Oxford HR’s BCorp journey started long before our certification process. Working with social and environmental impact organisations, and businesses prioritising mission over profit, it feels that being a force for good has always been an intrinsic part of our organisational DNA.
Now we are a certified BCorp, I want to ensure that our company is always transparent about our impacts and continually learning and improving. As the BCorp movement evolves and brings in new standards for 2026 and beyond, Oxford HR will strive to improve its positive impact and advocate for the importance of BCorp principles in leadership.
Why we certified: Aligning Business with Purpose
We are in the business of finding the right leaders for mission-driven organisations. We work with non-profits, social enterprises, and impact-focused businesses—organisations that prioritise making the world a better place. It only makes sense that we hold ourselves to the same high standards we look for in the leaders we place, and that we see in our client organisations. Becoming a BCorp has formalised our commitment to balancing purpose and profit and enabled us to pin different aspects of our business operations to the 5 core pillars of Workers, Community, Governance, Customers and Environment.
Intrinsically BCorp: Living our values
By living our organisational values every day, we not only align with the standards of a BCorp but also set a strong example for others to follow. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and ensure we remain focused on the bigger picture—creating positive, sustainable impact for all. This commitment is not only the right thing to do but essential to building a thriving, responsible business that contributes to a better world.
- Care – is the foundation of our approach. We prioritise the well-being of our employees, clients, and candidates, and aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and respected. This commitment ensures that we create positive, lasting impacts and foster a culture of empathy and respect.
- Expertise – we bring deep knowledge and continuous learning to every project, ensuring we offer the best leadership solutions to our sectors. Our expertise is a key component in building trust with our stakeholders, and it helps us drive responsible business practices that make a real difference in the world.
- Diversity – is central to our success. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters creativity, innovation, and a broad range of perspectives. By embracing differences, and encouraging our clients to do the same, we are better equipped to address challenges and create inclusive solutions that reflect the varied needs of the global, purpose-led sector.
- Integrity – we act with honesty, transparency, and fairness, always adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our commitment to integrity ensures that we maintain the trust of our clients, partners, and the wider community, making sure that our decisions and actions are guided by principles of fairness and responsibility.
- Ethical – we believe in doing business in a manner that respects human rights, environmental sustainability, and the long-term well-being of society. As a BCorp, we understand that our business decisions must reflect our responsibility to both people and the planet.
- Collaboration – is at the heart of how we work. By partnering with values-aligned organisations, we create stronger solutions and help deliver collective impact in our sectors. We recognise that no single entity can solve the complex challenges facing the world today, and through collaboration, we amplify our ability to create meaningful change.
Leading the Way in Responsible Leadership
The world is facing complex and interconnected challenges, from environmental sustainability to social inequality, and these issues demand leadership that is ethical, innovative, and forward-thinking. Oxford HR is committed to playing an active role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow by adhering to the principles of BCorp and using our position to influence change.
BCorp values, such as diversity and collaboration, are essential ingredients in fostering innovation. Diverse leadership teams bring together a wealth of perspectives, enabling organisations to solve problems more creatively and find new ways to meet their challenges. We actively seek out leaders who are committed to inclusivity, who build teams that reflect a wide array of experiences, backgrounds, and skills. By doing so, we ensure that organisations can drive innovation, adapt to change, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The work we do is essential for the future of leadership. At a time when the international donor landscape is uncertain, and businesses in the corporate space are facing increasing pressure to align profit-making with social good, it’s more important than ever that leadership reflects these values. As a BCorp, we are proud to play our part in nurturing this new wave of leadership.
I’m excited to see how the current, and future, generation of mission-driven leaders embrace the challenges that surround us. Oxford HR will continue to work to ensure that the leaders we place are not only capable of driving financial success but are also dedicated to making the world a better place. Through our work, we continue to champion the idea that business, when guided by integrity and purpose, can indeed be a powerful force for good.
David Lale
David is the Group CEO of Oxford HR having worked alongside and within the charity sector in executive search and recruitment for over 25 years. David is passionate about supporting and transforming the ‘for purpose’ sector. He has a particular interest in innovation and re-thinking the way the sector works. He’s also Chair of Charity People, the specialist UK Charity recruiter, and former Chair of Tiny Tickers, a charity supporting babies with congenital heart disease. He is a guest lecturer on the Trustee Academy training programme and has recently been honoured with an award as a Global Leader in Corporate Responsibility. He holds an MBA, is a Fellow of the RSA and currently studying for a Degree in Computing and AI.
