We were delighted to be approached by a leading cyber security software development company to devise and support a key Corporate Social Responsibility component of their quarterly business review meeting.
Our challenge was to deliver an activity day that blended CSR with team-building for 50 participants. For the morning’s itinerary, we were tasked to find an offsite, outdoor location with a focus on giving back to the community or donating physical effort to make a positive impact on a charitable organisation. For the team-building afternoon, our remit was to stage a fun, informal activity with a competitive element.
We selected the Aviator hotel at Farnborough to host the event – a prestigious five-star venue that ticked all the boxes for flexible event space, evening functions and most importantly, quality.
We liaised with local authorities and charities to explore opportunities for engagement and support, and Woodlarks Campsite emerged as the stand-out choice. Situated just eight miles from the Aviator hotel, Woodlarks is run almost entirely by passionate volunteers to provide accessible camping for the disabled, and relies heavily on grants and fundraising to keep camping costs to a minimum for its beneficiaries. A huge amount of ground maintenance is required on site, which all needs to be handled out of season – cue an enthusiastic team of helpers!
Given the short lead time and the limited opportunity the team would have onsite, it was agreed that the most mutually beneficial support would be assisting with an itemised list of groundwork maintenance tasks that could be realistically completed on the day. This varied checklist included painting tables, shifting soil to build up borders, installing sensory edging to guide the visually impaired and chopping firewood. Given the physically demanding nature of some of the tasks, the group was fully briefed and monitored by our onsite risk assessment team.
The team-building activity was a more straightforward proposition – we organised private hire of a local bowling venue, with a beautifully-presented lunch served by a local catering specialist. The exclusive use of this relaxed environment would provide a welcome contrast to the active nature of the first half of the day.
April showers could not dampen spirits among this group of strong, self-motivated and enthusiastic high performers, who put in a sterling team effort at Woodlarks, followed by some friendly rivalry and a chance to unwind after their morning’s exertions.
“We had a brilliant morning! An outstanding sense of motivation and pride prevailed throughout the event and you can see by the smiles on people’s faces how pleased we all were to be able to make a difference to the lives of the people that use the facility though the summer months.” Client Event Lead
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