One Day for Change (ODfC) is dentsu UK&I’s annual event that unites as a force for good. Each year team events near our offices, many supporting local non-profits.

This initiative supports our Sustainability Strategy.

Employees are encouraged to take part in ODfC to learn, support their wellbeing, give back to their communities, get out in nature and connect with colleagues in a meaningful way.

For more information, see the ODfC Hub on dentsu dot.

22nd April-5th June 2026 in the UK&I.

All employees based in the UK&I can take part, regardless of market or reporting line.

To participate with your team / as a group:

Firstly, speak to your team to decide your preferred date(s) (UK campaign
period is between 22nd April – 5th June), how many people would like to participate, and then nominate an ‘Activity Coordinator’ who will have the responsibilities listed below.

Next, have your lead booker Choose an activity you are interested in from your dedicated office page. You’ll be put through to a form, where you are able to click on as many opportunities you are interested in. Once you’ve submitted this form, OnHand will be in touch with you to organise your opportunity.

To participate individually:

If you would prefer to volunteer individually, please get involved via the OnHand platform.

• 4 to 6 weeks before event: Complete the OnHand form from your location page. OnHand will then work with you and the relevant charity to plan the activity and communicate this information to your team.

• 2 weeks before event: Finalise participant numbers with the OnHand team, so they can confirm with the charity.

• 1 week before event: The OnHand team will send an email to the Activity Coordinator to confirm the final event participants. They will also send an
  email in the thread with the charity to confirm all is OK ahead of the event participants. They will also send an email in the thread with the charity to confirm all is OK ahead of the event.

• After the event: Complete the Employee Feedback Form. The OnHand team will send a feedback email to attendees, the Activity Coordinator
  at dentsu and the team leader at the charity after the event.

Meet our One Day for Change partner OnHand – who is organising all volunteering opportunities alongside the UK&I Sustainability team. OnHand will work with the UK&I Sustainability team, local champions (see below) and Activity Coordinators on the logistics and support for your activity.

One of the aims of One Day for Change is to get colleagues together as a group to connect on meaningful social and/or environmental projects. It is also an opportunity to socialise outside of work.

However, we know it’s not always easy or possible for everyone to get together in a group setting, so there will be opportunities to volunteer individually too, please contact the sustainability team for more information.

While we encourage everyone to get out into local communities in person and as a group, we understand that this isn’t possible for everyone.

Accordingly, some opportunities may be made available for those who would prefer to take part in a virtual setting. You can select this preference on OnHand remote opportunities page.

Most activities will either be a half day* or a full day. We have tried to provide flexibility around work commitments and allow larger groups to take part across two sessions on the same day.

*Please note that volunteer leave can only be taken in full-day increments in Workday.

Each activity will list a maximum capacity, if you have a large group please only request activities that can accommodate that number.

We’ve worked hard to provide choice and flexibility across every region, with a range of indoor and outdoor activities, half-day and full-day options, small and large group formats, and additional opportunities to join virtually.

Please view your location page to see the opportunities and fill out the OnHand form. OnHand will work with you to organise your volunteering day.

You are entitled to two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice. This time away from work must be agreed in advance with your line manager and recorded as a ‘Volunteer Day’ in Workday. 

You will receive your normal basic pay for these volunteer days. Time in lieu cannot be taken if you volunteer on a non-working day. If you want to volunteer for more than two days, you must ask your line manager for unpaid leave, annual leave, or a career break.

We can only fund one place per employee for One Day for Change, but there will be further opportunities to take part in volunteering via the OnHand platform and app throughout the year, alongside through our partnership with the King’s Trust. Please contact the Sustainability team if you are looking to volunteer outside of the One Day for Change period.

We understand that things outside of your control will happen to impact your ability to volunteer when you originally signed up. However, Dropping out of a charity event, especially at short notice, can have a significant impact on the charity – some may be relying on your support to achieve their goals. If you are unable to attend your planned activity, please notify your Activity Coordinator as soon as possible and work with them to find a replacement participant no later than 2 weeks before your event. If you have to drop out after the 2 week allowance period, you will have to contact the Sustainability
team directly.

While we would love all UK&I-based dentsu colleagues to participate in One Day for Change, taking part typically bears a cost to help charities host participants. This means spaces are limited and based on a first-come, first-served basis. If spots are oversubscribed, we can provide advice for teams on how to self-organise.

If you're interested in supporting elderly or isolated individuals in your local area, an enhanced DBS check will be required. This is a straightforward process that can be arranged in advance. Please note that, due to the nature of these checks, One Day for Change activities will not include in-person work with children.

One Day for Change activities should be booked centrally. Please complete the OnHand form and identify your preferences. If you are looking to organise your own activity, please contact the sustainability team for sign-off. Please note this will have to be funded via your department, have the appropriate insurance and risk assessments.

If you want to work with a charity you’ve worked with previously or have a personal relationship with, you’re more than welcome to self-organise. Please contact the sustainability team to let them know.

Please contact Sustainability.UK-I@dentsu.com or groupvolunteering@beonhand.co.uk if you have any further questions.