Guiding a Purposeful Path: How JTI UK Leverages the B4SI Compass for Strategic Community Investment Planning
The Challenge
As part of a review of its community investment strategy, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in the UK conducted a B4SI Social Impact Compass assessment to better understand the maturity of the current programme.
The aim was to assess risks and opportunities, improve internal collaboration and processes, and further strengthen its already advanced community investment programme, allowing for more informed decision-making, robust future planning, and continuous improvements.
The Solution
Following guidance from B4SI, JTI UK assembled a Compass Working Group (CWG) consisting of selected people across different business units with insights into the community investment programme. The group then came together to participate in two interactive Compass Assessment workshops facilitated by B4SI, with robust discussion and guided self-reflection around 15 thematic areas across the four Compass pillars of Plan, Implement, Measure, and Report and Engage.
After a tech-enabled, in-depth analysis of the results by the B4SI team where strengths, areas for development, and strategic opportunities were highlighted, the insights were presented through another workshop, where all participants took part in a discussion around the findings and the next steps, helping shape the final outcome of the project.
In addition to a holistic overview of its community investment programme, JTI UK were also provided with a social impact maturity level as well as an action-oriented management report with guidance on how to refresh and drive its community investment strategy forward.
The Impact
By completing the Compass, JTI UK gained a holistic view of its community investment programme, and by consulting the actionable guidance on how to reach the next level of maturity, they were able to conduct a clear mapping exercise to gain a clear view of suitable next steps and priorities.
The Compass proved valuable in providing a platform to have some truly introspective and fruitful conversations. The actionable guidance has enabled JTI UK to refine its approach to its social impact, ensuring they are more guided by strategy and laying the foundation for creating more focused impact over the longer term.
By involving different internal stakeholders, JTI UK also gained some invaluable insights into how to develop a more effective cross-functional collaboration and increase internal alignment and engagement, with emphasis on deeper engagement and employee empowerment.
“The B4SI Social Impact Compass gave us space to reflect and think deeply about our current approach,
which helped us gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of our existing programme. The Compass provided a framework to organise our thinking and provided concrete suggestions for how to take our community investment programme to the next level, which has helped us in formulating a future-proof revisited strategy”
KEY TAKEAWAYS
APPLYING A STRATEGIC LENS FOR MEANINGFUL IMPACT:
By providing a platform for critical assessment and constructive conversations across teams, the Compass delivers actionable insights and strategic clarity.
DRIVING INTERNAL ALIGNMENT FOR STRONGER ENGAGEMENT:
By involving diverse internal stakeholders and acknowledging their unique challenges, JTI UK benefited from cross-functional input which will ultimately improve engagement and lead to social impact becoming embedded more deeply across the organisation.
FUTURE PLANNING THROUGH STRATEGY:
The maturity rating and tailored guidance provided a clear roadmap for continuous improvement, which will support long-term planning and maximising impact over time.