December 2025 | 559 words | 2-minute read
Tata Steel remains committed to the Tata group’s enduring philosophy — that the well-being of communities is not just a goal, but a responsibility. This belief is deeply woven into the company’s DNA, and its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reflects a legacy of compassion, action, and impact.
From kindness to a movement: the evolution of volunteering
What began in 2014 as spontaneous acts of kindness — blood donation drives, environmental clean-ups, and grassroots support — soon revealed the immense potential of employee-led change. Initially informal and driven by individual passion, these efforts laid the foundation for something bigger.
Recognizing the need for structure and scale, Tata Steel transitioned to a more organized model of volunteering. The Tata Steel Foundation became the catalyst, launching and steering employee volunteering programs that aligned with the company’s values and created pathways to harness the collective power of the workforce to drive sustained community impact. The programmes provided employees with a diverse range of opportunities to contribute their time and skills for social causes close to their hearts while supporting projects seamlessly aligned with the company’s values and objectives.
“I do believe that volunteering helps each and every individual connect beyond your immediate circle, both personally and professionally. It is a great way to stay grounded, great way to evolve as a person and a great way to do something meaningful for the community and for society.” - TV Narendran, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Steel
Portal of Purpose: a game-changer
On August 11, 2023, Tata Steel unveiled the Portal of Purpose (PoP) — a digital platform that revolutionized employee volunteering. With a sleek, user-friendly interface, PoP empowered employees to discover, explore, and sign up for causes that resonated with their hearts and schedules. The result? A surge in participation, deeper engagement, and a stronger sense of community. Volunteering became more accessible, more personal, and more impactful.
Townhall Sessions: Sparking Awareness and Action
To amplify the launch of PoP, Tata Steel hosted a series of dynamic townhall sessions. These gatherings didn’t just inform — they inspired. Employees across departments and locations were encouraged to step forward, share stories, and embrace the spirit of volunteerism. By fostering a sense of community and purpose, we empowered our employees to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
Leadership That Leads by Example
Senior leaders played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of volunteering. What started in a few locations quickly grew to encompass 16 states where the company had a critical mass of employees, thanks to their active involvement and advocacy. Their support created a ripple effect, motivating teams to collaborate and contribute meaningfully.
SPOCs: The Connectors of Change
To streamline efforts, each department and JDC location appointed a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) — a coordinator nominated by senior leadership. These SPOCs became the heartbeat of volunteering, mobilizing teams and ensuring smooth communication and execution.
Highlights
- Tata Steel scaled up its volunteering efforts clocking 4.42 PCVH (compared to 1.57 PCVH)
- Tata Steel leaders led the way to inspire employees across all locatioans to give back their time and skills through volunteering
- The “Portal of Purpose” revolutionised how employees are informed about volunteering, participate and report their volunteering efforts
Single Point of contact (SPOC)
A single point of contact was designated in each of the Department / Joint Departmental Council across locations, by way of nomination of senior leadership to serve as the central Fire safety training, Kalinganagar coordinator for volunteering efforts and overall management. These individuals were given the responsibility for mobilizing employees and streamlining communication to ensure effective participation in various volunteering initiatives.
Locational Sessions: Deepening Impact
In collaboration with the Tata Sustainability Group, Tata Steel Foundation conducted targeted, location-specific sessions on volunteering. These workshops equipped employees with insights into sustainability and practical tools to enhance their contributions.
Enablers and Partnerships
Tata Steel Foundation has been instrumental in curating a diverse portfolio of volunteering opportunities to cater to the volunteering needs and aspirations of employee acrosslocations. With partnerships spanning over 70 organizations, employees now have access to a wide array of causes — from education and healthcare to environment and disaster relief.
Accountability Through Audits
For the past three years, Tata Steel has undergone rigorous audits as part of the BRSR/IR Assurance Audit, verifying volunteering hours and ensuring transparency. This process reinforces the company’s commitment to integrity and measurable impact.
Conclusion: A Culture of Purpose
Tata Steel’s volunteering journey is more than just a community initiative — it’s a movement of empathy, leadership, and collective action. Through an organised structure, and clear vision of impact, the company continues to build bridges between its employees and community, proving that when purpose meets people, transformation follows.
