We want to contribute to the development of the places where we operate

Our aim is to take our ‘Can Do’ culture into the communities in which we work in ways that are really useful to local people, and to O2.

We are involved in schemes that enable employees to see how their efforts make a difference in the areas where they work and live. During the year projects included working in schools – especially on areas of mobile safety and child protection as well as youth at risk and crime prevention.

There is a strong community spirit across Telefónica O2 UK with active involvement from people at all levels. Exceptional commitment to community action is recognised in the annual Telefónica O2 Europe Community Awards, held this year at The O2.

Measurement

We use an online data management tool, which tracks cash and in-kind donations as well as paid hours from employee volunteering.

We adhere to the London Benchmarking Group (LBG) model for the measurement of our corporate community investment and this was adopted by our parent company Telefónica S.A. during the year.

In 2007, total cash donations for Telefónica O2 UK were £1,031,494. The total value of our in-kind donations was £4,100, and the total time in paid hours was £1,466 (measured at the value of £20 per employee, per hour).

Every quarter we report our community investment activity through the Corporate Responsibility Forum to the Governance Board Committee. The Telefónica Europe Board is briefed on community investment activities every six months.