Broadridge is one of the leading providers of FinTech solutions in the world with over $5 billion in revenues. What makes this US based organisation stand out to us besides their business figures is their broad gamut of CSR initiatives in India. Spanning across eight domains, their activities are aimed at eradicating extreme hunger and poverty, promoting education and vocational skills, empowering women, improving healthcare, ensuring environmental sustainability, preserving heritage and culture, and supporting disaster management and relief initiatives.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Ms. Sudipta Paul, Vice President at Broadridge, delves into the core of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) philosophy. At Broadridge, giving back to society is not just a mandate but is ingrained in the company's culture and values. The interview provides a deep dive into the specific projects and initiatives undertaken by Broadridge in India. From empowering the girl child through education to launching innovative programs like ‘Care on Wheels’ to address healthcare challenges in rural areas, their initiatives reflect a holistic and strategic approach to social responsibility. Paul also sheds light on the collaborative efforts with esteemed entities like SOS Children’s Village, Akshaya Patra Foundation, and Unnati.
We also touch upon gender diversity- a priority for Broadridge as a global fintech organization- and the comprehensive policies and initiatives in place to retain women employees and foster leadership roles for women within the company. Looking ahead, Paul shares insights into the evolution of Broadridge's CSR initiatives and their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Read the full interview for deeper insights:
Q. Please tell us the overarching CSR philosophy or guiding principles at Broadridge. How do they align with the broader vision and mission of the company?
A. Giving back to the society and our community is deeply rooted in our company’s culture and values. We actively work towards nurturing an environment that empowers every individual around us to achieve more.
With this vision, at Broadridge India, we have strived to provide our associates with the appropriate tools and framework to contribute to causes that hold value for them. Volunteerism, as a result, has been the driving force behind our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiativeswhich includes key focus areas such as:
- Young girl child’s education and welfare
- Access to quality education for children
- Skill development to provide livelihood opportunities
- Gender equality and women empowerment
- Environmental sustainability projects that protect flora and fauna and ensure conservation of natural resources
This commitment is reflected in the enthusiastic and committed participation of our associates, who volunteered for different cases and activities. In FY23, 96% of our associates took time out to give back to the society through our CSR programs.
Q. We learnt that the CSR initiatives at Broadridge are taken under a few specific focus areas. What factors guide the resource allocation among these domains?
A. At Broadridge, our CSR initiatives across key focus areas, stem from our belief in addressing multifaceted challenges faced by the community. We recognize that social progress is interconnected, requiring a holistic approach. By engaging in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and community development, we aim to makea positive impact and nurture a balanced and thriving society.
Our resource allocation is guided by a strategic assessment of community needs, stakeholder engagement, and the potential for sustainable change. We prioritize initiatives based on their social relevance, long-term benefits, and alignment with our expertise. For instance, one of our prime focus areas has been bridging the digital divide in education. As a leading provider of technology, communications, and data and analytics solutions, this is not only an area that holds special interest for us but also poses an opportunity to nurture skilled and trained tech talent for the future.
In addition to this, we have built a long-term collaboration with non-profit organizations like MV Foundation and Need Base India to identify crucial areas where our contributions can make a significant difference. Through the partnership, we have been educating and supporting childrenin gradually reintegrating into society and attaining sustainable livelihoods with dignity.
Q. Education is a fairly vast domain in the development sector. Could you tell us about the specific problems that you focus on under this focus area and what are your major ongoing projects?
A. At the core of our mission is the empowerment of the girl child through education, knowing the profound and far-reaching positive effect it has on families and communities. Partnering with the MV Foundation Bridge Camp, we are taking deliberate strides towards achieving this goal. We take pride in sharing that we have successfully created livelihood opportunities for three exceptional individuals - Jhansi, Bhavani, and Hema Latha - by integrating them into our workforce.
In addition, we have extended our support to the Sri Vidhyas Centre, an institution dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for autistic and neurodivergent children, enabling them to acquire the necessary skills for a fulfilling life. Through the collective efforts of Broadridge and our associates, we have successfully facilitated the construction of a five-story learning center in Hyderabad.
Broadridge India is committed to narrowing the gap between education and industry demands. In partnership with industry leaders like HYSEA, we actively work towards expanding the capacities of rural engineering colleges and mentoring the faculty at these institutions.
Our leaders actively engage in creating awareness about the abilities of marginalized individuals. During an offsite event, they took part in a compelling chess match with visually impaired individuals. This experience served as an eye-opener, showcasing the immense possibilities that can be achieved despite constraints.
Q. Who are your implementation partners for the above-mentioned projects and what have the outcomes been like so far?
A. Our CSR journey has been an incredible mix of compassion, collaboration, and meaningful impact. This past year, we established new partnerships with esteemed organizations like SOS Children’s Village, Akshaya Patra Foundation, and Unnati, further expanding our reach and influence.
One of our most successful endeavors – the WINGS (Workplace Integration Nurturing Good Students) program in association with Unnati – has helped 25 talented young women from rural India. The year-long program offered practical experience to recent college graduates, providing them with valuable exposure to the industry.
In parallel, we have made significant investments in educational infrastructure, resulting in improved SMART learning environments. However, what gives us a sense of purpose is the opportunity we provide for children from our partner NGOs to visit our offices and experience the corporate world. This exposure instills a sense of aspiration, which we hold as one of our greatest accomplishments.
Last but not least, the dedication of our associates as volunteers, whether it be in offering access to quality education for children or creating informative posters and reading materials to raise awareness, amplifies Broadridge commitment to giving back to the communities we serve.
Q. Healthcare and sustainability are two other broad domains that Broadridge works on. Please tell us about some of your key initiatives in these areas.
A. In our continued effort to make a meaningful impact, we are now shifting the gears and focusingon programs that support healthcare and sustainability.And this starts with the launch of our "Care on Wheels" (COW) program in collaboration with our CSR partner, Impact Guru.
Under this initiative, Broadridge India has sponsored an ambulance that will serve 6 to 7 rural areas in Bangalore where proper healthcare accessibility is a challenge. The ambulance, equipped with medical facilities, will operate at the doorstep of communities, providing essential healthcare services. People in these areas will have access to free checkups and medicines, addressing critical healthcare needs within these communities.
This initiative is supported by our associates, who volunteer and work alongside healthcare professionals, aiding in patient management and providing valuable assistance to doctors and staff. By launching "Care on Wheels," we aim to bridge the healthcare gap, promote wellness, and contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the underserved communities.
We have also joined hands with the Unnati Foundation to provide clean, safe drinking water to the villages of Karnataka affected by water contamination.Keeping in mind the fluoride and nitrate content in the groundwater in these regions, our mission was to set up RO water units, through which people can purchase water at a steep discount, enabling a basic human right.
Additionally, we have collaborated with The Akshaya Patra Foundation in supporting education for underserved communities. Broadridge India is proud to have sponsored Android tablets for 69 students at ZPHS Shankarpally Girls School and ZPGHS Sangareddy Girls School in Kandi, Telangana. This partnership underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide and enabling students to access crucial educational resources, thus empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Q. Women empowerment and gender equality is a multidimensional issue in India. Broadridge has made shelter homes and hostels for women and orphans- please tell us a little more about this and whether you have any additional initiatives to support women in these homes and beyond.
A. Broadridge India is deeply committed to enabling women empowerment and gender equality. Our initiative to establish shelter homes and hostels for women and orphans reflects our dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for those in need. In addition to providing shelter, we offer comprehensive support programs tailored to the specific needs of women and children. These programs focus on education, vocational training, and healthcare, enabling women to gain skills and confidence for financial independence.
We have also collaborated with local NGOs and organisations to create mentorship and networking opportunities, encouraging women to pursue their aspirations beyond the shelter homes. Our goal is to empower women not only with a secure living space but also with the tools and resources necessary to lead fulfilling lives, contributing positively to society. Through these initiatives, we strive to foster a culture of equality and empowerment for women in India.
Q. As a global fin-tech organization, what policies do you have in place to promote gender diversity in the workplace, retain women employees and/or have more women in leadership positions?
A. At Broadridge India, fostering gender diversity is a cornerstone of our organizational ethos. We have implemented a comprehensive set of policies and initiatives to promote an inclusive workplace and empower women at all levels. Firstly, we prioritize unbiased recruitment processes, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. Additionally, we offer targeted mentorship programs, skill development workshops, and leadership training to our women associates. Our supportive work environment enables a healthy work-life balance, promoting retention.
To further enhance gender diversity in leadership positions, we have instituted mentorship schemes, leadership development forums, and networking opportunities specifically designed for women. We actively identify and nurture female talents within the organization, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to excel in their careers.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you see your CSR initiatives evolving as the company grows? Are there any specific goals or targets that the company has set for itself in the short or medium term?
A. Broadridge's CSR initiatives continue to grow as we strive to create a significant social impact. This year, we launched our inaugural Broad Hopes Fest, an extraordinary day-long event where our NGO partners showcased their handcrafted artwork and delectable snacks, promoting the spirit of giving back. The fest provided our associates with the opportunity to learn about the collective impact we are making by exploring donation details and volunteering opportunities.
In line with our goal of active participation from 98% of Broadridge India Associates, we are also expanding our scope of work. For FY24, our focus has broadened to encompass eradicating hunger and poverty, enhancing healthcare, and promoting environmental conservation and sustainability.
Our commitment to gender equality and education extends to children, women, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals. We also prioritize environmental preservation and the development of vocational skills. By aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we aim to make a meaningful difference in society and contribute to a better, more sustainable future.
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