At CT, we believe real impact goes beyond the work we do every day. Through our giving back days initiative, we empower our people to support the causes that matter most to them, whether that’s in their local community or further afield. It's part of our purpose: 'The joy of helping others succeed'.
Each member of our team has dedicated time each year to volunteer in a way that feels meaningful and personal. From environmental projects to community support, education, and charity work, our teams are using their time to make a difference where it counts.
Below, some of our colleagues share their experiences, highlighting the causes they’ve supported and the impact their giving back days have had.
"I used one of my giving back days to volunteer at an International Women’s Day event hosted by a charity focused on Black women’s health, which is incredibly important to me.
The day was a powerful opportunity to support conversations around health, equity and wellbeing, while contributing my time to a community doing vital work. Being able to step away from my role and give my energy to something so closely aligned with my values was truly meaningful.
I was really grateful to be able to use my Giving Back Day in this way, and to be supported in taking time to contribute to a cause that matters deeply to me."
"I used my 2 giving back days to volunteer as an assessor for the Saltire Scholar Programme. The programme is Entrepreneurial Scotland's flagship programme designed to link students from 16 Scottish universities to internship opportunities offered by host companies from various industries.
During those 2 days, I interacted with the candidates, previous Saltire Scholars, members of the programme and led on workshops that tested skills ranging from how they collaborated as a team, demonstrated a growth mindset and evaluated how their ideas and goals aligned with the organisation’s mission.
It was a great way to use my volunteering days, by giving back to the programme that I also participated in!"
"I used a giving back day to volunteer at a fundraiser for Children’s Hospice Across Scotland. Every year, my local theatre group selects a charity to support, and organises monthly fundraisers to support that charity including cabaret nights, sponsored runs, bake sales, and raffles.
This month’s event was a bake sale, where I helped out by preparing some bakes, setting up the stall, manning the stall for the full day, and packing things up. It was a great experience to raise money for charity, and to freshen up my front of house skills!"
"I enjoyed using my giving back days to volunteer with Barefoot in Business (BIB). BIB was founded after a filmmaker's inspiring visit to document female entrepreneurs. The project was then established to promote female entrepreneurship while inspiring the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
I began volunteering with them just over a year ago where I attended a few sessions in a participating school and I began assisting the founder on behind the scenes projects including research, preparations and marketing. To say the least I joined the project with the aim to inspire the budding entrepreneurs but really, I was the one who was left inspired!"
"I was delighted to spend a CT giving back day at Paxton House, where I am a Trustee.
It's a historic house recognised for its nationally significant collection of Chippendale and Trotter furniture. On top of its heritage, it features beautiful gardens, woodlands, and River Tweed access, alongside various holiday accommodations. Paxton House has to navigate its risk landscape, focusing on succession planning and diversifying resource use.
On the day the Trustees, Management Team, and some of our volunteers came together to develop an action plan on sustainability priorities, linked to our values and unique strengths. It was a hugely positive day and a reminder of how very different organisations share similar challenges."
I've absolutely enjoyed volunteering for my lovely town, Berwick-Upon-Tweed's Heritage Open Days! I’ve only been able to take part at weekends, however I was also able to make use of CT's giving back days to showcase some of the town's historic buildings to tourists across the UK and beyond.
I've always loved history, and I love seeing my town come alive each year - meeting visitors from across the UK and beyond, and the many visitors and other volunteers who aren't originally 'Berwickers' but have made Berwick their home. Each year, I learn something new and leave feeling even prouder of our history, beauty, and community spirit."
Giving back is an important part of who we are at CT. By supporting our people to contribute to the communities around them, we’re proud to play a small part in creating positive, lasting change.