CASE STUDY | OCM's IT Lifecycle Management solutions with Deloitte

Despite the rapid growth of technology in recent decades, millions of individuals are being left behind due to the widening digital divide. As technology continues to evolve, access to quality devices remains a significant barrier for many communities. One organisation taking a proactive approach to addressing this issue is Deloitte.

Our relationship as a supplier to Deloitte, which began in 2021 and was completed in 2024, focused on working together to tackle the challenge of digital equity and sustainability. We refurbished the firm’s laptops and other IT assets, making these resources available to those in need, or recycling any unusable technology to reduce the impact on the environment.

Digital inclusion through refurbished laptops

Over the three-year relationship, OCM refurbished 16,386 laptops for Deloitte, work that helps to support their social impact programme 5 Million Futures. You can find more details on Deloitte’s digital inclusion work in their Annual Report.

Each refurbished laptop represents an opportunity for individuals to engage in education, gain employment or access essential services, including healthcare. The reuse of IT assets through OCM’s asset management programme helps reduce e-waste and contributes to more sustainable IT practices.

Jess Reddy, senior manager in Social Impact at Deloitte, said: “OCM were with us at the start of our device donation journey, and were instrumental in helping us quickly develop a process to get devices to those who needed them. Since 2021, our donation scheme has gone from strength to strength, and, although we are no longer working with OCM, this year we will exceed 20,000 device donations – a huge milestone.”

Sustainability and carbon reduction

In addition to bridging the digital divide, Deloitte’s refurbished laptops initiative also contributed to environmental sustainability. By refurbishing and reusing IT assets, OCM helps organisations like Deloitte reduce their carbon footprint. For example, over 73 tonnes of CO2 equivalent have been saved through the reuse of laptops provided to the 5 Million Futures programme. This equates to the emissions produced by driving an average car over half a million kilometres.  OCM's approach highlights the dual benefits that can be achieved - addressing both social and environmental challenges simultaneously.

Jennine Gilbert Woods, Managing Director of OCM, emphasises the importance of this work, stating: “We’ve been reusing and recycling IT since 1998 and it is at the heart of our business. Working with Deloitte, we’ve supported their 5 Million Futures initiative, enabling people to access opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.”

Conclusion

Working with Deloitte from 2021 - 2024 is an excellent example of how asset management and IT lifecycle solutions can contribute to both social and environmental outcomes. By refurbishing over 16,000 laptops, OCM played a role in supporting the 5 Million Futures programme, enabling individuals and communities to access technology that would otherwise be out of reach.