Giving back: Q3 update 2025/26

One of the things I enjoy most about working at NATS is seeing how much our people care, not just about the roles we do, but about each other, our communities, and doing good in ways that make a difference. Quarter three was full of moments that really brought that to life. Here I share some highlights focused on the pride NATS takes in giving back and ways we’ve engaged with others at a local and international level.

What we achieved across the UK

Across our three UK centres, we raised over £9,000 through a series of creative fundraising events, from raffles to themed activities to ever-popular bake sales. Those efforts supported our centre-selected charities The Micah Project, Sophie’s Legacy, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA).

We also rallied behind a huge range of practical donations, giving furniture, clothing, toiletries and food items to organisations supporting people through difficult times. Our festive collections added an extra push when it mattered most. 

Welcoming young people into NATS 

Through our partnership with the Jon Egging Trust (JET), we welcomed students from four Hampshire and Dorset schools into our workplaces. Seeing them engage with teamwork, communication challenges, and confidence‑building sessions reminded me why this partnership means so much. And, of course, none of it would be possible without our brilliant employee volunteers who give their time so generously. 

Volunteering with purpose 

I loved seeing teams combine bonding with meaningful action in Q3. The Transformation and Delivery Team rolled up their sleeves at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, helping maintain green spaces while supporting environmental education for local schools. 

Other teams got involved too. Our New Airspace Users team set to work improving therapy spaces and outdoor areas at Winchester’s Solent Mind branch. While the Finance Operations team put together festive hampers for Hampshire Food Revolution, helping families through the winter months. 

Our Community Fund at work 

One thing that always makes me proud is the impact of our Community Fund. This quarter alone, it supported 35 projects awarding over £28,000 – the funding covered items from bedding for animal welfare charities to training jackets for youth football teams to IT gear for a local heritage society. 

We continued to match employees’ own fundraising too, supporting causes like MND Scotland, REORG, and Diabetes UK. A special shout‑out goes to the seven Operations Training colleagues who completed a 24‑hour three‑peaks challenge and raised more than £3,000 for Sophie’s Legacy. 

Rocking our payroll giving record 

Our payroll giving scheme, Give As You Earn, hit a new record this quarter, with over £72,000 donated by employees. That generosity translates directly into support for UK‑registered charities, faith groups and recognised good causes – and it genuinely makes a huge difference. 

Overseas support 

Good deeds and giving back continue across our international offices, too. In India, colleagues visited the Loreto Convent School in Delhi to meet some of the students we sponsor and learn more about the school’s outreach work. 

In Singapore, our team spent time with their chosen charity, Arc Children’s Centre, bringing gifts, entertainment and joy to children facing serious illnesses. As one colleague, Rushi Kumar, put it: “Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of these children, even when they are facing such immense health challenges, is a powerful reminder to appreciate what we have.” 

Quarter three reminded me, yet again, what makes NATS such a special place to work. The generosity, compassion and drive shown across our centres and teams reflect who we are at our core: people who care about each other and the world around us.