Telefónica Tech's partnership with SmartSTEMs saw them work with 23 schools, engaging 1,500 young people through 9,000 hours of learning, helping to inspire the next generation in science, technology, engineering, and maths.

STEM is one of our most potent vehicles for promoting greater equality, enhancing social mobility and encouraging true individuality as future thinkers and creators.

They also partnered with Bridge of Hope, looking for ways of removing barriers to employment for disadvantaged groups. "Meaningful employment fuels self-worth, and the partnership is committed to supporting those who need it most to be inspired and supported into career pathways".

So in 2024, Telefónica Tech designed their social value not just for their public supply contracts, but embedded into the local education and youth development infrastructure which is strategically aligned to the youth safety and employment priorities of Crime Commissioners and Community Safety Partnerships.

Looking into 2026 and beyond

STEM & Employability Pathways

A major social value focus for Telefónica Tech in and beyond 2026, blending these 2 partnerships, is to support more young people in schools across the Midlands through the region's 9 DICM areas (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and West Mercia).

Employee Volunteering: Giving Time to Make a Difference

In 2024, over 124 different volunteering activities were completed, where employees embraced the opportunity to create positive change. More than 80% of employees stating these experiences strengthened their connection to Telefónica Tech's social responsibility.

Going forwards, matching volunteering with core workplace skills will be a focus, such as running cyber security workshops for children at risk of exploitation or general youth cyber security awareness, and even keeping digital learning spaces open for the homeless, ensuring access to technology for those who need it most.