon UK and Unloc recently co-hosted the Enterprise Challenge, a competition in which participants submit their technology-led start-up business concepts.

A panel of senior Verizon leaders judges each idea based on viability, sustainability and technological innovation. After rounds of judging, the winner of the competition is awarded £10,000 to get their start-up off the ground, as well as a mentorship package.

“Verizon strongly believes that by promoting entrepreneurship we can promote independence, innovation and success,” Dyanne Ierardo, head of HR for Verizon International, said.

Climate protection: Working toward a greener planet.

Verizon UK's Green Team volunteering at Little Wormwood Scrubs Park in White City, London.

The Verizon UK Green Team also plays their part when it comes to climate protection. Recently, they volunteered at a park in White City, London, gardening and preserving the area. 

The team’s main tasks included preparing the land for re-planting and saving a small group of trees from being strangled by unwanted bramble. Splitting into two groups, Green Team volunteers spent the day digging and scything their way to a more sustainable environment. With 22 volunteers each spending 4.5 hours on the project, a total of 99 community service hours were contributed by V Teamers — a great start to our 2.5 million hour goal. 

Learn more about how Verizon’s purpose-driven culture and social responsibility efforts help us move the world forward as a company that gives back.