Berkeley Group and BGIT: Announcing a New Partnership That Empowers Young Learners

We’re delighted to announce that Berkeley Group and Berkeley Group IT have recently launched a new Community Partnership with Change of Scene, a charity that provides animal assisted learning to young people with a range of complex emotional, social and behavioural needs. 

Many of the young people supported by Change of Scene are excluded or at risk of exclusion from education, and the charity gives them a chance to learn and develop in a safe space.  

Over the next three years we will be working with Change of Scene as the organisation relocates and expands to support the needs of more young people. Through fundraising and volunteering for Change of Scene, Berkeley colleagues will be able to positively impact young people in Surrey and Hampshire – and get to meet the onsite alpacas too!  

Change of Scene comments: 

“We’re excited to be chosen as the charity partner for the Cobham and Send offices of the Berkeley Group. We can’t wait to welcome colleagues to our site, introduce them to the animals and start working together.”

The new partnership builds on an eight year collaboration with Surrey Young Carers (SYC), part of Action for Carers Surrey, which supported its mission to provide care, recognition, and opportunities for young carers across the county. 

Berkeley Group teams took on everything from skydiving to the Surrey and Yorkshire Three Peaks, and even the 2024 Christmas Pantomime – which quickly cemented its place in Berkeley history.

Over the years, the total amount for SYC reached a fantastic £150,000. This included over £70,000 of staff fundraising, £40,000 of match funding, £13,000 of payroll giving and match funding, plus other grants from the Foundation.   Colleagues also donated seasonal gifts throughout the year, bringing moments of joy to families who often juggle extraordinary responsibilities.

A standout partnership finale saw twelve young carers join Berkeley Group IT for a Berkeley Insight session, giving them hands on experience and a glimpse into future career paths while connecting with colleagues and exploring their aspirations

Tim Bevins, CEO of Action for Carers (Surrey) comments: 

“Our long-running partnership with the Berkeley Foundation has been transformative for the young carers we support at Action for Carers. The passion, creativity and commitment of staff at Berkeley Group has been nothing short of phenomenal, raising money that has enabled us to provide much needed services and support to these amazing young people who help care for their siblings, parents and extended families. Thank you to everyone who has taken part and contributed over the years – you are a force for good.”

Each Berkeley business partners with one or more local charities, helping to create lasting impact in the communities where Berkeley is operating. These Community Partner charities are selected by Berkeley colleagues, and the relationships are led by the local Foundation Champions.