Social value
and systemic
change
How VodafoneThree is driving social value
Social Value is the additional value Vodafone Business – the business-to-business arm of VodafoneThree – contributes to society, above and beyond what we are required to do as part of our contracts with customers.
This value can be localised, by supporting specific people or a certain region, or it can contribute to a cause that is important to the buyer, supplier or customer – whether that’s related to employment, education, inclusion or the environment.
At VodafoneThree, our social value themes are:
1
Inclusive employment, skills and wellbeing
2
Strong, safe and connected communities
3
Sustainable environment and responsible growth
Social value in action:
As part of the social value delivery for a contract with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Vodafone worked with Ahead Partnership to launch an Agri-Tech programme for students in the UK.
With 24 Year 10 students taking part across three days, the programme helped students learn about real-world issues like food waste and biodiversity, and how emerging technologies can help solve them. The students then worked in groups to design their own solution, before pitching the new ideas to a panel of judges.
Aimed at inspiring the next generation about the range of available roles in tech, sustainability and the green economy, the programme gave both Vodafone and Defra an organic opportunity to amplify their respective social impact. It also helped raise awareness about Vodafone’s apprenticeship opportunities.
How VodafoneThree is supporting systemic change
Across the three key areas of activity that we target as a business, we make an active effort to contribute to positive social change where possible. This is largely done through committee membership, board representation or executive advisory positions.
Made for everyone
The Connection Project
VodafoneThree is a founding partner and participating organisation of The Connection Project, which works to ensure everyone can take part in a digital UK society, with Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Nicki Lyons, the VodafoneThree executive sponsor and representative at advisory board discussions.
Digital Inclusion Action Committee (DIAC)
The DIAC is an external advisory body formed to help the UK Government contribute to greater digital inclusion. VodafoneThree’s Nicki Lyons sits on the Industry Leadership and Partnership subcommittee, helping government shape the UK’s national approach to digital exclusion.
Made to be safe
NSPCC Child Safety Online (CSO) Taskforce
Nicki Lyons joined the NSPCC CSO Taskforce in 2024, working closely with industry leaders to champion a safety-by-design approach to business, support child advocacy, and mobilise support for the organisation and its causes.
Made to last
Government Digital Sustainability Alliance (GDSA)
The GDSA helps improve digital sustainability outcomes for UK Government and its supply chain. Members, including Vodafone UK, provide guidance and recommendations across the circular economy, Scope 3 emissions, planetary impact, and Artificial Intelligence.
IT Reuse for Good charter
Alongside the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Deloitte UK and Good Things Foundation, VodafoneThree provides businesses signed up to the IT Reuse for Good charter with a means of donating old devices, in support of reducing both electronic waste and barriers to digital access.
Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF)
VodafoneThree currently co-chairs the DCF’s Climate & Sustainability Working Group, which brings together key industry and government stakeholders to identify common approaches that can accelerate activity to reduce our collective industry footprint.