Manchester-based language service provider Dals has today released its first ESG report, which reveals the business has created £15 million in social value for communities across the UK, £7.4 million in 2024 alone.
The company, formerly known as DA Languages, is the largest supplier of UK public sector language services, holding contracts with a wide range of organisations such as NHS trusts, police forces and local authorities. It also works with businesses such as private healthcare providers and legal firms.
The publication of the company’s ESG Impact Report 2024–25, which includes social value deliverables independently verified by the Social Value Portal, follows the introduction of a dedicated ESG function within the business in 2023.
Local recipients of the support the company provided to the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector last year included The Bread and Butter Thing, The Christie Charity and Manchester Central Foodbank. All three benefitted from a Dals scheme that allows employees paid time off to undertake voluntary work.
In addition, the Christie Charity received £3,129 in donations following a number of fundraising events including bake sales, sponsored sporting events and a Christmas raffle.
As well as supporting local VCSEs, the report revealed that Dals made significant contributions to the development of local talent, with career mentoring in schools and a partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions to attend multiple careers events in Jobcentres across Greater Manchester.
The company has also now has provided apprenticeships to 19 individuals, all of whom were guaranteed full-time positions in the company upon completion of Level 3 qualifications in business administration.
Guy Battle, CEO at the Social Value Portal, said: “Dals’ first-ever annual ESG Impact Report showcases their ongoing commitment to social value and sustainability. In 2024 alone, they generated £7.4 million in social value, contributing to over £15 million since adopting the Social Value TOM System. By ensuring their social impact is both measurable and externally validated, they can demonstrate progress with confidence, ensuring actions reflect genuine, quantifiable outcomes. As their social value partners, we are so very proud of their drive for positive change in communities across the UK.”
Charlotte Gascoyne, Head of Sustainability and ESG at Dals, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to show that we’re making a substantial difference to the lives of many individuals. As well as continuing to do this, we also want to ensure we’re taking steps that will benefit the next generation. I’m pleased we’ve been able to demonstrate we’ve made significant progress in reducing our impact on the environment, and we’re planning to go a lot further in this regard.”
Dals determined some time ago that the bulk of its carbon emissions were caused by transport. The largest portion of this related to the 10,000 interpreters on the company’s books travelling to face-to-face interpreting bookings.
Since 2020, Dals has made a sustained effort to reduce this travel, largely by developing technology that enables its clients better access to interpreters via remote methods such as video and telephone.
Since 2020, the percentage of face-to-face interpreting appointments has fallen from 56% to 38%, while remote appointments rose from 44% to 62% over the same period. Dals estimates this shift in the mode of interpreting has saved 671.88 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.