For this month’s CSR Profile, we’re shining a spotlight on The Collective, hearing from Andre Damian, Director of The Collective Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Collective.

Please provide a short outline of your current role and a brief description of any other relevant career experience
I’m the Director of The Collective Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Collective, the global pioneer in co-living. Our mission is to create thriving communities by supporting social entrepreneurs and other charities through training and funding programmes. In my role as Director I have helped shape the vision of the organisation, launch impactful projects, and work directly with people who are making a huge social impact.

Previously, I founded a global volunteering network organisation and have worked as a children rights advocate in the national and international political arena (United Nations).

Why is CSR important to your organisation?
Giving back and supporting social enterprise has always been at the heart of The Collective. The Foundation was set up at a time when the company was much smaller, at a size where businesses normally do not engage in CSR. Creating a positive social impact is integral to The Collective because it is simply what we and our founder Reza Merchant stand for. We are led by purpose, and that’s why people love us.

Which topics, themes or initiatives are your organisation currently focused on?
The Collective Foundation’s key priorities are addressing homelessness, improving social mobility for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and creating more inclusive and connected communities. We support initiatives that advance these goals. Recently, we ran an innovation programme in which a new venture spun out that aims to prevent homelessness by engaging young people who are at risk of eviction.

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is having the freedom to pursue what makes the most impact. This is probably a unique quality in a CSR function. In my view, my work goes beyond traditional ‘CSR’. We’re incredibly innovative when it comes to making a positive impact as a business, having created a number of industry-leading programmes and initiatives. This is both exciting for myself, and of great value to our employees, our members, our partners and of course the fantastic individuals and enterprises we work with.

Getting us back to normal – The Collective Insider Offer
The Collective Canary Wharf is working hard to help people return to some sense of normality and have launched a special insider offer just for ELBA business partners and newsletter subscribers looking for an alternative space to live and work from or a safe place to stay when travelling to Canary Wharf. Book a Standard Studio for £89, with free breakfast and other perks. Book here, and use the code: ELBAINSIDER. (Offer available Sunday – Thursday).