At AG Impact, putting people first isn’t a trend or a moment in time – it’s a principle that continues to guide how we work, grow and show up. Long after reports are published and targets are met, it’s our people who carry the impact forward.
When we look back at last year’s Impact Report, one thing is clear: the progress we’re proudest of wasn’t just about metrics or milestones. It was about creating the conditions for people to feel supported, valued and able to thrive, both inside our business and beyond it.
In a world where pressure, change and uncertainty are constant, we believe decent work, inclusion and opportunity are foundational. They’re not add-ons. They’re what makes impact sustainable.
Progress that still shapes how we work
Much of our work aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – and those priorities continue to influence the decisions we make today.
Supporting women and girls
During that period, we supported 265 women and girls through mentoring, training, advocacy and pro bono work – significantly exceeding our original goal. What stayed with us wasn’t just the number, but the reminder that targeted, practical support can create momentum, confidence and lasting change.
Fair pay and financial security
We committed to fair reward across our team and network, with pay rises, bonuses and rate increases, alongside access to independent financial advice. That commitment reinforced something we still hold firmly: fair pay is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate respect for people’s expertise, time and contribution.
Learning, inclusion and better ways of working
The launch of our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Neurodiversity and Environmental policies marked a step change in how we embedded people-first thinking across client projects as well as internally. These aren’t static documents – they continue to evolve as living tools that help us make better, more inclusive decisions.
Opening doors for early careers
Through micro-placements with Not Impossible, we supported young people at the very start of their working lives. Those experiences reminded us how much confidence, clarity and possibility can be unlocked simply by taking the time to guide, listen and encourage.
Being part of a supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven team that values growth, transparency, and making a positive impact on people and planet is truly special.
Nicola Breen
Operations Director, AG Impact
What we’ve learned along the way
Putting people first also means being honest about complexity.
Building inclusive, supportive ways of working is never “done”. It takes continual reflection, listening and adjustment – particularly as teams grow, ways of working shift and expectations evolve. We’ve learned that meaningful support often takes longer than expected, but that slowing down to do things well is part of what people-first impact really looks like.
Carrying it forward
The commitments set out in our 2023–2024 Impact Report continue to influence how we operate now. Looking ahead as we prepare to write our 2024 – 2025 report, our focus remains on:
- Investing in learning, development and fair reward
- Supporting women, young people and SME leaders through mentoring and training
- Deepening how inclusion shows up in practice, not just policy
- Creating opportunities for decent, meaningful work
- Sharing what we learn openly, so others can apply it in their own organisations
Why it still matters
People-first impact doesn’t expire when a reporting year ends. When people feel trusted, supported and fairly treated, everything else works better – from culture and collaboration to resilience and long-term impact.
How can your business put people first?
- Start with people, not policies alone
- Invest in learning and confidence, not just compliance
- Be transparent about what’s working and what still needs work
- Remember that consistent, human-centred actions add up over time
Putting people first is an ongoing commitment. It shapes how we make decisions today – and how we’ll continue to build impact in the years ahead.
If you’re planning your next impact report and want it to reflect who you really are, not just what you measure, let’s talk.
Author details
Laura McDowell
Impact Manager
