Championing Inclusivity: Ozone API Supports UK Charity National Star

At Ozone API, our commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles goes beyond corporate responsibility. To us, it’s about creating real, tangible impact in the communities around us. Which is exactly what we set out to do in May 2025 when we participated in National Star‘s “Makaton in May” challenge.

Who is National Star?

National Star is a remarkable UK charity that has been transforming lives since 1967. As an independent specialist further education college, they provide essential services for young people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and acquired brain injuries. 

Their work extends far beyond traditional education, offering residential services, training, and personal development programs that prepare students for independent adult life.

The charity empowers, inspires, and creates pathways to independence. For young people facing significant challenges, National Star represents hope, opportunity, and the chance to reach their full potential.

What is Makaton in May?

Makaton is the UK’s leading communication programme for adults and children with learning or communication difficulties. It combines signs, symbols, and speech to provide multiple communication options, making it an invaluable tool for many of National Star’s students.

The “Makaton in May” challenge was designed to raise both awareness and funds while teaching us all at Ozone API a valuable new skill. 

Throughout the month, we received daily video lessons from National Star teaching us new Makaton words and phrases. By the end of May, we learned 21 Makaton phrases, an ability that will make a real difference in our interactions with people who rely on this communication method.

Why Ozone API Got Involved

We’re passionate about building a fairer, more inclusive financial ecosystem — and that responsibility goes beyond open banking. Supporting local charities like National Star reflects our commitment to empowering people and communities to thrive.

As a company creating technology to democratise financial services, we know how important it is to break down barriers. 

We’re proud to champion the incredible work that National Star does to help individuals overcome challenges and access the opportunities they deserve, and supporting this initiative aligns perfectly with our own core values:

We set the standard: We strive to be the benchmark for quality and performance. We don’t claim to be perfect but we are committed to learning every day. We are not just participants in the open data revolution, but leaders who shape its future. 

We win together: Our greatest achievements come when we work as one; sharing ideas and expertise to make amazing things happen. 

We do the right thing: This isn’t just a statement; it’s a commitment that defines who we are and how we operate. We do the right thing: even when it’s hard, even when it’s never been done before, even when no-one is watching.

Claire Seydoux, Chair of Ozone API’s ESG Committee and GM for UK and Europe, shared:

“We are extremely proud to support National Star, an organisation doing incredible work to empower people with disabilities, challenge stereotypes, raise aspirations, and change attitudes. Learning Makaton has deepened our understanding of inclusion and consideration — and brought us together as a team.”

Walking the Walk

Our commitment didn’t stop at learning Makaton. We had various colleagues across the globe take on a charity walk at the end of May, bringing together teams across London, Australia and Moldova.

The walks represented more than just a fundraising activity, it was a brilliant example of our team’s willingness to go the extra mile (or five to ten kilometers) for causes we believe in. In total we clocked in over 100km.

The Impact: More Than Just Fundraising

Our participation in Makaton in May delivered impact on multiple levels:

Skill development: Our team members gained valuable communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Learning Makaton opened our eyes to the daily communication challenges faced by many individuals and gave us tools to be more inclusive in our interactions.

Awareness building: The challenge raised awareness within our organization about the importance of accessible communication. This awareness has influenced how we think about accessibility in our own products and services.

Financial support: Our fundraising efforts also provided direct financial support to National Star, helping them continue their life-changing work with young people with disabilities.

Lessons Learned: The Power of Purposeful Participation

Supporting National Star’s campaign highlights three valuable lessons:

Authentic engagement matters: When ESG initiatives align with company values and employee passions, participation becomes authentic and impactful rather than obligatory.

Small actions, big impact: Learning a few Makaton signs might seem small, but it represents a meaningful step toward creating a more inclusive society.

Continuous learning: ESG isn’t a destination, it’s a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Each initiative teaches us something new about impact and responsibility.

Our participation in National Star’s Makaton shows that meaningful social impact doesn’t require massive budgets or complex programs. Sometimes, it just requires the willingness to learn something new, support a worthy cause, and walk a few kilometers for a good reason.

In a world where ESG can sometimes feel like corporate theatre, our Makaton in May experience reminded us what authentic social impact looks like: learning, growing, and supporting others while staying true to our core mission of inclusion and accessibility.