Did you know that Giffgaff is an ancient Scottish word meaning “mutual giving”? Think it’s just a made-up catchy brand name? Well, it turns out that this business is Gifgaf in name and Gifgaf in essence. Giffgaff is now certified B Corporation. Giffgaff takes legal responsibility for its impact on people and the planet, which is built into the company’s DNA. In other words, it means aiming “up to a good state.”
Now you are nodding sagely. Yes, B Corp. is very cool. But that may not actually be the case. I know what a B Corporation is. If so, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know…
balance profits and objectives
Achieving B Corp certification is more than just putting an eco-friendly sticker on your brand. It is important to do more than just consider a company’s environmental impact, although that is a factor. B Corp certification considers not only how a company operates its business, but also how it treats customers, coworkers, and the broader community.
This is a rigorous process, a series of checks that includes internal assessments, external assessments and final verification, and also double-checks evidence that the company is performing as specified, going down to the supply chain. Once a company achieves B Corp certification, there is no room for complacency as it is tested every three years to ensure it meets the standards and even exceeds its previous score.
So what does this mean for Giffgaff? How does the mobile network provider meet the high standards set by certification body B Lab Global?
further efforts
Firstly, Giffgaff boasts a fantastic marketplace for refurbished mobile phones. Since launching in 2016, it is now one of the leading refurbished mobile phone networks in the UK. It offers refurbished mobile phones from a range of brands, including Apple and Samsung, at prices to suit all budgets. You can choose your condition from ‘like new’ to ‘good’, and all models come with at least 80% battery life and a minimum 12-month warranty. This means great value for money for consumers and reduced e-waste by extending the life of your old or unwanted mobile phones.
Mobile phone networks are focusing on recycling in other ways as well. The plastic used in SIM cards is made from recycled materials. Giffgaff also offers e-SIM on compatible devices, eliminating the need for physical plastic SIM cards. These practices contribute to Giffgaff’s B Corp certification as it extends beyond their own practices to those of their suppliers and partners.
Change Begins at Home
In 2022, Giffgaff’s headquarters operations are carbon neutral. The head office in Uxbridge has solar panels and a living roof, rainwater harvesting, cycle storage spaces, and electric vehicle charging points. Employees (“giftgaffers”) have flexible work options and are provided with various benefits, contributing to high scores on employee engagement surveys and the B Corp certification for Giffgaff.
What does that mean for me and my phone?
First of all, Giffgaff’s SIM plans are very flexible. Not only can you increase or decrease your data package as per your needs, Giffgaff will also email you each month to let you know if you’re on the right plan based on your data usage. This is probably one of the reasons these days. Voted the best pay-as-you-go network by comparison site Uswitch.
Another benefit is that customers are considered “members” of Giffgaff and can join a community of people who support each other using online forums. The community often comes together to support various charities, and donations are matched by Giffgaff. Since 2010, Giffgaff’s repayment scheme has seen him donate more than £1 million to a variety of charities, many of which are chosen by members. In 2023 alone, he raised over £85,000 for various good causes.
Oh, and Giffgaf also promised that there would be no mid-contract price increases companywide. contract Scheduled for 2024*, there will be no unpleasant price increase surprises.
It seems too good to be true, but is it?
That’s right? There is no such thing as a “perfect company” and Giffgaff does not claim to be one. But the company claims to be a “better way to do mobile,” and its B Corp certification ensures that it meets its high standards, allowing businesses to deliver value not only to customers but also to society. It proves that there is a way to do it.
Whether you’re looking for reliable service, top-of-the-line technology, or finding the best deal to meet the needs of the whole family, choosing a mobile phone supplier can be a big decision. With so many options on the market, how do you know you’re giving a portion of your monthly income to a company that values you as a customer?
In a world of greenwashing, false promises, and hype, B Corp provides consumers with knowledge, peace of mind, and choice. The high bar this system sets shows us that we are a company with a conscience that holds itself accountable to doing the right thing for people and the planet.
Originally founded in 2009 as a force for good in the mobile phone market, Giffgaff claims that “goodness flows through us all the time” – and now they have the hard-earned certification to prove it.
From flexible SIM packages to a range of refurbished mobile phones, discover more ways Giffgaff ‘gets it right’. giftgaf.com
*No mid-contract price increases for 18-month contracts purchased through 2024. Fair use policies, conditions, and exclusions apply. View giffgaff.com/terms
Source: www.theguardian.com
