PDMS achieves an Isle of Man 'first' with Social Value Quality Mark

PDMS has become the first company on the Isle of Man to receive the Social Value Quality Mark® (SVQM). The Bronze Award marks PDMS’ commitment to tackling the gap in digital skills and supporting young people into the industry. 

Social Value Business defines Social Value as "the positive impact created for society by the actions and legacy of an organisation". The Social Value Quality Mark recognises distinction in values-led business that benefits customers, communities and the planet. It is one of the most rigorously tested standards of its kind in the UK.

To achieve the Bronze Quality Mark, PDMS has made a series of commitments to create, measure and independently report on their social value.  Through a series of pledges, we committed to focus on areas where both the company and our team can make the most impact. This includes a focus on supporting skills development and promoting awareness and understanding of career opportunities in the technology sector to help address the digital skills gap.  

PDMS is also putting a spotlight on mentoring and providing opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience. We are supporting a number of key charity partners whose work in this area positively impacts on young people in our local communities. This includes Junior Achievement on the Isle of Man and Digital Critical Friends and MCR Pathways in Scotland. 

The Quality Mark also builds on our ISO 14001 accreditation in relation to protecting the environment. PDMS has committed to achieving Net Zero and has pledged not only to take action to measure, reduce and offset its carbon footprint but to also champion environmental protection within all spheres of influence including biodiversity.  

There are four levels of accreditation within the Social Value Quality Mark framework, each acknowledging an increasing level of maturity. PDMS are now working towards achieving Silver, which focuses on the delivery of positive outcomes from its various social value commitments and activities. 

Richard Dickens, Managing Director of Social Value Quality Mark CIC, said: 

"Customers, investors and jobseekers increasingly place their loyalty with organisations who deliver clear social and environmental benefits. The Quality Mark separates, distinguishes and celebrates those businesses who are genuinely committed to making the world a fairer place. We are pleased that PDMS is joining the growing number of companies who have made this commitment.”

Chris Gledhill, CEO of PDMS, commented: 

"PDMS celebrates 30 years in business this year and throughout our long history, we’ve always believed that every business is a ‘social enterprise’ and should aim to have a positive influence on their local communities and actively pursue environmental sustainability. The Social Value Quality Mark takes our commitment further with a focus on measuring and reporting these positive outcomes and impacts and ensuring that they stand up to scrutiny.”

Joanne Pontee, PDMS's Chief Marketing Officer and Director with responsibility for Social Value, added: 

"As part of the SQVM process, we’ve consulted with our different stakeholders to really understand how we as an organisation and individuals can make the most impact – particularly when it comes to the digital skills gap. None of this would be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of our team who use their diverse skills and valuable time to help local charities and organisations.”

The pledges made by PDMS align with the social themes covered by the National Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMS ) Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

To find out more about our work in the local communities, visit our Social Responsibility page.