One company’s mission to help people who have difficulty communicating and to create a positive impact for society has helped thousands of people connect. That drive to make a difference has led to the business becoming B Corp certified – a milestone made possible by working closely with Risk Evolves.
Widgit is a pioneering software company that helps people express themselves independently using symbols. The versatility of the Widgit Symbols means they can be used in a number of settings, from early learning centres and schools to nursing homes and dementia units.
With Widgit’s three core values of integrity, kindness and quality entwined into everything it does, it’s not surprising that B Corp certification was a natural progression for the company.
But what is B Corp, how does a company get certified and what does it mean for customers and partners?
Why B Corp matters
Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
The accreditation shows a business has undergone rigorous assessment and external verification.
Put simply, B Corp certification is more than a badge of honour. It represents a public commitment to doing the right thing and being held accountable.
As a B Corp-certified company, Risk Evolves guides other organisations on their sustainability and accreditation journeys.
The process
Navigating accreditation is a complex process that requires continuous effort and commitment from a business.
But for Widgit, it all started from a simple conversation.
An initial chat between Helen Barge, Managing Director of Risk Evolves, and Widgit CEO Cate Rae opened the doors to a solid partnership.
With Widgit already driving forward positive change and conducting responsible business practices, it was clear that B Corp aligned closely with its legacy and values. So, together with Risk Evolves’ compliance specialists Dr Muneebah Kara and Phill Davies, Widgit embarked on its certification journey. This included monitoring and reducing its carbon footprint, being mindful of how staff travelled and even launching a Widgit Wilding initiative with a pledge to plant 40 trees per staff member.
Cate explained:
“At Widgit, we care about doing good – with both people and the planet in mind. To help offset our impact on the environment, we’re doing our bit to ensure we continue to make the right choices when it comes to caring for our world.”
B Corp certification is a real mark of trust and underscores Widgit’s dedication to creating value beyond profit and its commitment to ethical business conduct.
Cate praised the expertise and skills of the Risk Evolves team:
“A heartfelt, massive thank you to all of you [at Risk Evolves]. Helen, without our conversation, Widgit wouldn’t even be on this journey. Muneebah and Phill, without all your help, advice and support it would have been a much more difficult road. Today is as much your success as ours.
“Thank you for helping me make such a personal dream come true.”
By meeting rigorous social and environmental performance standards, Widgit has now joined a global community that prioritises doing the right thing.
Achieving this certification highlights the hard work and dedication from both Widgit and Risk Evolves, emphasising how strong partnerships lead to exceptional outcomes.
Helen expressed her delight in Widgit’s success, saying:
“It is very humbling to have helped a leader achieve a personal dream.
“Widgit is an example of how doing the right thing will help a business and its team prosper.
“The Widgit team is a joy to work with and we’re proud they have been officially recognised as an organisation who uses business as a force for good.”
Partnership
Being a B Corp is about working together.
Risk Evolves’ own journey started in 2020 and, since receiving B Corp accreditation in March 2022, the team has helped businesses of all sizes and industries on the path to achieve B Corp status.
The organisation guides and supports businesses through their certification journeys with confidence. Helping organisations achieve their own B Corp status will ensure companies are ready for upcoming challenges.
Risk Evolves is proud to demonstrate its commitment to creating a positive impact for its business and all stakeholders.
Discover more about the journey towards B Corp certification and discover practical examples of its impact in Risk Evolves’ latest B Corp report.
A heartfelt, massive thank you to all of you [at Risk Evolves]. Helen, without our conversation, Widgit wouldn't even be on this journey. Muneebah and Phill, without all your help, advice and support it would have been a much more difficult road. Today is as much your success as ours. Thank you for helping me make such a personal dream come true.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
About Risk Evolves
Risk Evolves helps organisations leverage compliance to drive business success, offering insights into how compliance can benefit your business. To find out how Risk Evolves can help your business, contact us.
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