Commitment to community value earns Ideagen prestigious social justice award
Ideagen has been recognized for its contributions to the local community at a recent awards ceremony.
They were named 'CSR Partner of the Year' at the 2024 Himmah Social Justice Awards. This recognition underscores the meaningful impact of Ideagen’s partnership with the charity, which began in 2023 as part of its broader global commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Claire Knee, Global Community and Social Impact Lead at Ideagen, was presented with the award by Sajid Mohammed, CEO of Himmah, during the event.
Louise Tommasi, Chief People Officer at Ideagen, said: "This award not only reflects the spirit of collaboration within the local community but also serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when shared values drive action.
"Ideagen is committed to making a positive impact in the communities and environment where we live and work. Whether donating time or expertise, it’s about giving back, helping others and being a force for good. Our goal is to champion local charities, groups and organizations across our global locations, supporting them in creating meaningful change and a lasting difference.
"None of this would be possible without the hard work of our Global Community and Social Impact Lead, Claire Knee, and I’d like to personally thank her for her dedication to making all this happen."
Himmah, a Nottingham-based organization, is on a mission to tackle food poverty, racism and educational inequalities. They operate the largest independent food bank in the Midlands, while also providing hot meals, distributing school uniforms to low-income families and tackling social injustices within the community. In total, the charity supports approximately 670 families each month.
Since the partnership began, Ideagen has put its core value of 'Community’ into action. Ideagen colleagues have actively contributed by volunteering their time with the organization, while the company has also provided support through technology donations, including laptops, and partnering on career outreach initiatives. Together, these efforts have played a crucial role in supporting Himmah’s vital work within the local community.
Commenting on the partnership, Uzair Hashmi, Fundraising and Volunteering Lead at Himmah, said: "Ideagen has been a cornerstone of support for Himmah, demonstrating unwavering dedication to advancing social justice in our community. Their involvement spans far beyond the surface, showcasing a true commitment to empowering those in need. From consistent monthly volunteering at our foodbank — the largest in the Nottingham City and Midlands region — to providing essential technology, Ideagen has been instrumental in addressing food poverty and digital inequality.
"A particularly touching example of their impact is Ryan’s story. As a former refugee, Ryan faced significant barriers to employment and personal development. Thanks to a laptop donated by Ideagen, Ryan was not only able to search and apply for jobs after receiving his leave to remain but also pursue his dream of writing a book. His journey, now captured in "Little Immigrant Boy", stands as a testament to how Ideagen’s support has changed lives in profound and tangible ways.
"Ideagen’s commitment extends to inspiring future generations through their support of our Anchor Project, a BAME mentoring initiative that connects young people with industry professionals to raise aspirations and build pathways for success. This initiative has already begun to make a meaningful difference in shaping brighter futures.
"We are profoundly grateful for Ideagen’s partnership and look forward to continuing this journey of making a lasting difference in our community."