Case Studies

Thomas’s London Day Schools

The importance of strong foundations

Thomas's is a family-run group of co-educational independent schools in central London for children aged from two to 18 years old.

When, in 2022, the group’s new chief operating officer (COO) took responsibility for delivering its sustainability action plan, he set about laying the foundations for a robust and collaborative approach.

One of the first priorities was the formation of an ESG committee,  bringing together sustainability leads from each of the six schools. The COO also invited Oakley’s Head of Sustainability to contribute to the group to offer insight and guidance. The ESG committee developed and published its terms of reference, encompassing operational, procurement and curriculum matters. This collaborative effort resulted in the creation of an ESG action plan, an ethical procurement policy and an educational sustainability policy.

With Oakley’s support, Thomas’s Schools achieved another significant milestone in 2023 by completing its first mandatory UK Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) assessment. These foundational steps will inform and guide the group’s ongoing sustainability strategy, enabling it to set targets and monitor progress effectively.

North Sails

Pioneering sustainable sailmaking

Founded in 1957 by Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Lowell North, North Sails has become the world’s
leading sailmaker, designing high-performance sails for race boats, superyachts and cruising vessels.

With a legacy of innovation and technological advancements, North Sails has consistently revolutionised the sailing industry. Today, the company is committed to finding sustainable solutions in sailmaking, focusing on low-impact manufacturing, alternative fibres and material circularity for its most popular sails.

Oakley invested in North Sails in 2014 and has actively supported its management team in its strategy to integrate sustainability within its business objectives. In January 2024, North Sails launched RENEW North Panel Laminate (NPL) sailcloth for cruising boats between 25 and
45 feet.

RENEW2 is constructed from more than 90% sustainable sources, including recycled polyester film and yarn, as well as bio-based Dyneema, a high-performance polyethylene used in sailmaking because of its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, durability and resistance to moisture, UV light and chemicals. While traditional  Dyneema is derived from petroleum-based feedstocks, the bio-based Dyneema used in North Sails RENEW sailcloth is made from ethylene derived from renewable resources such as wood or other biomass. This reduces the fibre’s reliance on fossil fuels and lowers its carbon footprint, making it a more sustainable alternative.

The development of RENEW required rigorous testing and close collaboration with North Sails suppliers that share the same dedication to creating more sustainable products. The raw materials used in RENEW are bluesign certified and International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) compliant3, ensuring the authenticity of their sustainable origins and manufacturing processes.

Looking ahead, North Sails is adopting life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the ecological impact of its products and establish goals for reducing waste and pollution. By 2030, the company aims to transition to at least 80% renewable electricity at all its operating facilities and set measurable targets for circular products that can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.

vLex

Championing EDI 

vLex is a global legal intelligence service that provides legal professionals with access to the most extensive collection of legal and regulatory information in the world via one award- winning and unique platform. The company also develops cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, to provide its users with the most relevant and accurate information.

The company is growing quickly. In 2023, vLex merged with Fastcase, a US-based legal technology company, to create the world’s largest online law library. vLex has long embraced remote working to ensure it can build teams of individuals with the best skills and experience, not just those in the right location. It now has 400 employees spread across 181 cities around the world.

vLex is a diverse organisation where different cultures and communities are embraced and celebrated. The company has long championed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). In 2018, a group of employees in one of vLex’s companies voluntarily started an EDI team to run awareness and educational initiatives. Since then, dedicated EDI teams have been established across all vLex companies, supporting and providing confidential services to address EDI-related concerns for all vLex employees.

Ensuring that such a geographically dispersed team feels connected is, however, a challenge. This is why, in 2023, vLex chose to use the new employee survey tool provided by Oakley. vLex partnered with the tool providers to design the survey, ensuring it was culturally sensitive and compliant with varying regulations across different countries. Representatives from all four business units collaborated to refine the survey questions, which were ready for roll-out in early 2024. The results of the survey will be shared with employees, and insights will be used to create a comprehensive and responsive EDI strategy.

Phenna Group

IASME’s commitment to cybersecurity and neurodiversity

Part of the Phenna Group, IASME, is a leader in cybersecurity certification, renowned for its role in delivering the UK government’s Cyber Essentials scheme.

Neurodiversity initiatives
Founded by Dr Emma Philpott MBE, a material scientist who transitioned to cybersecurity, IASME champions inclusivity in the tech sector. Inspired by a personal journey with her autistic daughter, Dr Philpott recognised the untapped potential in neurodivergent individuals. IASME’s neurodiversity programme began by training 14 neurodivergent adults in cybersecurity, all of whom were subsequently employed by the company. This initiative has grown, with half of IASME’s workforce now identifying as neurodivergent.

Challenges and lessons

Accommodating sensory sensitivities and clarifying workplace expectations, such as explicit guidelines on dress code and social interactions, were two of the things the company did to help neurodivergent people integrate into the company and create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their needs. IASME also learned that issues affecting neurodivergent employees often benefit the entire workforce. After introducing desk lamps and changing the overhead lighting following feedback from an employee with autism, other employees reported fewer headaches.

Impacts and benefits
IASME’s inclusive approach has yielded remarkable results. Its innovative and diverse team excels in problem-solving and creativity, contributing to the company’s success. The supportive culture enhances employee retention and attracts top talent, even from outside the neurodivergent community. IASME’s dual focus on robust cybersecurity certification and an inclusive, neurodiverse workforce sets a powerful example. Its experience demonstrates that supporting diverse needs not only fosters a positive work environment but can also enhance innovation and business performance. As it continues to learn and adapt, IASME remains a testament to the benefits of embracing diversity in the tech industry.