Making play happen. Where it’s needed most. Meet Filipe.
In his role as Social Responsibility Consultant, Filipe is a committed ambassador for play. Whether it’s creating opportunities for children to do so more often - or convincing their parents why this is important - it’s his job to support charities so they can make play happen.
"My role is that of being a national bridge between the LEGO Group and UK organisations working with children, including NGOs, charities, and schools. Leveraging the LEGO Group’s resources to create social impact programming that champions children’s rights to learn and play, elevates the reputation of the LEGO® brand, and engages LEGO colleagues as ambassadors for Learning Through Play."
"I use a mix of strategy, partnership management, operations, and hands-on work. Sometimes, I'm deep in spreadsheets, figuring out logistics; other times, I'm brainstorming on educational programming with partners; others I might even be running a play session at a library. It's a dynamic role that keeps me on my toes.”
One of the key aims of Filipe and his team is to help break down the barriers to play in local communities.
“Our biggest focus at the moment is driving a consortium of five charity partners working in Tower Hamlets. Based on an externally commissioned needs analysis, we have identified this area as having significant socio-economic challenges. We are working together to provide equitable access to learning and play opportunities for the children there."
“We're training educators, supporting community clubs, running workshops in museums, encouraging parent meetups, and even supporting an app that helps parents engage in playful learning with their children. It's a holistic approach that addresses the complex issues these communities face.”
Filipe sees play as a powerful tool. In the right hands, it can achieve surprising outcomes.
“We all share a belief in the power of learning through play. We see play as essential for developing the skills children need to succeed in school and in life. My role is about maximising play opportunities, especially for those who might not have easy access to them.
"And of course play is just as important in how we approach our own work. We're encouraged to be curious, brave, and experimental in our work. This creates a fun and engaging environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and make a difference."
“I started out as an intern and quickly found myself taking on more and more responsibility. The company's trust in us and its commitment to our development is probably a big part of why I’ve been here for so long. But more than this, I love being part of a purpose-driven company that genuinely cares about making a positive impact on the world."
“Our work in social responsibility is a testament to that. We're not just talking about helping children; we're actively working to make it happen.”
Just imagine your LEGO® career.