The impact of a business is measured in more than the services it delivers. It is also seen in the difference people and partners make in the communities around them. Since launching our Social Value Strategy in 2023 we have been working to put that belief into practice.
Last year we shared our first Social Value Report. This year’s update shows signs of real progress, while also highlighting the work still ahead.
This year in focus
Through the efforts of Hippos working alongside partners, this year’s impact can be seen in outcomes such as:
- 75 new full-time jobs created across the country, with almost half filled by people from underrepresented groups in tech
- A 59.82% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, alongside 91% of electricity coming from renewable sources
- £13.2m spent with local businesses, nearly half of it with SMEs and VCSEs, generating £18.5m of local economic benefit
- More than 6,232 hours of wellbeing activities, from yoga and fitness initiatives to volunteering and mental health support
Each of these outcomes is part of a bigger picture, showing how steady actions across the five themes of our SV strategy add up to meaningful change.
Caring for the planet
Caring for the environment gathered pace this year. Direct emissions were cut by almost 60 per cent, with wider supply chain emissions also reduced. Most of the electricity used now comes from renewable sources, and the remaining footprint was fully offset through verified carbon schemes.
Hippos also gave 428 hours to environmental volunteering, from redistributing surplus food with partners like Surplus2Purpose to creating greener spaces in local communities. These efforts combine practical action with awareness building and show how environmental responsibility can be part of everyday work as well as long term goals.
Strengthening local communities
This year Hippo directed project spend towards local businesses to help strengthen jobs, training and resilience. Much of this went to small and medium sized enterprises, with further contributions supporting voluntary and social organisations. In this way, investment stayed close to where Hippos live and work, creating opportunities that extend beyond contracts and into local communities.
The value is not only in the figures. It comes through working with suppliers who share the same values and building long term relationships that help communities grow stronger. Supporting local organisations means the benefits extend well beyond contracts, creating opportunities and growth in the places where Hippos live and work.
Opening up opportunities
This year Hippo welcomed its first T-Level students into live projects, giving them hands-on experience of working in digital delivery. Two of those students will return as apprentices in FY26, showing how early opportunities can lead to lasting careers. Apprenticeships were also supported more widely, alongside 350 hours of digital skills training delivered in schools and colleges to help open pathways into the industry.
Opportunities also grew within Hippo itself. 6.3 per cent of new roles went to people declaring a disability and almost half were taken up by people from groups underrepresented in tech.
Building belonging
Building belonging has been a focus this year, with steps taken to make Hippo a fairer and more inclusive place to work. A new DI&B strategy and employee forum were introduced to strengthen accountability and drive progress.Ourgender pay gap median reduced from 15% to 7% and for the first time analysis was carried out on ethnicity and disability pay gaps, helping to build a clearer picture of where more change is needed.
Partnerships also played a role. Hippo collaborated with UK Black Tech through their Peckham Digital Acceleration Zone (DAZ) programme, contributing skills and learning from the perspectives of its participants. Belonging also means care for wellbeing, both inside Hippo and in the communities where people live and work.
Supporting people to thrive
Hippos took part in more than 5,700 hours of fitness and mindfulness activities. 14 colleagues became trained Mental Health First Aiders and over £73,000 was raised or donated to good causes. These efforts reflect the care Hippos show for one another and for the places they live and work.
Each of these themes is brought to life through partnerships, the stories of Hippos working alongside charities, schools and community groups to create change.
Partnerships that make the difference
Some of the moments that stood out this year include:
- Rise Up: Hippos took on a 30km Snowdon hike to raise nearly £2,000, starting a partnership that will grow into new Pathways2Digital programmes next year
- Surplus2Purpose: 22 Hippos gave 140 hours to tackling food waste, helping surplus food reach people’s plates instead of landfill
- SIFA Fireside: In Birmingham Hippos supported people at risk of homelessness, from volunteering in kitchens to funding urgent boiler repairs
These are only a few examples. The full report also highlights partnerships that showcase women led businesses through SHINE, support older people with digital literacy through Age UK, and help prison leavers build new opportunities by providing laptops and technical expertise.
Moving towards 2030
This year’s report is a reflection of what can be achieved together. There is more to do, but with two years of reporting behind us social value is now part of how work is approached, from reducing environmental impact to diversifying the tech sector and strengthening local communities.
Our journey to £100m of social impact by 2030 continues, shaped by the efforts of Hippos and the partnerships that make it possible.
Explore the full stories and progress in the Social Value Report 2025.