Portico’s primary goal was to embed purpose into their culture and empower their people to make a meaningful difference. They wanted to transform volunteering from a peripheral activity into a core part of their business, as something that reflected their values, strengthened their team, and positively impacted the communities they serve.

By aligning their volunteering efforts with shared ESG priorities, Portico also aimed to strengthen their partnerships (especially with their client, global property management company). Through collaborative initiatives and campaigns, Portico sought to deepen engagement and demonstrate their commitment to responsible business to their partners.

Another key goal was to improve employee wellbeing and engagement. They saw volunteering as a way to foster connection, build team spirit, and provide a sense of purpose beyond day-to-day responsibilities. By giving employees opportunities to give back, they aimed to enhance job satisfaction, boost morale, and support retention.

Portico wanted their volunteering efforts to be measurable and impactful. Through their partnership with OnHand, they aimed to track participation, quantify outcomes, and celebrate contributions. 

Ultimately, Portico’s goal was to create a proactive, passionate, and purpose-led volunteering culture. They envisioned a workplace where every employee feels empowered to contribute, where volunteering is part of their identity, and where their collective efforts drive real change.

Scaling volunteering engagement across a diverse, fast-paced workforce presented several challenges for Portico. While enthusiasm for social impact was strong, translating that into consistent, measurable action required overcoming structural, cultural, and logistical barriers.

1. Lack of clarity and understanding

Initially, many employees were unsure of what volunteering meant in the context of Portico’s ESG strategy, Second Nature. There was confusion around expectations, available opportunities, and how their efforts aligned with company goals. 

2. Time constraints and operational demands

As a client-facing business, Portico’s teams often work in high-pressure environments with limited flexibility. Finding time for volunteering was a challenge. 

3. Fragmented communication and coordination

With employees spread across multiple sites, coordinating volunteering activities and maintaining consistent messaging was difficult. 

4. Varying levels of engagement across sites

Different teams had different levels of engagement, often influenced by local culture or client expectations. 

5. Measuring and celebrating impact

Without a centralised system, it was hard to track progress and celebrate success.

With the launch of Portico’s ESG strategy, Second Nature, the organisation set out to create a volunteering programme that was inclusive, accessible, and aligned with their broader social impact goals. Management recognised that their people were eager to contribute, but needed the right tools, support, and structure to do so consistently and confidently.

Several key strategies and initiatives helped drive the growth of their volunteering programme over the past year, tackling each challenge to provide a relevant solution. 

1. Partnership with OnHand

Portico’s partnership with OnHand transformed their approach to ESG. The OnHand platform provided a centralised hub for volunteering opportunities, sustainability challenges, and impact tracking. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of activities made it easy for employees to get involved, while its real-time data helped Portico measure and celebrate their progress.

2. Launch of Impact Hour

Portico introduced Impact Hour, a dedicated time for employees to volunteer during work hours. This initiative signalled that volunteering was a priority within the work week. It removed barriers to participation and helped normalise volunteering as part of their daily operations.

3. Impact Event Calendar

To keep momentum and relevance, Portico created an Impact Event Calendar aligned with OnHand campaigns and national awareness days. This calendar inspired a wide range of creative initiatives - from NHS health pop-ups to sustainability swaps - and helped teams plan meaningful, locally relevant activities.

4. In-Person Social Impact Workshops

Education was key to driving engagement. Portico rolled out Social Impact Workshops led by their Social Impact Manager to help employees understand the “why” behind their initiatives. These sessions clarified expectations, built emotional connection, and empowered teams to take ownership of their impact.

5. Site-Level Ownership

Recognising the diversity of our workforce, Portico encouraged site-level ownership of volunteering initiatives. Teams were empowered to tailor activities to their local context while staying aligned with our ESG pillars. This flexibility fostered creativity and increased participation.

6. Storytelling and Recognition

Portico regularly shared success stories, spotlighted individual contributions, and celebrated milestones - such as becoming the fourth most active OnHand contributor in Q2 2025. These stories reinforced the value of volunteering and inspired others to get involved.

Together, these strategies created a volunteering ecosystem that was inclusive, engaging, and impactful. They helped build a culture where volunteering is a shared value and a source of pride for the Portico team.

Portico’s partnership with OnHand enabled them to track and quantify their volunteering growth. 

Volunteering Hours

• In 2024, Portico employees logged 738 volunteering hours.

• In 2025, Portico logged 701 volunteering hours.

Tree Planting and Environmental Impact

• 5,500+ trees planted in Portico’s OnHand forest to date, contributing to reforestation and biodiversity.

• 80+ metric tonnes CO2e reduction through sustainability actions and pledges.

Campaign Participation

• Portico’s engagement earned them recognition as the 4th most active OnHand contributor in Q2 2025, a testament to the dedication of their teams.

Community Impact

• 20+ NHS “What’s Your Blood Type?” pop-up events, resulting in 400+ new blood and plasma donor registrations.

• Supported a wide range of charities and causes, including Hackney City Farm, The Whitechapel Mission, Dogs Trust, Cards for Bravery, and more.

Employee Engagement

• Volunteering is now embedded into Portico’s culture, with teams proactively planning quarterly activities.

• OnHand has become a valuable tool for recruitment and retention, helping the organisation attract purpose-driven talent and boost morale.

The growth of Portico’s volunteering programme has had a profound impact on both their employees and the communities they serve. It has transformed their culture, strengthened their teams, and deepened their connection to the world around them.

Employee Empowerment and Engagement

Volunteering has become a source of pride and purpose for Portico. Employees feel empowered to take action, contribute to causes they care about, and make a tangible difference. This sense of ownership has boosted morale, fostered team spirit, and enhanced job satisfaction. Volunteering is now part of the business-as-usual mindset - something teams actively plan for and look forward to.

Wellbeing and Inclusion

Portico’s volunteering efforts have supported employee wellbeing by providing opportunities for connection, reflection, and contribution. Initiatives like card-making for ill children, working with animals, and supporting local schools have offered meaningful, restorative experiences. Their DEI-focused volunteering - such as the launch of FORWARD, Portico’s Race Committee, and neurodiversity training - has created a more inclusive, supportive workplace.

Community Impact

Portico’s teams have made a real difference in the communities they serve. From supporting Hackney City Farm and The Whitechapel Mission to hosting NHS blood donor events, their efforts have touched lives across the UK. The 400+ new blood donor registrations from their ‘What’s Your Blood Type?’ campaign alone demonstrates the life-saving potential of their work.

Environmental Stewardship

Through tree planting and sustainability challenges, Portico has contributed to environmental restoration and awareness. Their Portico Forest, with 5,500+ trees, is a symbol of collective impact and commitment to a greener future.

Client Relationships

Portico’s volunteering programme has strengthened their partnerships by aligning on shared ESG goals. Co-created initiatives have deepened trust, enhanced collaboration, and positioned them as a purpose-driven service provider.

Service Partner Relationships

The relationships Portico has built with their service partners have been instrumental in fostering a spirit of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. These connections have not only supported their client, global property management company’s vision for a unified, ‘one team’ approach, but have also enriched the way Portico works with their partners and their clients. 

Cultural Transformation

Volunteering is no longer an add-on: it’s part of Portico’s identity. It influences how the organisation leads, how they serve, and how they grow. Their people are more connected, their spaces more inclusive, and their impact more intentional.