Author: Kristen Michaelides

We are proud to announce that Candlefox is now B Corp Certified! More and more businesses are becoming B Corp certified and committing to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. But what does it mean for Candlefox?

By taking the forward-thinking decision to become B Corp Certified, we pledge to our providers, learners and employees that we are committed to creating positive change through sustainable and ethical business practices.

In today’s business landscape, companies have the power to positively impact society far beyond their profits. This is where B Corps come in. B Corps are businesses that voluntarily meet a higher standard of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.They are certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation that evaluates companies based on their impact on stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the environment.

B Corps are committed to using their business as a force for good and strive to create a more sustainable and equitable world. By becoming a B Corp, companies differentiate themselves from their competitors, by attracting purpose-driven customers and employees, and can create a connection with a global community of like-minded business leaders.

In short, B Corps are redefining success in business by putting people and the planet first.

Candlefox embarked on the journey of B Corp certification with two fundamental objectives in mind:

1. To contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

2. to prioritise the highest level of satisfaction and well-being among our employees.

We don’t just talk about these values, they are deeply ingrained in our strategic decisions and day-to-day operations. By upholding ethical practices throughout our business, from operations management to employee relations and customer engagement, we ensure that we have a positive and tangible impact on the world and people around us. 

We understand that the prosperity of our network, including our valued providers and learners, is intrinsically linked to our ability to ethically market our services. Our B Corp status serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to these principles, enabling us to envision and create a brighter, more responsible future for all stakeholders.

At Candlefox, we have set ambitious B Corp goals to reflect our dedication to being leaders in sustainable and ethical business within the education sector. These goals are not just aspirations, they are concrete benchmarks we are striving to meet to generate real impact and foster measurable growth and improvement. Below is an outline of our key initiatives that will guide our actions and accountability as a B Corp.

Energy and climate goals

1. Reduce emissions by 25% per FTE by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.
2. Commit to purchasing 100% renewable energy or certified GreenPower for the residual electricity used in the Candlefox HQ by the end of FY24.
3. Purchase high-quality verified carbon offsets to cover 100% of our annual emissions. 
4. Reduce absolute emissions by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 against our FY22 baseline in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Corporate Net Zero Standard.
5. Reduce energy usage by 5% per FTE by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.

Water and waste goals

1. Achieve a 5% reduction in water usage by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.
2. Achieve a 20% reduction of waste sent to landfill by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.

Social goals

1. Maintain a minimum 80% employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS).
2. Increase external professional development participation against FY22 baseline.
3. Prioritise ethical marketing practices in all marketing and advertising activities.
4. Ensure data security breaches remain at 0 cases.
5. Achieve B Corp certification by FY24.
6. Maintain % of female managers.
7. Improve % of age diversity and representation from other minority groups in our workforce.

As a certified B Corp, we are deeply committed to embedding our ethical marketing policy into every aspect of our operations. Our unwavering dedication to ethical marketing is rooted in our core principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for our users, partners, and the wider community. We firmly believe that upholding rigorous ethical standards in our marketing and advertising initiatives is paramount to nurturing trust and fostering enduring relationships.

Our comprehensive ethical marketing policy encompasses the following key areas:

1. Adhering to our core ethical principles across all marketing activities, including transparency, honesty, protecting the vulnerable, and user-centricity.
2. Ensuring data privacy and security.
3. Continuously seeking feedback and striving for improvement.
4. Responsible communication regarding the environment, social impact, and governance (ESG).
5. Promoting inclusive marketing practices.

We are proud to champion ethical marketing practices, as they serve as the cornerstone of our commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Since Candlefox becoming B Corp Certified just a couple of months ago, we’ve been actively developing and implementing a wide range of initiatives designed to meet, and where possible, exceed, our B Corp commitments.

1. Implementing an improved cardboard recycling solution.
2. Switching to 100% renewable energy sources for office operations.
3. Encouraging a paperless office culture through digital documentation and communication.
4. Providing incentives for employees to use public transportation, cycle, or walk.

Candlefox’s journey to B Corp certification is a representation of our dedication to not just be a leader in the educational services sector, but to also act as a champion for sustainability and ethical business practices. Through the achievement of our B Corp goals and the ongoing roll-out of impactful initiatives, we look forward to continuously contributing to building an inclusive, sustainable future.

The recent inaugural meeting of the Australia India Education and Skills Council  marked a significant milestone in international educational collaboration. The new Australia-India education partnership underscores the strengthening ties between India and Australia in the education sector, leading to the signing of a pivotal education partnership.

Two of Australia’s most prestigious universities, the University of Wollongong and Deakin University have announced plans to establish branches in India’s Gujarat International Finance-Tec (GIFT) City. This move is part of a broader agreement that involves six Australian universities, including Western Sydney University, the University of Canberra, La Trobe University, Griffith University, James Cook University, and Flinders University, to offer their courses to students in India.

These universities are exploring collaborative ways to launch into new international markets and deliver Australian degrees in India. This innovative approach involves working together to deliver courses overseas, rather than operating as individual entities. The primary aim is to expand education access for Indian students and enhance the presence of Australian universities in the region. This agreement builds on other Australian education deals already in place in India.

The decision to establish these campuses is a response to the growing demand for higher education services in India. The Indian Government’s goal is to enrol 50% of young people in post-school education by 2035. The presence of Australian universities in India, particularly in-country campuses offering Australian courses, is expected to support this ambitious goal. Moreover, this expansion presents a significant economic opportunity for Australian universities. It allows them to extend their reach and access a broader student base beyond Australia.

Three Australian universities will establish campuses in Indonesia, enhancing international education and strengthening ties between Australia and Indonesia. Western Sydney University, Deakin University, and Central Queensland University are expanding their presence in Indonesia.

Western Sydney University plans to open a branch campus in Surabaya, East Java, focusing on degree programs and short courses with an emphasis on STEM skills. The Surabaya campus is expected to start in late 2023, with the first intake of students planned for September 2024.

Deakin University, in partnership with the UK’s Lancaster University, plans to offer dual programs in Bandung, West Java. This joint venture will provide a unique combination of Australian and British degrees, subject to approval by national regulators. The Bandung campus has strong support from both the Australian and British governments, highlighting the importance of this collaboration.

Central Queensland University has been active in Indonesia since 2019 through a university centre in Jakarta, in partnership with Bakrie University. This collaboration allows Indonesian students to earn Australian degrees. CQUniversity is exploring additional locations in Indonesia to align its teaching and research expertise with local workforce needs.

These initiatives align with Indonesia’s goal to add 57 million skilled workers to its economy by 2030. The expansion of Australian universities into Indonesia is seen as a crucial step in meeting this target and contributing to Indonesia’s growing economy and human capital needs.

For education providers, this recent development serves as a compelling call to thoroughly evaluate and explore similar opportunities. The strategic move of Australian universities into India not only signifies a new era in global educational collaboration but also presents a remarkable model for other institutions to consider and potentially emulate.

This proactive approach to international education highlights the paramount importance of fostering cross-border partnerships as a means to effectively respond to the ever-evolving global educational landscape, catering to the diverse needs and emerging trends of students worldwide.

By embracing such collaborative initiatives, educational institutions can position themselves at the forefront of innovation and cultivate a truly global learning environment.

The inaugural Australia India Education and Skills Council gathering and the subsequent education partnership mark a pivotal moment in international education. This development not only strengthens educational ties between Australia and India but also opens new avenues for other education providers to explore similar collaborations.

As the landscape of global education evolves, it is crucial for education providers to stay informed and consider whether similar opportunities exist for them to expand their global footprint.