"Ricky supported the College on a major development relating to Corporate Social Responsibility. He joined a working group and helped to guide this team in formulating a plan of action and a number of key performance indicators that will become part of the College’s overall Strategy.

He has an easy going style and was integrated into the College team easily-using his knowledge and expertise to advise where appropriate.

I would recommend him to any organisation looking to develop its CSR approach."

Russ Warren, Learning & Participation Director. Hull College

”

CSR – what does it mean to us?

Our view of CSR is simple. It is all about HOW you do business!

There are many terms used for this, CSR being one – which comes from the phrase Corporate Social Responsibility but it is also known as Corporate Responsibility (CR) and Sustainability to name but two. Whichever phrase you or your business uses, it is accepted that it is about creating a strategy that reduces any negative impacts whilst maximising your positive impact from operations.

In this day and age businesses have many stakeholders and, regardless of your size, those stakeholders will play a part in your development. The ongoing engagement with those stakeholders will be a key factor in the future success of your business.

There are four widely accepted motivations for developing an approach to CSR and whichever is your primary motivation, finding a balance between them is vital. These four motives, for us, are:

Morally Right to do  |  Sustainability  |  Licence to Operate  |  Reputation

When thinking about these motivations it is important to also understand that any approach should be mindful of focusing on the conflicting interests that may exist between your business and your stakeholders. This will then avoid programmes and initiatives that do not realise all of the potential benefits for your business and those stakeholders.

We like to think in terms of developing an approach that benefits all, recognising and building upon the inherent links between business, their communities and beyond. Without strong, growing and thriving businesses we cannot have strong, growing and thriving communities and vice versa.

The term ‘sustainability’ sits at the centre of all that we do, thinking about the ‘triple bottom line’ we ask our clients to think about the Economic, Social and Environmental impacts of their processes and decisions. The consideration of these three elements seeks to ensure the longevity, sustainability and ultimately the success of any programmes.