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In a unique blend of business savvy and social responsibility, Scott Logic, a leading UK-based tech consultancy, launched the Altitude Foundation, who are to quote the team, a “techy charity" focused on social mobility.
The foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged youth in North East England, has its roots in the financial crisis of 2008, when Scott Logic's primary client, Lehman Brothers, famously collapsed. In a bizarre turn of events following the financial crash, the software development company established a techy charity to support social mobility.
The unexpected recovery of funds from Lehman Brothers nearly a decade later became the seed money for Altitude Foundation, as Scott Logic’s founder, Gary Scott, decided to invest this windfall in a project close to his heart. Gary, originally from the North East, has long been committed to providing opportunities for young people from less privileged backgrounds, drawing from his own experiences growing up in the region.
In a recent discussion as part of the Both Sides of the Desk podcast, Graham Odds, Chief Strategy Officer at Scott Logic and Colin Ferguson who leads the Altitude Foundation discuss their post-pandemic hybrid working model and how to embed true CSR into a private company. They discuss the challenges of sustaining your values, embedding Corporate Social Responsibility, and how a mutually beneficial relationship can diversify your workforce and fill talent pipelines.
"We’re creating something unique that makes a real difference for young people",
said Colin Ferguson, head of Altitude Foundation.
Key points
Informal Work Culture: Scott Logic maintains a casual, playful work environment, which contrasts with the serious nature of its industry.
Moral Contracts: The company and the foundation operate based on trust and shared values, avoiding the rigidity of formal legal contracts.
Foundation's Purpose: Altitude Foundation aims to support underprivileged youth in the North East by providing technology education, a mission inspired by the founder's background.
Hybrid Work Challenges: The shift to remote work requires a focus on maintaining trust and effective communication, especially with new hires.
Dual Benefits: While the foundation serves a social purpose, it also indirectly benefits Scott Logic by nurturing future tech talent in the region.
Social Impact: Altitude Foundation is directly addressing the digital divide, providing crucial educational opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the North East.
The foundation operates independently of Scott Logic but maintains close ties, reflecting the company's ethos of trust and shared values. Rather than relying on formal contracts, the partnership between Scott Logic and the Altitude Foundation is based on a "moral contract," underscoring a deep mutual commitment to social good. This approach has allowed the foundation to flourish while benefiting from the support and resources of a well-established tech company.
Colin, who leads the Altitude Foundation, describes the challenges of building the organisation from scratch, highlighting the importance of independence while benefiting from Scott Logic’s infrastructure.
"We’re not just doing what everyone else is doing. We’re trying to make a real difference, and that’s only possible with the trust and support we’ve received from Scott Logic."
Scott Logic’s work culture, often described as informal and even rebellious, plays a key role in this dynamic. The company’s leadership, including Graham, emphasises the importance of trust, open communication and a playful approach to innovation. Graham said
"To take something seriously, you should be playing with it. Reflecting the company’s belief in fostering creativity through a relaxed work environment."
Post-pandemic, Scott Logic has embraced a hybrid work model, which Graham explained relies heavily on trust rather than strict oversight. This approach is essential not just for business operations but also for the continued success of the Altitude Foundation, which requires flexibility and support from its partner organization.
While the Altitude Foundation’s mission is primarily philanthropic, there is a strategic element as well. By nurturing tech talent in the region, the foundation indirectly supports Scott Logic’s long-term goals. Graham acknowledges,
"It’s about creating opportunities for young people, but it also helps ensure a pipeline of skilled technologists right here in the North East,"
The story of the Altitude Foundation is a testament to how business and philanthropy can intertwine to create lasting positive impact. As Scott Logic and its charitable arm continue to grow, their shared commitment to social mobility and regional development stands as a model for how companies can contribute to the communities in which they operate.
John Seager, Estates Director, Newcastle Helix said:
“With a focus on developing north east talent, Scott Logic and Altitude Foundation personify what Newcastle Helix aims to achieve here in the heart of the city. Creating growth opportunities for talent, whether a start-up, established business or the wider community at innovative data-led organisations creating solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.”
New Podcast Series: Both Sides of the Desk Now available
The evolution of workplace culture is the subject of a new video podcast series, Both Sides of the Desk, where you can listen to how Altitude Foundation are improving social mobility through technology education.
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