Hanson Search Earns B Corp Status

We are thrilled to announce that Hanson Search is officially B Corp certified! After months of hard work and dedication, we’ve succeeded in earning this prestigious title and are committed to living up to the expectations it carries. As a business that strives to balance ethical purpose with responsible growth, becoming a B Corp has been a goal for a number of years, so having this certification is an incredibly exciting development for us.

What is B Corp Certification?

B Corp certification is a prestigious recognition awarded to companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification reflects our commitment to running a business that prioritises people and the planet, alongside profit. It signifies that we are part of a global movement using business as a force for good.

B Corp certification goes beyond traditional measures of success, such as profitability, and considers the broader impact of a business on society and the planet. These metrics include environmental impacts, like energy suppliers and recycling policies, and social issues, like diversity and fair compensation.

Ultimately, B Corp certification empowers consumers to make informed choices about the products and services they support, knowing that certified businesses have undergone a rigorous assessment and are held accountable to high standards of social and environmental responsibility. It also fosters collaboration among like-minded companies, creating a network of B Corps striving to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economy for all.

Our Journey to B Corp Certification

Our journey to this milestone may have officially started 18 months ago, but it’s based on years of work by the team to create a socially responsible business. The process was rigorous, and I am incredibly proud to announce that we scored 108 points, significantly surpassing the minimum requirement of 85. This achievement is not just a testament to our hard work but also serves as a robust foundation upon which we can continue to build and improve.

This accomplishment underscores the importance of each and every one of us in driving forward our mission to create a positive impact. It’s through our collective efforts and dedication that we have reached this milestone, and it’s a clear demonstration of our shared values and commitment to making a difference. Here are some key areas that contributed to our certification: People, Purpose, and Planet.

People

Our people are at the heart of our business, which is why training and career development are so important to us. We want our team to feel they are continuously learning and helping others to learn and develop, fostering a forward-thinking community environment. As an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), we are majority-owned by the employees. This means everyone has a vested interest in making the business a success, sharing responsibilities and accountability, along with sharing the success of the company. Hanson Search is also led by a woman and is majority-owned by women, showcasing our commitment to gender diversity.

We also believe in balancing work and home life, as the right balance is better for people and business. Happy, healthy staff make for happy, healthy working environments. Some of our benefits include a health allowance, the ability to work flexibly up to 50% of the time, monitoring fair pay, offering private healthcare cover, and contributing annually to employees’ chosen charities. 

Purpose

A cornerstone of our people strategy is our purpose. We aim to build businesses globally and transform careers, underpinned by equity for all. This is why we train and develop our staff on diversity and inclusion, setting and measuring goals for improving diversity not only within our company but also within the industry. Diversity encompasses race, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, and more. We promote and support diverse working environments and fair and equitable opportunities, giving back to communities by helping underrepresented individuals gain employment and offering career workshops run by our team.

Planet

We believe every business is responsible for the planet. That’s why we partnered with Ecologi to achieve carbon neutrality, vet our suppliers, ensure our waste is recycled, and manage our building’s waste responsibly. We also offer a cycle-to-work scheme and allow employees to work from home 50% of the time to reduce commuting.

Going Forward

Becoming a B Corp isn’t a one-time process. It requires consistent upkeep, as the B Corp review board insists on certified businesses maintaining their efforts and reaffirming their B Corp status every three years. This certification isn’t just a sign that we operate ethically; it also integrates us into a network of other proud B Corps. We look forward to collaborating with these businesses to inspire ethical practices and fight for the planet.

We are proud of what we have accomplished and excited about the journey ahead. Together, we are proving that business can be a force for good.