Our commitment to a sustainable future
At Post Office, sustainability is at the heart of how we operate. We manage our business to deliver a low-carbon and zero waste future and to empower our customers, postmasters, and the communities we serve.
Post Offices are more than places to send parcels or pay bills. They’re community hubs, connecting people and helping them prosper, whilst reducing environmental impact and promoting social wellbeing.
What does sustainability mean for Post Office?
It means delivering economic opportunity through social purpose. From reducing our carbon footprint and the waste we produce to supporting vulnerable customers and embedding ethics, transparency and accountability in everything we do - we’re committed to doing business responsibly.
- Environmental sustainability: Whether that’s cutting carbon emissions, using fewer resources, or recycling more.
- Social purpose: We promote a safe and inclusive culture for our employees and postmasters, ensure vulnerable customers get the support they need through tailored services and community initiatives, and collaborate with community organisations that share our values - facilitating charitable donations and amplifying our impact across the UK.
- Building trust and transparency: Strengthening good governance, embedding ethics and accountability in everything we do.
Charities
Through our charity partnerships, we help collect and raise millions for causes, respond to global emergencies, and provide practical support for those in need. Here are some of our key partnerships:
BBC Children in Need
We’re proud to be BBC Children in Need’s official cash partner, meaning the public can donate to the charity by cash, card or cheque at any of our 11,500 branches. Since our partnership began, Post Office branches have helped collect and raise over £14.7 million for this incredible cause. Every donation collected in our branches goes towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
In times of crisis, we mobilise our network to help the DEC respond quickly. The DEC brings together the 15 leading UK aid charities. Customers can donate easily in branch, ensuring aid reaches the people affected by global crises quickly and effectively.
Trussell Trust
No one should have to rely on a food bank to survive. That’s why many of our branches, particularly those with a retail offering, host food and daily essentials collection points for Trussell and other local food banks that provide emergency food and practical support to people in their hardest moments.
Supporting vulnerable customers
We support and respect all customers who engage with us through our branches and other channels, offering additional support where needed.
In partnership with Hestia, we offer an Online Safe Space on our website for individuals experiencing domestic abuse to access support. This discreet portal provides vital resources, advice, and contact details - without leaving a trace in browsing history.
We also work with Women’s Aid to review training for our branch teams to best support vulnerable customers.
We’re also proud to be a ShopKind Champion, supporting a nationwide campaign to tackle abuse and violence toward shopworkers. By promoting kindness and respect, we help create safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.
Quick facts
• £14.7m collected and raised for BBC Children in Need since our partnership began
• 15 leading UK aid charities supported through DEC
• Hundreds of branches hosting food bank collection points