Right from the outset, giving back to our local communities has always been important to PDMS. We do this in many ways including fundraising activities undertaken by our generous and enthusiastic staff, corporate charitable donations to local, national and international causes and providing services in kind - for example, a new website for a sporting club or a database for a wildlife charity.
However, what we are most proud of is the time that our team generously gives up to support many local charities and organisations - particularly those that focus on young people. We provide mentors to schools and students, support the work of Junior Achievement and help to broaden the horizons of young people, especially young girls, when it comes to career opportunities in tech. We've welcomed hundreds of students on work experience, placements and apprenticeships over the years and have loved helping young people to learn more about the world of work and grow in confidence.
We want to play our part in protecting our environment too. Our ISO14001 accreditation, is helping us to measure and minimise our impact. Chris Gledhill, our founder, is the sector lead for the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Climate Change Programme, helping local businesses as our economy shifts to net zero.
You can find out more about some of our very many initiatives and activities that help to support our local communities below:
![A group of five people holding up emojis in front of their faces](/media/busnvkxz/microsoftteams-image-2.png?cc=0.10931389695360784,0,0.1392065236871357,0&width=920&height=450&rnd=133649038140630000)
PDMS' journey to wellbeing in the workplace
Chief Marketing Officer Joanne Pontee shares insights into PDMS' wellbeing journey since 1993 with examples of our wellbeing programme and how to help staff achieve a healthy work-life balance.
![Accessibility icon with title of PDMS and Glasgow Tech Week's webinar on diversity and accessibility](/media/j3xmc0fl/glasgow-tech-banner-eventbrite.png?cc=0,0.021739130434782573,0,0&width=920&height=450&rnd=133590287267870000)
Webinar: Diversity and accessibility in digital design
To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Jim Rawson is hosting a webinar on practical ways to bring inclusive and accessible practices to organisations large and small.
![A globe surrounded by nature with a technological background](/media/kypaaecx/earth-day-banner.png?cc=0.11507869087169188,0,0.1262407535727526,0&width=920&height=450&rnd=133584358770670000)
Celebrating Earth Day at PDMS
PDMS celebrates Earth Day at it marks its 54th year, looking back at its history and how PDMS is playing its part in supporting the environment
![A photo of Henry Lord and Stephen Falconer shaking hands](/media/oksjofke/sf-ewfc.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567854035170000)
PDMS sponsors local man in England's Walking Football team
PDMS sponsored Isle of Man's Stephen Falconer who was recently called up to England's Walking Football team, so we caught up with him to exploring the sport and his journey.
![Claire Welsh with school pupils during a Digital Critical Friend Programme](/media/v4qljsmk/digital-critical-friends-blog.jpg?cc=0.01959029827051661,0,0.22172914617392786,0&width=920&height=450&rnd=133570507675670000)
The impact of the Digital Critical Friends Programme on education
Claire Welsh discusses her experience of the Digital Critical Friends Programme, teaching children about working in technology, and their career options.
![A large group of people posing with shovels with the Manx hillside in the background](/media/s15p5piz/mwt-crossags.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133565339981270000)
PDMS supports Isle of Man's first carbon credit project
PDMS joined other local businesses to support Manx Wildlife Trust's pilot project at The Crossags Fields, which is the Isle of Man's first carbon credit project
![A man presenting in front of a screen to a room of attendees](/media/dyxku3tz/sustainability-breakfast.jpg?cc=0.0993209091074863,0,0.14200223981377005,0.0000048827886582457406&width=920&height=450&rnd=133566360211730000)
IOM Business Sustainability Breakfast: What I learned
Hannah Williams recently attended the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Business Sustainability Breakfast and shares her learnings on solar energy, sustainable transport, and nature projects on the Island.
![Girls painting with art materials to show how she feels](/media/wbhpvrk1/mcat-art-therapy.jpg?cc=0.2385107439670399,0,0.0028087004774045255,0&width=920&height=450&rnd=133524639638970000)
PDMS supports children's charity with new website
PDMS has worked with the Manx Children's Art Therapy (MCAT) to build them a new website where they can fundraise and share their work to support children across the Island.
![A group of five women posing for a photo in front of two banners](/media/vhlj1qic/empowering-women-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133510004666000000)
Learning from Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation
Business Analyst Claire Welsh shares her insights from the Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation programme she recently attended in Scotland.
![An image of Andy Hodkin speaking at a podium with a microphone](/media/ernjzmqg/andy-hodkin.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133494448307200000)
Guest blog: Design and neurodiversity
In his guest blog, Andy Hodkin from Disability Awareness follows on from his session at Design Diverse, discussing the relationship between design and neurodiversity, the benefits they bring, and how to support a more neurodiverse workforce.
![Saskia Edge and her sister presenting a cheque for £1440 to the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group](/media/mxqflpn5/saskia-fund-raising.jpg?cc=0,0.02584368985137607,0,0.29326152660591626&width=920&height=450&rnd=133494447945770000)
PDMS celebrates the young inspirational heroes of the Island
In November, PDMS attended the annual Heroes of Mann Awards, organised by the charity, A Little Piece of Hope. The awards recognise inspirational individuals and groups across our island and their achievements and bravery.
![Image of Glasgow city and the Clyde river from above with blue overlay and Scottish Business Pledge logo](/media/mj4difab/scottish-pledge-river-1.jpg?cc=0,0.008472222222222223,0,0.013266908212560415&width=920&height=450&rnd=133566325166200000)
PDMS upholds pledge to modern business practices in Scotland
PDMS has been committed to Scotland for the last ten years and through the Scottish Business Pledge, we have continued our commitment to Scottish staff with a range of social, environmental and inclusive initiatives.
![Two hands writing on a piece of paper with post-it notes attached](/media/xumn2cwl/finn-work-experience.jpg?cc=0,0,0.0000000000000002104399903035,0.02173913043478281&width=920&height=450&rnd=133567030569300000)
My work experience in Design at PDMS
Finn Middleton recently joined PDMS for a week of work experience with the Design team where he worked on a range of projects and developed new skills in UX and design.
![Collage image with people from diverse backgrounds using tech](/media/yp3l2m5e/diversity.jpg?cc=0.08004737092156572,0,0.1612720735228788,0&width=920&height=450&rnd=133477162042430000)
Creating a more accessible world: The power of inclusive design
Jim Rawson discusses the use of inclusive design in creating a more accessible world, using real-world examples to demonstrate the benefit of designing for all.
![Nick Collins, Joanne Pontee and Alexandra Koyfman holding a sample Loyalty Card at the launch](/media/i1ahzgdv/1697809512756.jpg?cc=0,0.09648175776480798,0,0.3200377743473086&width=920&height=450&rnd=133566341374100000)
PDMS supports Junior Achievement Loyalty Card for volunteers
Junior Achievement recently held an event to launch their new volunteer card scheme, and PDMS is delighted to show our support by sponsoring this initiative.
![A photo of Max with his mentor Josh](/media/y1wmpxnf/max-work-experience.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133443479087330000)
My PDMS work experience in software development
Max Dewhirst recently joined PDMS for a week to gain work experience in software development and he shares his thoughts on what he learned, what he enjoyed and his future plans.
![A banner of multi-coloured close-ups of faces with the PDMS and Santander Work Cafe logos and the event title 'Design Diverse'](/media/1cvfkueq/microsoftteams-image-14.png?cc=0,0.010632893727559755,0,0.011106236707222942&width=920&height=450&rnd=133433887319770000)
PDMS hosting Design Diverse mini-conference
PDMS is hosting the 'Design Diverse' mini-conference on 1st December in the Isle of Man to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive design and accessibility.
![Women standing on stage holding certificates at their graduation](/media/ck4hkwar/empowering-you-graduation.jpg?cc=0,0.18326569631221487,0,0.16456039064430691&width=920&height=450&rnd=133566353645430000)
PDMS supports Empowering Women this autumn
PDMS is sponsoring the Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation programme in Scotland, an initiative that we have been actively involved in supporting for several years.
![Work experience student Rosie Parsons sat at her desk at PDMS](/media/mgmluy4q/rosie-parsons-work-experience.jpg?cc=0,0,0,0.021739130434782636&width=920&height=450&rnd=133566360030970000)
My marketing work experience at PDMS
Rosie Parsons, who joined PDMS for five days for some Marketing work experience, gives a brief overview of her time at PDMS, and how she found working with the Marketing team.
![An image of leaves growing out of a laptop keyboard](/media/ijshah2i/website-graphics-1.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133409044443530000)
Sustainability meets technology
Rosie Parsons discusses the importance of sustainability and technology, through how we can prevent e-waste to how we use sustainable technology here at PDMS.
![L-R: Alexandra Koyfman, Joanne Pontee and Charlotte Cain with PDMS's Social Value Quality Mark award](/media/32cj0s4l/20230706_143429.jpg?cc=0.16722972972972974,0.19144144144144143,0.072635135135135129,0.31281825303564442&width=920&height=450&rnd=133341458991430000)
PDMS achieves an Isle of Man 'first' with Social Value Quality Mark
PDMS has become the first company on the Isle of Man to receive the Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM). The Bronze award marks PDMS' commitment to tackling the digital skills gap and supporting young people into the industry.
![The PDMS team in matching Race the Sun sports t-shirts standing in front of the Isle of Man office](/media/s2xfuzeb/microsoftteams-image-12.png?cc=0.0000000000000001263187085796,0.1837037037037037,0,0.16412238325281814&width=920&height=450&rnd=133325253051130000)
PDMS Races the Sun
Ten members of the PDMS team in the Isle of Man took part in the Race the Sun relay race around the coastal footpath between sunrise and sunset on Saturday 20th May.
![Group of people stood outside in a nature reserve looking out into the distance](/media/2iyfab4p/birdlife-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133566966918370000)
PDMS is proud to support Manx BirdLife
PDMS recently supported Manx BirdLife by creating a new database to collect, verify and store data records on their wildlife. The PDMS team were then invited to tour the reserve in the Point of Ayre to see the conservation in action.
![Gef 30 Under 30 logo on colourful gradient background](/media/imxfp410/gef-30-under-30-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133566968044100000)
Gef 30 Under 30: Celebrating the Island’s young minds
PDMS is celebrating the achievements of the Isle of Man's young minds at the Gef 30 Under 30 awards, in particular our colleagues who were recognised for their contributions to the company, industry and local community.
![School children in a classroom](/media/isinwrar/digital-critical-friends-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567009248500000)
Volunteering for the Digital Critical Friends Programme
PDMS Project Manager, Fiona Anderson has joined the Digital Critical Friends Programme in partnership with ScotlandIS, Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow and Glasgow City Council secondary schools.
![Disability icon in blue on a computer keyboard](/media/wdml2n3r/gaad-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133386497059000000)
Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Our Head of UX & Design, Jim Rawson, discusses the importance of web accessibility in our modern society and how we can form a more digitally inclusive space.
![Isle of Man Gymnastics team pictured in leotards](/media/erudk3a3/iom-gymnastics-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133386540163300000)
PDMS sponsors Inter Island Games gymnastics team
PDMS is supporting the Isle of Man Gymnastics squad by sponsoring their kit for the Inter Island Games.
![An image of Hannah's dolphin 'Bird Life' in situ on Cornaa Beach](/media/jbpnmpjf/big-splash-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567072783830000)
The Big Splash Dolphin by Hannah Wild
The Big Splash is a dolphin-themed sculpture hunt launched by Hospice Isle of Man 2022. Our very own Hannah Shaw was lucky enough to be selected to take part with her design 'Bird Life' inspired by the variety of birds on the Isle of Man.
![Biosphere Isle of Man logo over background of the sea](/media/ehcazka2/unesco-biosphere-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567122592100000)
PDMS becomes UNESCO Biosphere Partner
PDMS has been a Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Partner for a number of years, supporting them on their mission of 'Working Together for a Sustainable Future'.
![Aerial shot of Isle of Pride 2022](/media/gvhjiofx/isle-of-pride-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133389167052530000)
Using my volunteering time to help Isle of Pride
Hazel Walsh shares how she used her employer supported volunteering (ESV) time to help out at Isle of Pride 2022, which took place in the Isle of Man in August 2022.
![Stick figures on a blue background with one person giving a helping hand to the other person up a slope](/media/atrpllly/mentoring-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133390089662330000)
Mentoring: a skill that provides benefits to everyone involved
Marketing Executive Diane reflects on her time mentoring a Glasgow student and the rewards it can have for both mentor and mentee.
![PDMS Directors Joanne and Neal with the defibrilator and Paul from Craig's Heart Strong Foundation.](/media/nt4gj151/defib-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133392677397070000)
PDMS donates new defibrillator in memory of colleague
In May 2021 we sadly lost one of our very dear and longstanding colleagues, Helen Ward. We wanted to find something to remember her legacy, so we donated a defibrillator to local charity Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.
![IOM Code Club cheque presentation](/media/ckydywjy/cyber-centurion-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567144495470000)
PDMS donates to Isle of Man Code Club for the CyberCenturion Finals
PDMS is delighted to support the IOM Code Club with their trip to the CyberCenturion finals in London.
![An image of the career ready students being presented to](/media/2hoblat5/career-ready-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133395059209430000)
Career Ready - Empowering Young People
Learn more about how we have supported the Career Ready programme and the students who have signed up to it.
![An image of Ella Bignall and Hannah Francis working together](/media/vyilcnpe/ella-work-experience-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567146505100000)
My time at PDMS by Ella Bignall
Sixth-form student Ella Bignall writes about her work experience placement at PDMS working with the Marketing and Design teams.
![An image of Lewis Hartley working](/media/bxkltc1w/lewis-hartley-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567145914100000)
One week at PDMS by Lewis Hartley
Lewis Hartley, who is in Year 10 at St Ninians High School, joined us for one week of work experience where he worked with several different departments to learn new skills.
![An image of Fiona Anderson on stage with the other graduates](/media/ecjndotb/fiona-empowering-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567228691870000)
My experience of the Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation programme
Project Manager Fiona Anderson completed and graduated the Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation programme. In her blog she explains more about the programme and what she learned.
![A photo of a paper heart held in a hand](/media/iv5hc2wi/investing-time-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567234263970000)
Making a difference to young people in our communities
For many years PDMS has actively been involved in charitable work, whether it’s a fundraiser in our office or participating in organised charity events.
![Barb Collister and Joanne Pontee posing with Charlie and his Heroes of Mann award](/media/5kgow5y5/heroes-of-mann-awards-barb-jo.jpg?cc=0,0.17786652073624354,0.0019982213390522764,0.2854649457856579&width=920&height=450&rnd=133336384536370000)
Celebrating the achievements of children's champions and inspirational families
Barbara Collister and Joanne Pontee attended The Heroes of Mann Awards evening which was inspiring event celebrating children’s champions on the Isle of Man.
![An image of the Living Wage Scotland logo](/media/rbzpy5tg/living-wage-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133395058553500000)
PDMS signs up for the Living Wage Accreditation in Scotland
PDMS is proud to join the Living Wage Accreditation Scotland, an organisation that pushes for employees to be paid a true living wage, reflecting the value of their workers.
![An image of school children grouped together wearing uniform](/media/d50peadb/mentoring-students-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133395058816200000)
Mentoring teenagers to become confident young adults
PDMS actively supports disadvantaged young people, through the MCR Pathways mentoring programme, to be the best they can.
![Four award winners of the Young software engineering talent awards](/media/slfpnult/scottish-engineer-awards-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133567906090030000)
PDMS celebrates Scotland's young software engineering talent
PDMS sponsored the Young Software Engineer of the Awards (YSE) 2021 which are organised by ScotlandIS, the trade body for the digital technologies industry in Scotland as part of their annual ScotSoft Conference.
![photo of school children and teacher in a class room](/media/zfcjubtv/digital-critical-friends-banner.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133398520116870000)
PDMS joins Digital Critical Friends Programme in Lanarkshire
PDMS is pleased to announce that it is the latest company to sign up to the Digital Critical Friends Programme in Lanarkshire - a programme to bridge the skills gap by helping industry form a valuable relationship with a local school.
![A collage of photos from the Junior Achievement Company Final](/media/hlecqntz/ja-conference-banner.jpg?cc=0,0.010404329262837686,0,0.011334801171944924&width=920&height=450&rnd=133398521289230000)
Junior Achievement – making a difference today to young people’s tomorrows
Chief Marketing Officer Joanne Pontee looks back on the Isle of Man’s Junior Achievement 2020/2021 Company Programme which culminated with the Awards Dinner at the end of June.
![An image of a forest with the sky](/media/w5hprdgu/is14001.png?width=920&height=450&rnd=133337159340030000)
How we offset our carbon emissions
PDMS is proud to be advocates of environmental protection and are proud to hold the ISO 14001 proving our commitment to sustainability.
![Photo of two women working on a shared laptop with the PDMS logo](/media/cq2mshoc/women-image.png?width=920&height=450&rnd=133337194254700000)
PDMS to sponsor Empowering Women Programme in Scotland
PDMS is sponsoring the new “Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation Programme” in Scotland to support emerging and potential women leaders in digital transformation roles in organisations across the public, private and third sectors.
![A photo of the three students together](/media/jisjtj44/pdms-insights-banner_template_work-experience.jpg?width=920&height=450&rnd=133350193638100000)
PDMS opens doors for another year of work experience
Find out how our three St. Ninian's students David, Philana and Hannah got on with their work experience placements at PDMS.
![An image of a little girl pointing at South America on a globe](/media/p2lj1fhe/digital-gender-gap.png?width=920&height=450&rnd=133336480807700000)
Bridging the Digital Gender Gap
Marketing Executive Diane Stickland discusses the digital gender gap, the factors behind it and how we can bridge the gap to forge a more digitally inclusive world.