This checklist from David Grayson sets out a number of actions and practices that a company can carry out that would lead them to be more socially and environmentally responsible. By implementing the checklist a business would move towards becoming a force for good in the world.
Checklist for Socially Responsible Businesses
Environment and Ecology
The company is formally committed to "sustainable development" (ie "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs").
There is continuous striving for improvement in the efficiency with which the company uses all forms of energy and materials; in reducing consumption of water and other natural resources and in emissions of hazardous substances.
There are explicit programmes for monitoring energy, water and materials use and corresponding emissions in to the environment.
There is an Environmental Management System with objectives and procedures for evaluating progress; minimising negative impacts and transferring good practice around all its operations; and those of key suppliers and customers.
There is a commitment to using and producing recycled and recyclable materials, increasing the durability of products and minimising packaging through effective design ("reduce, reuse and recycle").
The company offsets carbon emissions with equivalent carbon-fixing such as tree-planting.
This action list is drawn from "Winning with Integrity" (Business in the Community, UK); Starter Pack on Social Responsibility from Business for Social Responsibility in the USA; and Standards of Corporate Social Responsibility from the Social Venture Network.
Health and Well-Being
The company has policies to ensure the health and safety of all employees - which are known to employees.
The company maximises the participation of employees in corporate governance and in improving the work environment (including flexi-time and job referral services).
Commensurate treatment is provided for part-time workers eg regarding pay, promotion and training.
Open-book policies are maintained and employees are helped to understand financial statements etc and to reduce job insecurity.
The company offers outplacement services, retraining and severance benefits if layoffs or closurres occur.
The company offers training opportunities and mentoring is encouraged so that promotion from within the organisation is maximised. Training extends to life-management, retirement planning and dependents' care.
The company develops and communicates work-life policies such as flexitime and day-care.
The company provides health-screening and encourages healthy workplace practices (eg smoking bans and exercise; and drug and alcohol abuse support).
This action list is drawn from "Winning with Integrity" (Business in the Community, UK); Starter Pack on Social Responsibility from Business for Social Responsibility in the USA; and Standards of Corporate Social Responsibility from the Social Venture Network.
Diversity and Human Rights
The company has written policies containing measurable objectives to promote diversity and empowerment in the workforce, which are regularly reviewed against performance.
There are explicit policies against discrimination in hiring, salary, promotion, training or termination of any employee on the basis of gender, race, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion. This includes policies against harassment and bullying. The company pays comparable pay for comparable work.
The company meets or exceeds internationally recognised labour standards and conventions wherever it operates, including those concerning freedom of association, right to engage in collective bargaining. Discrimination, minimum wage and living wage.
The company monitors the employment practices of key partners, suppliers and distributors to encourage alignment with its own policies. It will have a Supplier Code of Conduct
The company supports organisations that practice and promote the concept of fair trade and human rights compliance.
The company knows where its products are manufactured and of any human rights issues involved.
This action list is drawn from "Winning with Integrity" (Business in the Community, UK); Starter Pack on Social Responsibility from Business for Social Responsibility in the USA; and Standards of Corporate Social Responsibility from the Social Venture Network.
Community
The company establishes formal mechanisms to maximise and promote two-way communication and partnerships with the local communities in which it operates.
The community is seen as an important stakeholder, is considered in decision-making and kept informed of the company's operations and plans, and of the impacts of the company's activities.
The company uses its procurement and investment practices to improve local economic and social development.
The company has established community programmes that explicitly encourage and back-up financial contributions, employee volunteering and help in-kind to the community.
The company focuses on at least one critical community issue and uses its power / financial and political weight to create change.
Employees serve as volunteers and board members in local organisations.
The company runs joint marketing campaigns with social causes and organisations.
This action list is drawn from "Winning with Integrity" (Business in the Community, UK); Starter Pack on Social Responsibility from Business for Social Responsibility in the USA; and Standards of Corporate Social Responsibility from the Social Venture Network.
David Grayson CBE