CSR Self Assesment UNDP
CSR Self Assesment UNDP
CSR Self Assesment UNDP
CSR Self-Assessment
Handbook for Companies
2010
Acknowledgement
Glossary of acronyms......................................................................................4
1. Introduction................................................................................................5
2. Before you start to use the self assessment tool:
Quick Tips...................................................................................................7
3. The self assessment tool: Questionnaire and
guidelines for uses................................................................................9
Governance.............................................................................................11
Governance: good practice examples..........................................21
Sustainability Assessment Matrix (SAM)....................................21
CSR and SD responsibilities.............................................................21
Measuring and evaluating indirect impacts...............................22
Complex strategic approach to environment............................23
Environment ..........................................................................................25
Environment: good practice examples.........................................34
Eco-Town responsible investment..............................................34
Comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts......35
Green start with Postbank ................................................................37
Labour relations ..................................................................................39
Labour relations: good practice examples.................................49
Labour council as an effective involvement tool..................49
Employee satisfaction programme................................................50
Equal opportunity employment of those with special
needs............................................................................................................50
Innovators Contest at Budimex SA................................................51
Community Relations.......................................................................53
Community relations: good practice examples........................62
M-Tel Grant ..............................................................................................62
b-Link............................................................................................................63
IT solutions for Safe neighbourhood project .........................64
Establishment of the Institute of Private Finance in
Lithuania......................................................................................................65
Business Environment ...................................................................67
Business environment: good practice examples....................77
Conflict of interest management policy........................................77
Anti-fraud procedure and training...................................................78
Green procurement endeavour.......................................................78
Suppliers Self-Assessment..............................................................79
4. Frequently asked questions..........................................................81
5. References................................................................................................83
Appendix. Testing spreadsheet example.............................................84
Glossary of acronyms
to read carefully the whole question and the description of the questions.
Rely on your colleagues. Much of the information that you need will
come from different parts of the company. The person responsible for the
questionnaire should meet with the representatives of other departments to
clarify the information needed. We recommend not to do the self-assessment
on your own, or rely exclusively on your own knowledge or corporate
documentation. HR, communication, controlling and audit departments
or management colleagues should be involved. This tool aims to connect
different CSR-related activities and personnel within the company.
Collect knowledge about CSR. If this is the first time you meet the topic of
CSR, and still you are the one who needs to deal with this CSR self-assessment
tool in the company, then either consult a colleague or educate yourself on
CSR through extra reading or courses. This self assessment tool is not meant
to be alternative to CSR education.
Be honest. Since this is a self-assessment tool, the evaluator should avoid
aiming to give the highest score for the companys performance if it does not
fulfill the criteria or if there is no written evidence for it. Companies should not
focus on the best possible results but rather evaluate its situation truthfully
otherwise the tool would not be of any use and would not be suitable for
comparison. If it is done dishonestly, you will not get the maximum benefits
from the tool. If you do it thoroughly, you can have a realistic picture, what is
a good take-off point for further CSR activities.
Interpret the questions to yourself. To follow the questions literally may
not help if the procedures, policies, committees, etc. have a different name at
your company. Keep in mind the logic of your organization when you think
about the answers. However, this should not result in a reinterpretation that
contradicts the intentions of the questions!
Do not be afraid of having low(er) scores! You probably will have at least
one category where you perform (relatively) well. You can be proud of that
and then try to catch up in other categories. Do not get worried by the length
of the tool. It is not that long and the explanations are helpful, right to the
point and accompanied by short texts.
Take your time. Depending on your personal experience and the level of CSR
in your company it might take 1 or 2 whole workdays to collect all necessary
information. In one case, a company used this tool do conduct a thorough
company analysis and took two weeks to collect all the information.
Beware self-assessment. Evaluating ourselves the company we work
for has always inherent risks to any self-assessment tool. These risks are
basically related to honesty. Being the evaluator and the evaluated subject at
the very same time it is difficult to avoid some attractive but, all in all, harmful
tendencies. Self-assessment tools vary in their abilities to prevent honesty
problems and provide a setting where all participating companies approach
self-assessment in a similar way. This tool aims at depicting a rather
complex issue (CSR) in a fairly simple way (25 questions with mostly
yes-partly-no options). The latter may tempt user to see the CSR Self-
assessment tool as a quick ticking exercise. Thus, it may seem that the
user should provide answers rapidly without studying the questions in
the tool and the performance of the company in details.
Another harmful tendency is to provide good better than the real
results in order to please the boss, shareholder etc. or have a fancy
comparison with competitors.
Even if one can resist these temptations, user may have solid blind
folders. This means, that a view on the company is more
advantageous than what the performance of the company in reality is.
Loyalty to the company and ignorance of the real processes are only
two of the potential sources for blind folders.
The temptation to avoid meaningful self-assessment is bigger when there is
no time, energy, will etc. to explore the real status of CSR in the company and/
or openness to face whatever the result of the self-assessment will be.
User should be aware of these characteristics in the company and do
not let to be trapped by them. Actually, the evaluator has also a great
role in overcoming the limitations of the tool stemming from its self-
assessing nature.
Benchmarking. When finishing the self-assessment, the final amount of
points is calculated for each company. This single outcome easily invites
the comparison of companies (e.g. of similar size, industry, etc.).
Comparisons of companies and performances of the given company at
different times are objectives of the CSR self-assessment tool. However, it
cannot be applied for benchmarking that easily, since the deepness of self-
inspection and the honesty of responding companies may vary.
Companies may look at the final CSR results of others, but do not engage
in a race for higher number of points with no or little development in their
performance! The more points the better! That is a valid interpretation of
the tool. The ultimate goal of the tool is to help companies to learn about
their CSR and lay the foundations for further developments.
3.
THE SELF ASSESSMENT
TOOL: QUESTIONNAIRE
AND GUIDELINES FOR USES
The main component of the tool is a tailored
questionnaire, consisting of 25 questions.
The questions are grouped under five overall
categories: Governance, Environment,
Labour Relations, Community Relations, and
Business Environment.
Each indicator is formulated in a form of a
question. It has the definition, scoring
supplemented with additional explanations on:
criteria, documentation, methodology, relevance
and practical tips for the users (user guide).
The structure of the self assessment toolkit
is as follows:
1.The indicator question and scoring.
2. Definition of the indicator.
3. Relevance practical value and importance of indicator.
4. Criteria based on what scoring decision should be made.
5. Documentation where the information could be found.
6. Methodology or suggested steps for improvement of CSR
performance on certain indicator.
7. Practical tips user guide, elaborated based on tool testing experience.
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1. GovernaNce
Definition
Economic impact (Profit) means money, wealth e.g. taxes paid and
the value added to society throughout the supply chain.
Social impact (People) means organisations, communities, staff
e.g. how the local community benefits from the companys presence
or how the services/products make a positive difference.
Environmental impact (Planet) means nature, e.g. water usage and
waste production.
Relevance
The first step to developing an effective CSR programme is making
sure the company has defined its social, environmental and economic
impact factors. From there, the company can develop a CSR strategy.
SMEs should undertake this process as well; it should help make
the CSR process more efficient.
Criteria Key
Companies should map their impacts, positive and negative, :on the Total score available: 4
basis of the: pts
Stakeholders
Environment
Companies will get full points for fulfilling this indicator completely, 2
points for partial fulfillment and no points if they fail to map any of the 3
elements (Profit, People and Planet).
Documentation
Written document with impact indicators and impact management tool,
Companys financial information, annual reports contracts, stated
obligations utility bills, etc.
For SMEs, this documentation does not neet to be as thorough.
Practical tips
This indicator may provide a starting point for revision of existing or
development of a new reasoned CSR strategy. It also may be used for
developing CSR report and assist in creation of a good framework for
CSR activities.
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Depending on the sector, impacts may be differently distributed (e.g.
sometimes majority of that would be stressed on environment; in other
case environment impact will be marginal). However, it should be aimed at
the analyzing all three factors mentioned in the definition of the indicator.
For the evaluation of impacts companies might use instruments and
methodologies developed for measuring corporate sustainability performance
(i.e. good practice G1). It can be also particular country related instrument. For
instance in Slovakia companies are using on line instrument www.darca.sk.
This indicator asks about availability of impacts, while following
indicators (no. 6, 11, 16) intend to analyse further use of impacts
identified for the elaboration of the action programs.
The standards ISO14001, SA8000 analyse impacts (both direct and
indirect) therefore the companies that have introduced the standards,
may use them as a background material.
Indirect impacts in some sectors ( e.g. financial sector) might have
significant effect to society. Direct environmental impact of the offices in
such sector usually is rather small (paper, energy & fuel usage), but
indirect ones, resulting from their credit policy are more than crucial in
case of an industry. A bank may strongly influence the technology they use
or not due to taking into account ecological risks; the same with social
risks some banks are very demanding in regards to dialog with local
community, technological aspects, etc. and stimulate industry behaviours.
Methodology
1. Review the companys financial records to assess strengths and weaknesses.
5. Based on this analysis, rank the impacts according to the scale of the impact.
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Indicator 2. Does the company have a CSR strategy
that defines its commitments to CSR?
Definition
A company is considered to have a CSR strategy if it is written down and
the content includes:
Structure:
Policies
Goals
Responsibilities/ Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) Content
Environmental policy
Labour policy
Community relations policy
Business environment policy
Relevance
In order for a company to practice CSR, it needs to have discussed
what CSR means for the organisation. This process can best happen
through development of a CSR policy, which encourages the company
to think about how it will approach CSR and if a company is accounting
for CSR at a senior level it is important for CSR to be taken seriously
at the senior level in order for implementation to occur throughout the
company and bring tangible results.
This indicator is doable for SMEs as well and is a good start to an
SME CSR programme.
Criteria Key
To obtain 4 points, the policies should cover all aspects of the CSR Total score available: 4
strategy. 2 points will be given to those companies covering some but pts
not all of the content. No points if there is no strategy in place at all. Yes 4 pts
Yes, but only partially 2 pts
Documentation No 0 pts
Written strategy covering the above areas with the necessary content
(as defined in the definition), management meeting agendas, notes on
discussions that led to the formation of the CSR policy, written
evidence of periodic reviews of the policy.
The strategy can consist of one or several separate documents and it
can be published externally or simply be internal.
Practical tips
The practice indicates that if CSR is not embedded into business
strategies, CSR activities often result in fragmentised and uncoordinated
philanthropic activities, disconnected from companys strategy.
13
The strategy should not be a long document, but needs to include the
main fields of operation and interests of the company and express
commitments, describe desired objectives and provide basis for the
measurement of outcomes.
Goals and KPIs have to be developed at the same level in each of the
categories.
Though the indicator is about having written document in place it is
important to note that strategy has to be comprehensive and
understandable, relevant and easy to follow the progress.
Methodology
1.Align with the business strategy and company culture.
2.Distribute for consultations throughout the organisation.
3.Receive approval by senior management.
4.Assess and revise at regular intervals.
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Indicator 3. Does the company have a designated
senior personnel with a clear responsibility for CSR?
Definition
Senior means someone who has the authority to take a timely
decision and action on CSR without having to consult more than one
other source for permission. This will typically be a director.
Clear responsibility means that CSR must be part of his/her job
function, although this does not have to be full time.
Relevance
Just as people are far more likely to implement CSR if they have clear
job functions (see below), they are far more likely to act on their CSR
objectives if they have a person in authority to consult and provide
guidance on CSR practice.
Conversely, if people in position of authority have oversight of CSR
activities, they have a broad understanding and knowledge of the business
and can know best how to enact CSR from a practical perspective.
This indicator is important in establishing that someone with a position
of authority has clear obligations to implement CSR.
Criteria Key
At least one person at director level must implement and oversee the Total available score: 4
companys CSR objectives. It is good if a number of people have CSR pts
components to their jobs, but there should be one person with overall Senior staff member
responsibility. This person needs not have CSR as a sole job function for the with full-time
company to receive points under this indicator, but a dedicated senior-level responsibility for CSR 4 pts
staff member with full CSR responsibility will receive the highest points. Senior staff member with
part-time responsibility for
Documentation CSR 2 pts
Organisation charts with CSR roles drawn in, CSR roles written into job No senior staff member
descriptions. with any responsibility for
CSR 0 pts
Practical tips
In most cases companies of the project scope, with advanced CSR practice
have indicated that there is a designated person in the company who is
formally responsible for CSR (full or part time) and officially titled (e.g. Head of
CSR, CSR coordinator, etc), however, it is mainly located close to PR or
communication function. That might create potential risk that CSR would be
focused on communication and brand actions only. However, it is evolving
process and companies should keep aiming at CSR coordinators are more
and more independent from communication. The CSR responsibility is an
umbrella type function and it should be close to the corporate level
management. Assigning CSR issues to the Management Board safeguards
that CSR issues will be managed at a strategic level.
15
The criteria of this indicator might be understood more broadly. For
instance, if there is no single senior personnel with clear CSR
responsibility, but CSR responsibility is included in the job description/task
of all board members one can consider that the clear responsibility for and
decision-making capability on CSR does exist. Notably, assigning CSR
responsibilities to some top managers ensures that the CSR initiative will
receive attention at the management level. The role of the board and its
participation is emphasised herewith. For example, a sitting board member
could be tasked with the broad responsibility for overseeing CSR activities;
or a new board member with specific CSR expertise could be appointed;
or CSR responsibilities could then be added to the work of existing board
committees; or the entire board could be involved in CSR decisions.
Methodology
1. Determine staff CSR responsibilities these need not be full-time positions.
16
Indicator 4. Does the company link corporate
responsibility issues to peoples performance
reviews/appraisals across the company?
Definition
Where relevant, this means that social and environmental issues are
actively considered as part of the appraisal process across the
company. For example, if employees fail to deliver on CSR issues,
their performance reviews should reflect negatively on that.
Relevance
People are far more likely to enact CSR goals if the goals are built into
their job descriptions and if they are therefore evaluated on those
descriptions and job functions.
This indicator is also relevant for SMEs because CSR job
functions can be undertaken by SMEs although the tasks and
functions might differ from those at larger enterprises.
Criteria Key
The company must uphold business incentives for workers to ensure Total score available: 4
that good CSR performance is considered important. pts
Yes 4 pts
Senior managers must offer support for their staff in determining ways to
practice CSR when they have difficulty reconciling business incentives and Yes, but only partially 2 pts
CSR incentives. So, aligning CSR incentives strongly with business No 0 pts
incentives will get companies the highest score under this indicator.
Documentation
Key Performance indicators (KPIs), statistics reflecting performance on
the CSR indicators, employee reviews reflecting evaluations on CSR
KPIs, documentation on problems that arise for workers trying to
reconcile business and ethical incentives.
Practical tips
Documented information reflecting performance on the CSR indicators and
linked to peoples performance is highly important for execution of CSR in
a company. Lack of such solutions in companies reflects relativy shallow
implementation of CSR philosophy and quite poor management on CSR.
The large number of KPIs will not improve CSR performance but selected
right ones, related to organisations mission and goals might provide a
basis for the change in the organisation and move it into a new direction.
It is worth to start with some CSR related KPIs exclusively for CSR
related personnel (environmental manager, HR manager,
communication manager) and later on to expand to all employees.
For example, underlying a commitment to address climate change by
managing its energy consumption and reducing its GHG release, the company
might set a goal to reduce its CO2 emissions by xx per cent by year nn.
Quarterly targets set to be monitored and evaluated to track progress. A
17
key performance indicator is its electricity consumption; the measurement
method recording the kilowatts of electricity used each month. A regular
review of the commitments, objectives, indicators and measurement
methods may lead a company to modify its CSR objectives. For instance
the company may finally conclude that in order to achieve the CO2
emissions target though reduction in energy consumption, all employees
need to be aware of the goal and be given and opportunity to become
involved. Thus, an additional target of staff awareness of the companys
commitment to address climate change must be added.
Methodology
1. Ensure that CSR performance indicators are included in employees
KPIs and that they are made aware of this.
2. Ensure that employees are evaluated on CSR indicators in their job reviews.
3. Ensure that CSR performance indicators are weighted heavily enough
in the review to be taken seriously by both managers and employees.
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Indicator 5. Does the company define key CSR
priorities and communicate them throughout
the organisation?
4 pts
Definition
This indicator is concerned with ensuring that everyone, not just the
senior staff, has clear CSR responsibilities and understands the
bigger picture. Key CSR priorities means those responsibilities
that make CSR a strategic element of the companys business.
Communication means effectively disseminating an understanding
of CSR responsibilities and functions.
Criteria
Relevance Key CSR priorities and their
Again, unless people understand that CSR is a part of their job business context must be
responsibilities and how to fulfill these responsibilities, it is unlikely that clearly stated in a written
they will be able to fulfil their CSR role within the company. document, be it a CSR
Making people understand the broader picture will also embed CSR policy/strategy or some other
beyond senior management levels and enable them to converse relevant document.
confidently outside their work.
The company must make an effort to convey the CSR expectations to
both staff with direct CSR responsibilities and those without specific
CSR responsibilities (it could well be, for instance, that someone
without a direct CSR role has a job function that enables someone with
a CSR role to carry out his/her CSR job function).
Therefore, communication by a CSR body within the organisation when
CSR decisions are taken and at the point of hire will receive the highest
score under this indicator.
Documentation
Job descriptions, sign in sheets for company or departmental meetings Key
to communicate the CSR strategy, sign in sheets for CSR trainings, Total available score: 4
CSR information materials. pts
There is a mechanism
Practical tips in place to communicate
Internal communication on CSR usually exists in all companies that are CSR priorities and news
concerned about this issue, however the scope might be different (e.g. regularly, as well as during
strong stress on environment only) and frequency too, depending on introductions for
company specifics. new hires
The company
Small and medium size companies should look for appropriate
communicates CSR
communication tools for their environment and informal communication
priorities and expectations
to all employees on an
annual basis 2 pts
There is no
communication of
CSR priorities to
employees 0 pts
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wont be sufficient in effective dissemination an understanding of CSR
responsibilities and functions.
Employees should fully accept and be enthusiastic about implementing
a companys CSR initiatives. This will happen when they believe that
senior management is serious about CSR and acts in a manner that
reflects the spirit of the commitments.
Internal communication means such as intranet, internal magazines,
and Annual report on CSR might be used.
Methodology
1. Ensure that key CSR responsibilities are defined in the CSR policy/strategy.
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governAce: good prActice exAmpleS
G1
G2
1
Company has the following CSR/SD responsibilities:
1.On the top level, Managing Director of Dreher Ltd. is responsible for
SD and CSR as SAM results are integrated into the business plan.
2. On the level of board of directors there is again one director with full
and comprehensive responsibility for SD/CSR at Dreher Zrt. He does
not work on these issues exclusively, but again his responsibilities
are clearly defined. Responsibility for CSR is assigned to all other
board members too. They focus on the CSR aspect of their field.
3. On the level of senior management there is a similar structure: one
person is dedicated to SD/CSR in the whole organisation; others are
dealing with CSR in the given functional field.
4. From 2010 there is a new element in the structure: Sustainable
Development Manager. It is a full time person with the major tasks
regarding strategy, reporting and measurement. This position also aims
at coordinating CSR/SD responsibilities
and activities in the company both
horizontally and vertically. Benefits for organisation
In order to sustain results CSR is becoming an
issues CSR and SD issues integral part of procedures,
are involved in all kinds of activities, strategy.
trainings.
Definition
Action plan means:
Structure
Goals/targets for improvement
Actions necessary to meet targets
Responsibilities for each action
Priorities of actions
Time lines
Monitoring and evaluation
Communication of
progress Content
Carbon reduction
Resource usage: energy, water, paper, etc.
Recycling practices
Relevance
A company could have a number of environmental impacts and
concerns. In order to begin addressing them, the company needs to
prioritise and develop a strategy on how to tackle these issues. This
element was accounted for in indicator 1 of the Governance section.
What follows from determining the issues is how to fix them. Thats
where an action plan comes in. It is important that it doesnt just tell
people what to fix, but also it lays out specific goals and actions that
need to be taken regarding how to prevent problems and to fix them.
SMEs also have an environmental impact. While they might not have the
same level of resources to address environmental concerns, often good
planning and strategy can offset any financial constraints they face. Key
Total available score: 4 pts
Criteria
The companys environmental
The environmental action plan must contain actions that the company action plan includes all of the
will take to fix problems. Stating problems is not enough. mentioned components
The plan should provide deadlines by which it intends to accomplish its and includes an evaluation of
stated actions, making it possible to assess if the company is achieving progress against KPIs 4 pts
its goals. The companys environmental
The plan must create provisions for evaluating progress. A plan without action plan does not include all
an evaluation mechanism is not useful. of the mentioned components
and includes an evaluation of
Finally, the company must act on the findings of its evaluation. Findings progress
without action are not helpful either. These actions must lead to against KPIs 2 pts
reduced environmental impact; otherwise, the company cannot get full The company does not
points for this indicator. have an environmental
action25plan 0 pts
Documentation
Documented environmental policy, environmental performance action
plans.
Practical tips
Environmental responsibility is especially the case for those companies
that either have a major impact on the environment, due to the nature
of their production activities or the products and services that they
produce and/or rely on natural resources and a healthy environment.
Notably, the companies with limited influence on environment might
score themselves with less points, however, they may not perform
poorer than colleagues from more polluting sectors. On the other
hand, some companies limit their environmental impact only to direct
impact, which means that they make a mistake at the beginning of
CSR strategy planning not taking into account indirect impacts.
For instance, financial and professional services companies, especially in
banking, insurance, fund management, auditing and accounting, and
information technology and media companies, have a crucial influence on
promoting more sustainable production and consumption patterns. There
are sound business arguments for companies to be proactively engaged in
debate and action on environmental management and protection. These
include the potential for cost savings, more efficient production processes,
product and service innovation, access to new markets, improved risk
management, better stakeholder relations and other issues.
Methodology
1. Meet with senior staff to establish targets for improving
environmental performance.
2. Maintain statistics on environmental performance reflecting agreed
targets and metrics.
3. Based on the statistical analysis, create an action plan for improving
environmental performance.
4. Use the elements of the action plan to demonstrate that the
company has lowered its environmental impact.
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Indicator 7. Does the company maintain a
monitoring system, measuring the main
environmental impacts, especially resource
usage and carbon emissions?
Definition
Measuring and monitoring system is a tool that can be used to determine
how much of an environmental resources, be it energy, water or paper, a
company is using and the impact this use is having on the environment.
This tool is different from an action plan in that it is geared toward
measuring specific elements within the action plan. The system is
necessary for the action plan to be carried out but is not enough in
and of itself to drive change.
Relevance
Systems are important because they ensure a way of handling a process
in a long run, for instance, if a person in charge decides to leave.
They also, if designed well, create a clear process that people can follow to
either obtain information or complete a task efficiently, rather than having
to reinvent the wheel each time they need to perform the same task.
With regard to the current indicator, a company might not know how to
improve without a means of assessing its environmental use and
impact. A good system is the best way to conduct this assessment.
Criteria Key
The emphasis here is on the existence of a system to evaluate the scale on Total available score: 4
which a company is using natural resources and the scale on which the use of pts
these resources has an impact on the environment. The company will get Yes 4 pts
points if any such system exists and no points if no such system exists. No 0 pts
Documentation
Utility bills, certificates from external entities processing the companys
waste, be it recycling, regular waste or toxic waste, government
evaluations or reports.
Practical tips
It might be that some monitoring measures are mandatory to comply
with national laws in this case evaluator should be cautious CSR
typically includes beyond law commitments and activities!
This indicator is emphasizing carbon emissions, whereas the climate change
and application of mitigation measures are of high importance for any kind of
company despite its size and sector. The companies are advised to set a
measurable and realistic goal for instance to reduce its CO2 emissions by
nn percent by xx year. Quarterly targets might be helpful in order to be
monitored and evaluated to track progress. A key performance indicator could
be an electricity consumption; the measurement method could be recording
the kilowatts of electricity used each month.
27
Small and medium size companies should not eliminate this indicator
even small steps on improving and measuring companys performance
might have a global impact.
Methodology
1. Ensure that a person or department within the company compiles
and maintains utility bills and information on environmental use or
impact issued by the government or an independent contractor.
2.Organise this information so that it can be compared year on year.
3. Undertake an annual assessment of whether the documentation is reflecting
progress or not on environmental indicators, such as carbon emissions, water
use, energy use, air emissions, amount of waste disposed of to landfill and
any other environmental information relevant to the individual company.
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Indicator 8. Does the company have a training
programme in place to help employees implement
its environmental policy and action plan?
Definition
Training programme means a way of equipping employees with the
knowledge and skills to act on their environmental responsibilities.
This programme can be formal or informal but should be carried out
on a regular basis, both to reflect changes in priorities and to keep
employees skills up to date.
Relevance
It is good if there is a policy and action plan, but if employees do not know how
to implement these strategies, CSR practice will not occur this indicator is
designed to ensure that CSR happens in practice, not just on paper.
SMEs can train staff as well it might be more rudimentary than
training at larger organisations, but it can still happen.
Criteria Key
This type of training should happen on at least an annual basis, but Total available score: 4
preferably more often. The company will receive full points under this pts
indicator if it both conducts the training and can document its occurrence. The company has a
training programme
It can be a part of broader CSR training, but there must be at least a
that it gives annually,
specific component on environment.
as well as to new hires,
The training must be specific enough that employees will know how to and all attendees have
encompass the elements of the action plan relevant for them in the way signed attendance
they perform their jobs. sheets for the training 4 pts
The company has a
Documentation documented training
Training documents pertaining to CSR by job category, notes from programme 2 pts
meetings with workers about the development of CSR training. The company has no
training programme 0 pts
Practical tips
Content and length of the training might be very diverse among
companies. In some places it is only a short, general introduction to
environmental issues, others in extended, comprehensive exercise it
depends on sector the company operates in and its impacts.
29
For instance, at Dreher Breweries, Hungary there is a 3-day long
Environmental, health and safety annual training for all employees plus
the employees of the certain functional field receive specific
environmental training closely related to their field of work.
The training might comprise e-learning or other e-forms of training.
This might be very close to internal communication, however, it has to
be a part of companys CSR strategy and conducted not occasionally,
but in a planned manner.
Methodology
1.Have senior staff develop training consistent with international CSR
standards and the companys own CSR policy/strategy.
2. Include worker input into training content and needs for effective
implementation of standards.
3. Ensure that appropriate trainings are developed and provided for
each job category.
30
Indicator 9. Can the company show a
4 pts
2 pts
Definition
Quantifiable reduction means a numeric drop in the amount of
carbon emissions generated by a given company.
is just on getting the
emission levels going in the
Relevance
right direction. Although
While it is important to have policies, strategies and action plans, and reductions are accepted
to take action, the true test of an action is if it works. both in absolute and
This indicator is geared towards demonstrating that the action a company normalised terms, it is a
requirement that the lower
is taking to reduce its environmental impact is actually working.
level reflects a genuine
Criteria drop in the carbon intensity,
i.e. a drop caused simply by
This drop can be any amount for the time being. Clearly, the bigger the a drop in output will not do.
reduction that can be shown the better. However, the focus for the moment
Documentation
Any document proving that steps are being taken to manage carbon
emissions, e.g. a series of energy bills showing a reduction in energy
use, records on energy consumption showing a lowering use of fossil
fuel-based energy sources and a higher use of renewable energy
(however, there should still be an overall reduction in energy use).
average, as evidenced
An example of taking into consideration indirect impacts could be
by the documentation
experience of Barlinek SA in Poland that indicated the decrease of its
mentioned
indirect influence on emission by production of pellet from wood dusts
that resulted in a lower demand for coal or other fossil fuel and The company cannot
emanating from that less impact on carbon emissions. demonstrate either a
reduction or no increase
in its environmental
impact based on a rolling
3-year average 0 pts
31
Important! Direct and indirect impacts on climate change
should be considered.
Methodology
1. Compile the relevant energy, water, packaging and emissions bills
and statistics.
2. Arrange the data into a form that shows comparative information
year on year.
3. From one year to the next, present numbers from the relevant information
sources showing a reduction in environmental impact. (a rolling 3-year
average.) (For businesses just starting, they get points for 1 year.)
32
Indicator 10. Does the company have a
recycling programme?
Definition
A recycling programme means not just segregation of recyclable
materials; recyclable materials must be given to a specialised
company that undertakes recycling.
Recycling means not disposing of a product but treating it so that it
can be re-used in some form in the future. It pertains to a number of
different processes, including paper, plastic, water, batteries, etc.
Relevance
Recycling is a key way to reduce environmental impact.
Criteria Key
In order to receive points for this indicator, a company must demonstrate Total available score: 4
that it actually undertakes a recycling process and does not just collect pts
recyclable materials for later disposal by standard waste disposal methods. The company collects
recyclable materials and
Documentation hands it over to a
specialised, credible
Recycling bins or areas, contracts with well-regarded recycling companies.
company for recycling 4 pts
The company collects
Use guide
recyclable materials and
If the company collects waste and uses it for energy generation, of course, it is leaves it for collection
a more responsible way of waste handling than just dumping the waste in by an unknown party 2 pts
landfill; however, the term recycling has a different meaning. When assessing The company makes
the companys performance according to this indicator it is advised to read no effort to recycle 0 pts
carefully the definition of indicator: recycling is about reuse of a waste.
Methodology
1.Identify what can and what cannot be recycled and an area to store
recyclable materials.
2.Identify a contract with a credible recycling company.
33
Benefits for organisation
Leading eco- innovations to
create chances for new
competitive advantages.
environment. good prActice
exAmpleS
E5 eco-town reSponSible inveStment
comprehenSive ASSeSSment oF E6
environmentAl impActS
6
green StArt with poStbAnk E8
Postbank in Bulgaria, a part of Eurobank
Definition
A labour/human resources action includes:
Structure
Goals/targets for improvement
Actions necessary for improvement
Responsibilities for each action
Priorities of actions
Time lines
Monitoring and evaluation
Communication of
progress Content
Practices on engagement with employee representatives in a fair
way for both parties
Practices on assurance of non-discrimination and gender equality
Health and safety preventive actions
Practices on mitigation of job losses
Practices on establishment of remuneration levels and how
people can earn more
Practices on establishment of fair conditions of work, beyond
what is legally required
Benefits in addition to those stipulated by law provided to workers of
all contract types (eg. full-time, part-time, contract, seasonal, etc.)
Practices on grievance procedures and disciplinary action
Relevance
Again, this indicator is geared towards ensuring that companies collect
information regarding their social obligations and act on them, rather
than just having them nicely written down on a piece of paper. If a
company has documented its performance, this means it is:
(1)acting in some way on its social commitments;
(2)monitoring its actions.
Criteria Key
This plan must cover labour and human rights practices that go beyond Total available score: 4
the law. In order to receive full points under this indicator, the company pts
must not only have an action plan but must evaluate the plan. The company has an
action plan and evaluates
Documentation its progress based on
the plan 4 pts
An action plan covering labour issues and human resources issues not
The company has an
covered by law.
action plan 2 pts
The company has no
action39plan 0 pts
Practical tips
Generally companies have documents such as HR, H&S polices or
Code of Conduct and alike, which covers issues mentioned under this
indicator. Most of the programmes aim at increasing the welfare of the
employees and measure their satisfaction through diverse techniques.
In most EU countries it might look as an easy indicator as the labour
relations are well reflected in legal systems, however, attention should
be paid to such issues as mobbing prevention, equal opportunities etc.
that are not covered by legal framework.
Methodology
1. Incorporate input from senior management and employees in
determining whether the plan covers the needs of employees.
2. Designate a senior staff member to oversee the collection of input,
review the process and report findings on a regular basis to all employees.
3. Based on the findings of the review, decide on ways to implement
the labour/ human resources programme more effectively.
40
Indicator 12. Do the employees have official
representation in the company?
Definition
Representation means that employees are heard at the senior level
by any of the following means: trade unions, employee council, input
into their terms and conditions of work, regular documented
feedback sessions, or some other formalised process of feedback.
Relevance
Employee representation is a multi-stakeholder approach to negotiating
working conditions. The over-arching idea of this indicator is that it is a proxy
for the power balance between employers and employees and for the level of
stakeholder engagement that happens in setting workplace conditions.
This process takes place very differently in different countries, and
different laws facilitate or obstruct its practice in different ways.
Employee engagement can happen in both large companies and
SMEs getting employees involved in the way their workplace
operates can be helpful in companies of all sizes.
Criteria Key
Employees must be given a voice at the management level. Total available score: 4
Management cannot merely accept input from employees and then do pts
nothing about it but must incorporate it into the way company operates. There are trade union
In order to receive full points under this indicator, the company must meetings, EC
show evidence of employee feedback. meetings, and/or some
other type of employee
Documentation representation in the
company 4 pts
Collective bargaining agreements, trade union membership, existence
of an employee council, any evidence of employee comments being There is no official
included in terms of work. employee representation
in the company 0 pts
User guide
Management philosophy suggests that even if the bottom up initiative
is not existing, it is worth to have an official representation; therefore,
by a top-down initiative a group of employees might be formed that
would have regular meetings with the members of the top management
in order to discuss questions, feedbacks, requests of the employees.
See good practice example of Swedbank, Lithuania (L9).
Employees representation might exist in the SMEs also, where there
are ambassadors of employees who regularly report to and negotiate
with the management.
41
Methodology
1. Identify a group or body that represents the interests of workers in
the company.
2.Identify a process for engaging with this group or body on a regular
basis (i.e., at least once a year).
3. Present evidence of at least one instance in which input from this body,
or directly from workers, has been included in company operations.
42
Indicator 13. Does the company have processes to
prevent recurring problems regarding health and
safety issues?
Definition
Processes to prevent means that a company has evaluated the health
and safety (H&S) information required by law and has determined areas
in which it can implement systems to further reduce similar and
additional health and safety problems from occurring in the future.
Relevance
This indicator aligns in particular with the country level indicator on fatal
accidents. In order to prevent such accidents it is important for a
company to assess the conditions and frequency of the accidents so
that the company can learn from things that go wrong, pick up on
trends and rectify problems before they cause serious or fatal injuries.
SMEs should also undertake this process. It could be particularly
beneficial for them because if they take such a preventative approach to
accidents and injuries, they could save themselves a lot of money down
the line from being sued if something goes wrong: better safe than sorry.
Criteria
Key
This indicator goes beyond the law to assess whether companies actually Total available score: 4
use the information from the required logs to make improvements and to pts
put in place preventative H&S measures. Both training and a process for The company has
prevention of injury are important components of this indicator. Both must processes to prevent
be in place in order for a company to receive full points. recurring accidents and
injuries 4 pts
Documentation The company trains its
Accident and injury log, accident and injury template, completed staff on H&S issues on a
accident and injury forms, a document to outline safety processes, sign regular basis 2 pts
in sheets from health and safety training. Neither of the above
criteria has been
Practical tips fulfilled 0 pts
Importance of H&S issues depends on sector of a business entity. All
companies are obligated by the law to train staff on H&S issues on regular
bases. Lack of valid trainings means serious sanctions for employer. The
same regards injury logs, forms and statistics e.g. they should be
reported to respective Statistical Offices on dedicated forms.
However, preventive measures in addition to those, prescribed by law,
might be elaborated. For example, repetitive strain injuries by providing
employees well-being with a possibility to visit fitness centres and
swimming pools for free, paid preventive medical checks. Some
companies also provide safety training for drivers.
Companies with a very low number of accidents might not have any
processes developed to prevent recurring accidents and injuries,
because they did not have recurrent accidents and injuries. However it
might be reasonable to take into account precautionary principle.
43
Important! This indicator is valid for all types of companies
and especially for typical production company (factory)
where recurrent accidents and injuries might occur.
Methodology
1.Demonstrate a written process to prevent health and safety concerns.
44
Indicator 14. Does the company have plans
in place to mitigate the adverse
impacts of job reductions?
Definition
Mitigate adverse impacts means taking steps to alleviate the
burden on people when job losses occur. This indicator does not
suggest that companies should go bankrupt trying to help workers
they have to let go. It merely recognises that there are actions a
company can take, beyond those prescribed in law, that can help
reduce the difficulty workers face when they lose their jobs.
Relevance
Part of a companys responsibility as an employer is to plan and manage
staff turnover, including redundancy or job reductions. While there are
usually laws in this area, companies can also undertake activities such as
re-training and helping workers they have let go find work elsewhere.
It might be too costly for SMEs to have a large programme to implement
provisions under this indicator, but they can still take measures to reduce
the impacts on workers and communities if they have to let people go.
Criteria Key
The company must show it has taken steps beyond those prescribed in Total available score: 4
law to assist employees if job losses occur. The actions that are geared pts
towards keeping workers in jobs receive higher scores than efforts The company helps
merely meant to bridge the gap between employments. workers to find
new job 1 pts
Documentation The company uses
Financial statements, overhead costs, any justifications for dismissing alternative solutions
workers, payroll records. to keep workers
employed 1 pts
Practical tips The company provides any
severance pay above the
This indicator is very relevant in a situation when economy is
legal requirements 1 pts
downsizing. However, it can be taken into account as a risk
management measure (the program to mitigate job losses) and taken The company provides
into account developing CSR strategy. job re-training 1 pts
45
Methodology
1.Work with government officials and workers to establish fair terms of
dismissal and programmes or techniques for ensuring that the burden
on dismissed workers and their families is as light as possible.
2.Identify a written document outlining plans in the event of job reductions.
46
Indicator 15. Does the company
have an effective grievance procedure?
Definition
A grievance procedure means a process by which employees can
tape their concerns and complaints known to the company. It can
take a number of forms, from a suggestion box, to a formal process
run by human resources, or a whistleblowing hotline provided by a
third party organisation.
Relevance
This indicator is one of the most important in the labour section. Workers
need the opportunity to air concerns and complaints about their employers.
Without an effective grievance process, a company can experience
workers unrest, dissatisfaction amongst its workforce, a loss of productivity
and other undesirable impacts on the workplace environment.
This can be tricky for SMEs because it is easier to make anonymous
complaints in a larger organisation, but staff disturbances potentially
have a larger impact at smaller companies because each single
individual within the company is more prominent.
Criteria Key
The company must offer some vehicle for employees to voice their Total available score: 4
concerns anonymously and to have them addressed. It is not enough pts
to get points for this indicator if the company does not process and The company treats
address the grievances. Companies also get higher points for grievances anonymously
anonymous systems as this element is critical for an effective process. and the grievances are
dealt externally or
Documentation by human resources 4 pts
Documented grievance procedure, grievance procedure content, notes or The company deals
with grievances
minutes from grievance procedure meetings and trainings, signed attendance internally and does not
sheets of workers at the trainins, examples of grievances submitted, examples 2 pts
of resolutions achieved through the grievance procedure.
do so anonymously
The company does not have a grievance procedure
47
Important! Companies should analyse in depth main reasons
what prevents whistleblowing or other types of grievance
procedures if they are not in use should be reconsidered.
Methodology
1. Meet with senior staff to develop a grievance procedure compliant
with legal standards and best practice guidelines.
2. Consult workers on the content and delivery of the grievance
procedure training.
3. Develop grievance procedure training to ensure that all workers know
and understand how to use the proper channels of reporting grievances in
order to achieve a satisfactory resolution to the grievance.
48
lAbour relAtionS: good prActice
1
Benefits for organisation Increased work efficiency. Increased
customers satisfaction.
Definition
A community engagement action plan means a plan that includes the
following:
Structure
Goals/targets for improvement
Actions necessary for meeting targets
Responsibilities for each action
Priorities of actions
Time lines
Monitoring and evaluation
Communication on
progress Content
Stakeholder engagement
Participation in CSR industry groups
Volunteering schemes
Apprenticeship schemes
Consultation with the local community prior to acquiring property/
starting business
Notification of surrounding communities about potential
emergencies with minimal delays
Relevance
A part of companys social responsibility is to act as a corporate citizen. In
other words, a company has a responsibility toward the community or
communities in which it operates. Therefore, to meet this responsibility,
firstly it must establish a plan for community engagement.
Criteria Key
This indicator is based on the goal to develop trust and communication Total available score: 4
between the company and community. Companies will not get points pts
merely for having an action plan. They must show that they evaluate The company has an
the plan in a meaningful way that adequately accounts for the needs of action plan and evaluates
the community in company decision-making. its progress 4 pts
The company has an
Documentation action plan 2 pts
Documented community engagement process, notes and/or minutes The company has no
from meetings with community stakeholders, action plans for resolving action plan 0 pts
any disputes and reflecting constructive guidelines for engagement.
Practical tips
Community engagement is one of the strongest assets of the
companies that are engaged in CSR in Project scope countries.
53
In most of project scope countries CSR started from charity and
philanthropy, and still usually treated by mistake a synonym for the
corporate philanthropy.
Methodology
1.Meet with senior staff and community stakeholders to determine a
community engagement plan.
2. Determine material indicators for all interest groups in establishing an equitable,
mutually beneficial means of engaging in future projects and interactions.
54
Indicator 17. Does the company engage
in regular dialogue with its stakeholders?
Definition
Stakeholder means, for example,
government
NGOs
trade unions
community-based organisations
local citizen groups
investors
Regular dialogue means consulting company stakeholders at least
when the company takes a decision that impacts the surrounding
community. It also means communicating regularly on the
companys CSR commitments, e.g. releasing a CSR report or
putting details of CSR practices on the company website.
Relevance
Transparency is a cornerstone of good CSR practice. Regular dialogue with
stakeholders is important to ensure the long term license to operate and may
reduce or prevent problems with neighbours. The challenges set by
stakeholders may even feed positively into the development of products.
Criteria Key
CSR communication can take on a range of formats, e.g. public talks Total available score: 4
and presentations, newsletters, reports, online reporting and via the pts
companys products/packaging. The communication should provide The company initiates
information on current CSR performance and goals going forward. regular engagement
with stakeholders 4 pts
One-way communication with stakeholders is not enough, though. The
engagement must be meaningful; in other words, both sides should The company engages
acknowledge and operate in recognition of the others point of view and with stakeholders when
needs. Companies will get extra points for initiating an engagement with stakeholders approach the
stakeholders to head off any adverse effects of the companys practices. company with specific
concerns they have about
Documentation company operations 3 pts
The company
Notes and/or minutes from meetings with community stakeholders
communicates its CSR
pertaining to the companys property acquisitions, any agreements
performance on a
reached or problems or remediation plans determined as a result of the
regular basis 2 pts
engagement process, annual reports, websites.
The company does
Practical tips not engage with
stakeholders 0 pts
Companies undertaking a CSR initiative must be ready to communicate
externally what they have realised and what they still hope to achieve. It is
the company that has to define its key stakeholders. Depending on the
issue, the size of the company and other factors, companies have to define
what regular dialogue means to them.
In most of companies a dialogue, in general, is taking place but it is not always
at the same level in relation to different key stakeholders, i.e. it may be
55
very regular and formal with employees (trade unions), but much less
regular with vendors. It may result due to the fact that dialogue is
undeveloped, or some stakeholders are less important for the company
(which is rational - e.g. project of AA1000 ESE standard assumes that the
form of dialogue depends on the importance of stakeholder).
For example, engagement might already exist under the auspices of
the current management approach that a company is already
conducting, such as ISO 9000 and ISO 14000.
Methodology
1.Identify key stakeholders.
2. Determine how often and under what conditions to engage a dialogue.
3. Establish terms for how and when to incorporate community
feedback into the companys decision-making process.
56
Indicator 18. Does the company actively participate
in CSR associations and forums and/or engage
with any local NGOs?
0 pts
Definition
CSR associations and forums means industry groups such as the Electronics
Industry Code of Conduct (EICC), CSR forums, such as Business in the
Community or local branches of the UN Global Compact/CSR Europe network,
or similarly oriented local/regional initiatives.
Engagement with local NGOs means working with local NGOs to
ensure a mutually-beneficial development agenda in the community.
Relevance
Participation in CSR associations and forums is a good way for companies
to stay in touch with their social obligations. This is true both in terms of
receiving feedback and using other members as a resource for creative
and innovation solutions to social and environmental challenges.
If SMEs can participate in these groups, it can be helpful to get ideas
for their businesses, but the resource constraints might prevent
them from doing so. However, they can still engage with local NGOs
even if they cannot participate in CSR associations or forums.
Criteria Key
It is not enough for companies to be members of suth forums to receive full Total available score: 4
points under this indicator: They must show active participation, such as pts
contributing to a certain number of organisation initiatives a year. The company participates
in the activities of a CSR-
Documentation related organisation or
local NGO between
Receipts from payments to forums or associations, evidence of participation in
2 and 5 times a year 4 pts
initiatives and/or pilot projects run by the relevant organisation.
The company is a
Practical tips member of a CSR-related
organisation or local
This indicator should analyse if the company actively participate in CSR NGO but is not active
associations, forums and/or initiatives of local NGOs that foster specific in this group 2 pts
CSR values like promotion and education, wider engagement, etc.
The company does not
engage with CSR-
Methodology related organisations
or local NGOs
1. Meet with senior staff to determine whether the material CSR issues
facing the company could best be met by CSR associations and forums.
2. Participate in associations and forums that would contribute to the
effective implementation of the companys CSR programme.
57
Indicator 19. Does the company offer
volunteering time, invest in or support any
local community initiatives?
Definition
Community investment can happen in two main ways, either as it
relates to core business activity or as it relates to non-core business
activity. Examples of community investment include
pro-bono support
partnerships with educational institutions
supporting research
training, skill and capacity building
legal, management, consultancy
In-kind donations
Relevance
This indicator is also geared toward establishing a sense of trust
between the company and the community. It enables employees to
develop extra skills that they can bring back to the company.
The same goes for SMEs, and can be very helpful if SMEs are short
on resources to spend on employee development programmes.
Criteria Key
Innovative, carefully built and targeted activities qualify as core business Total available score: 4
activities, so a company would gain points here if it could link the support pts
to its own initiatives in terms of driving innovative products and services. The company invests in
the community in a way
Non-core business activity would qualify for points if it contributes to
that reflects its core
the community, such as building a park or holding a fair to raise money
business activity 4 pts
for an organisation or good cause.
The company invests in
Documentation the community in a way
that reflects non-core
Documentation pertaining to relevant partnerships with community business activity 2 pts
organisations, including project plans, minutes and/or notes from meetings,
The company makes
communications between the parties, formal agreements between the
no community
parties, sheer financial, material support, documentation pertaining to the
investments 0 pts
relevant partnership, including project plans, minutes and/or notes from
meetings, communications between the relevant parties.
Practical tips
The distinction of core and non-core business refers to the way/type of
volunteering. Core business means the fundamental activities of the
company, volunteering in this case is closely connected with this activity
and the capabilities of the employees stemming from this activity.
A good example comes from a small Bulgarian company Strategies
consulting. Employees of Strategies consulting give pro bono professional
services to clients from the marginal groups, seeking to activate social
inclusion and promote entrepreneurship of persons with disabilities. In a
59
year they have provided more than 130 free consultations in the field of legal
issues, accountancy, project design and management, bank representation.
Non-core business volunteering happens when the work provided is
not related in any aspect to the fundamental activity of the company
(e.g. employees of a consultancy firm paint the walls of a school).
For instance, the large telecommunication companies in Poland and
Lithuania have launched similar programmes that provide mechanisms
for gathering input from employees and give them choices on how they
might contribute to the society. Companies allow their employees to
identify specific social projects for corporate participation: it might be
both reflecting core and non core business activities: from teaching
about internet safety in public schools or Santa Claus visits in
orphanage and cleaning the forest from trash in remote places.
Methodology
1.Identify company policies on volunteering in the community.
2. Identify any volunteering agreements or public commitments to volunteer.
60
Indicator 20. Does the company offer
apprenticeship schemes to facilitate skills
development within the local community?
Definition
Apprenticeship means a fixed-term position within a company in
order to foster skills development for the apprentice. Programmes
can last from a couple of weeks to a couple of years.
Relevance
This indicator is good both from the perspective of developing a sense
of trust and appreciation within the community and with regard to
promoting social development. If companies have good apprenticeship
schemes and can contribute to skills development in the community,
they benefit from operating in a more stable business environment and
from having more options of a workforce.
SMEs can benefit from apprentices as while apprentices can develop skills.
SMEs can benefit from extra labour, often at a lower cost, thus boosting their
human capital resources without spending more on overhead.
Criteria Key
The key is whether the scheme equips apprentices with new skills that Total available score: 4
can secure employment in the future. A company would not gain many pts
points here for taking on a student for 2 weeks whose sole job was to The company offers a paid
make coffee, instead of also getting to type memos or learn some more apprenticeship scheme that
substantive office skills. enables apprentices
to come out with a
Documentation certification of their
skill level 4 pts
Documented policy on engaging apprentices, apprenticeship contracts.
The company offers an
Practical tips unpaid apprenticeship
scheme that provides for
Companies offer different forms of apprenticeships for students from skills development but no
local university or secondary school. Most of them have students in certification 2 pts
companies to learn new skills but they look at it from different points
The company does not
of view some employs students as part-time employees, some might
offer an apprenticeship
have a Trainee program for graduates. Some cooperate with local
scheme 0 pts
high schools to train its possible future employees.
In some countries this indicator might have a slight interpretation, for
instance in Hungary, law declares a minimal wage paid to trainees.
Although this regulation aims at protecting trainees, companies would not
like to engage in apprenticeship if there is an obligatory cost burden.
Therefore, many companies even backed by universities suggest that
student voluntary give up their wage. This is an abuse of power asymmetry
which may result in 2 pts according to the self-assessment tool.
62
community relAtionS:
good prActice exAmpleS
6
C14 b-link
Telekomunikacja Polska SA, is the 2nd largest company in Poland. TP
Aims and goals Group, which includes Orange mobile operator, is the largest
inclusion of disabled to telecommunications group in Poland and even in Central
the society due to innovative, Europe, operating in all segments of the Polish telephony
responsible technical and communications industry. It was the first Polish
solutions. company which published sustainability report based on
GRI, the first and the only company form Poland asked to share
its experience on UN Leaders Summit in Geneva in 2007, it is a
leader in corporate philanthropy, active player in information society building.
The TP Group has created a programme that makes it possible for the
physically disabled people to use a computer, only by blinking their
eyes. The programme is free and user-friendly. For people disabled by
disease or accident it may be a chance for contact with the world. b-
Link will be available based on Open Source, which will enable its
further development through the Internet community around the world.
The initiative aims at inclusion of disabled not only thanks to a revolutionary
idea of a new product but also by Open Source nature of product. TP R&D
along with a Technical University of Lodz developed it. The b-Link is a proof of
how successful can be cooperation between University that worked on the
project, NGOs that were consulted in the development phase and that tested it
and Business that actually successfully designed and developed the product.
Using a computer by means of b-Link does not require technical skills or
complicated equipment all that is needed is a computer and a web
camera. Assistance of a healthy person is necessary to connect and set
up the camera, as well as to install the b-Link programme. However, later
the disabled person may use the programme without assistance.
After detecting the face of the user and establishing the positioning of
eyes the properly set up camera follows them and detects control
blinks. In this way, only through blinking eyes, one may browse through
web sites, use such programmes as Word Pad, MS Word or MS
Outlook, switch the sound on and off and turn off the computer.
Numerous free uploads around the world of the b-Link, numerous
thank you e-mails for the TP R&D and CSR departments from
disabled, their families and people interested.
All the programme source materials can be found at the following address:
http://sourceforge.net/
b-Link may be downloaded for free from the web sites of TP and Orange on:
www.tp.pl
http://www.tp.pl/prt/pl/o_nas/edukacja/687688/
www.orange.pl
http://www.orange.pl/portal/map/
map/discover?category=DISCOV Benefits for organisation
ER_4&stamp=126443823728 Being seen as a company
3&articleId=4109429 that cares about social
It is worth to be mentioned as inclusion.
6 a good practice, because it shows
how companys resources, other than money, may solve social problems.
6
Innovation should be a crucial element of sustainability.
it SolutionS For
C15
SAFe neighbourhood proJect
The Institute of Private Finance covers all areas that influence personal
finance. From the findings of its own analysis, it publishes independent
and objective advice from an individuals perspective. It aims to make it
easier for private individuals to improve their finances through greater
insight into their conditions and choices.
The Institute of Private Finance
was started in its present form at
the beginning of the 1960s in Benefits for organisation
Sweden. The Institute Increases customer satisfaction
cooperates with and strengthens long-term
governmental and relationships between customers
non-governmental and the bank. Greater knowledge
institutions, consumer and insight on the part of both
protection organizations, customers and bank staff.
media and other education
organizations.
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5. Business Environment
Indicator 21. Does the company assess significant
suppliers and contractors on:
human rights
health and safety
anti-corruption
environmental practices?
Definition
Assess significant suppliers means checking to see if suppliers are
upholding adequate social and environmental standards, in compliance
with the law, international standards and best CSR practice. Some
companies have robust social auditing programmes for which they hire
external social auditing companies to assess their suppliers. Other
companies with fewer resources issue self-assessments to suppliers to
do a cursory evaluation of the labour standards at the supplying facility.
Relevance
Supply chain concerns have become prominent in recent years and
particularly for larger companies that outsource their goods and
services. This can be a big reputational concern (and growing legal
concern in some contexts). It is important for companies to understand
the risk to their businesses from contracting parties who do not uphold
an adequate level of the mentioned practices.
SMEs are sometimes these aforementioned suppliers and contractors, but
they also use subcontractors and might have this concern themselves.
Criteria Key
The company can get points with this indicator for a mere assessment Total available score: 4
of first tier suppliers, but it will get additional points for showing that it pts
monitors its entire supply chain, works with suppliers to improve The company assesses its
standards and makes sourcing decisions based on its evaluations of supply chain and makes
supplier social and environmental practices. sourcing decisions based
on the assessments,
Documentation including engaging with
non-compliant suppliers to
Documented policy on engagement with supply chain business partners or
support improvement of
codes of conduct for suppliers, assessment tools reflecting analysis of
their ethical standards 4 pts
underlying causes of violations, metrics on human rights and anti-
The company conducts
corruption practices at business partners, corrective action plans, evidence
of remediation, evidence of using the collected information to inform an assessments of its first
improved supply chain management policy, sourcing contracts. tier suppliers 2 pts
The company conducts
Practical tips no assessments of its
suppliers 0 pts
Supply chain assessment, for example, might already exist under the
auspices of the current management approach that a company is already
conducting, such as ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 or FSC certification.
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Smaller companies have closer ties and longer relationship with their
suppliers, so it is easier for them to complete assessment, however
often there is a lack of documentation in SMEs.
Due to the complexity of international supply chains and the
corresponding CSR issues which can arise this indicator might be seen
as too difficult. However companies should use existing tools for the
assessment of contractors were possible.
Examples on suppliers being refused indicate the importance of this issue.
For instance, contract might be terminated due to:
embezzlement based on Code of Conduct that is an integral part
of the contract;
accidents on corporate site these accidents of contractorson
corporate sites are formally reported, after couple of problems and
accident the contract was terminated;
refusal of corporate Code of Conduct the supplier company did
not sign the corporate Code of Conduct as an integral part of the
contract saying the suppliers own code is what they do follow. The
telecommunication company one of the best practice CSR firms in
Hungary was then refused and another supplier has been chosen.
Methodology
1. Meet with senior staff and relevant staff members to determine the
risk of human rights abuses and corruption in the supply chain and/or
among business partners.
2. If there is deemed to be a risk, determine the most efficient way of assessing
human rights and corruption practices at business partners (i.e. through social and
environmental audits, through participation in industry groups on labour and
environmental practices, through a country risk analysis, etc.).
3. Determine the best way to reduce the risk given the companys
resources, size, and feedback from supplier and contractor assessments.
4.Determine at which point to further engage with suppliers to help
improve their social and environmental practices and at which point to
either cut the contract or refuse to engage in a contract based on poor
social and environmental practices.
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Indicator 22. Does the company engage
in green procurement practices?
Definition
Green procurement practices means making decisions on where to
source goods and services based on the environmental
performance of the supplier, e.g. relating to the use of FSC certified
timber or organic produce.
Relevance
This indicator is particularly important as a means of embedding green
business practices in the way a company operates. It correlates to the
country level indicator on green procurement as well.
Criteria Key
Some countries have legal requirements surrounding green procurement Total available score: 4
as a result of EU law. In order to get full points for this indicator, the pts
company will have to show that it has gone beyond the legal green The company makes
procurement requirements in making green business decisions. sourcing decisions based
on the green practices of
Documentation all suppliers in the supply
Green procurement policy, sourcing contracts that include green chain, including engaging
requirements. with non-compliant
suppliers to support
Practical tips improvement of their
environmental
Most of the companies make a great show of zeal that they apply standards 4 pts
green procurement practices where possible. However sourcing The company tries
contracts in best cases includes requirements on green paper only. to incorporate green
The companies might also look at the materials and chemicals that they considerations into its
buy to make their products and services. This supply chain approach procurement practices
should look beyond the companys gates and into the operations of their where possible 2 pts
suppliers, in an ongoing effort to reduce costs and risk. The companies The company undertakes
might use the tools like life-cycle assessment and life-cycle costing tools or no green procurement 0 pts
just eco labels to identify the materials in their products that may pose
significant environmental, health and safety risks.
The green procurement might be a powerful instrument if suppliers
would get strong message from companies that they are ready to buy
green because in many cases it is not even possible to choose the
supplier since there is only one green in the market.
In the time of crisis often the price is the main decision-making reason.
Thus, it is observed that the previous procurement involving a wide
range of small, local, greener suppliers has been changed to a more
cost-efficient central supplier. However the green products might have
longer life cycle ant it is advised to start from the audit of the
purchasing system and evaluate all aspects of green products. Long
term economic benefit should be calculated.
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Important! Green Procurement will pay off in a long term.
Eco labelled products will pose less significant
environmental, health and safety risks to company.
Methodology
1.Identify a green procurement policy that acknowledges the legal
standard but exceeds legal requirements.
2.Identify sourcing contracts with green procurement requirements.
3. Identify a company practice of favouring suppliers with strong green
credentials.
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Indicator 23. Does the company have rules and
procedures to analyse and counter bribery and
corruption practices?
Definition
Analyse and counter means being able to determine whether an
incident should be considered bribery or corruption and then being
able to take steps to stop the illegal or unethical act.
Relevance
This is an example of where there are often laws, but the laws
sometimes do not get enforced well. It can be very difficult for
companies to behave ethically where the larger business environment
does not encourage good business ethics. It is critical for companies to
have plans and courses of action to address corrupt practices.
This indicator pertains to SMEs as well as larger companies,
especially since SMEs might have less economic power and be
more susceptible to heavy influence by corrupt parties.
Criteria Key
A company will get points here for having a strategy addressing this Total available score: 4
indicator, but in order to get full points, it must demonstrate pts
transparency in its behaviour and a commitment to ensuring a business The company has rules
environment in which bribery and corruption are not only un and procedures to
acceptable, but are actively discouraged. analyse and counter
bribery and corruption
Documentation practices 4 pts
Anti-corruption policy, signed statements from workers stating that they The company has no
understand the policy and promise to uphold anti-corruption standards rules and procedures to
analyse and counter
established in the policy.
bribery and corruption
Practical tips practices 0 pts
Methodology
1. Meet with senior staff to determine the areas of the business
susceptible to corrupt practices
2.Develop an anti-corruption policy based on accepted international
standards, such as the OECD Guidelines
3.Consult with workers on the content of the policy and the most effective
way to convey the policy and implement its standards in the workplace
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Indicator 24. Does the company have a policy and
procedure for making its lobbying efforts transparent?
Definition
Lobbying is standard practice in politics and can be done legally and
ethically. However, it is quite easy to cross the line into unethical lobbying.
Therefore, for this indicator, making lobbying efforts transparent means
that a company should disclose the amount of money and resources it
spends in trying to promote its agenda on the political stage.
Relevance
This indicator relates to the above bribery and corruption indicators.
Basically, when companies lobby politicians or organisations of power,
they are exerting influence for policy decisions in their favour,
potentially without consideration of stakeholders with less power.
In order to counteract undue power and influence, companies should disclose
their lobbying practices in order to make themselves accountable to society
and other stakeholders, and in order not to wield excessive power.
Criteria Key
Given that there is often a fine line between ethical and unethical practices for Total available score: 4
this indicator, the emphasis is on transparency. For the company to have a pts
policy stating that it lobbies according to the law or ethically will not be good The company has a policy
enough for full points. It needs to produce clear evidence that it fully discloses and procedure for making
its lobbying efforts, preferably with evidence of this disclosure. its lobbying efforts
transparent 4 pts
Documentation The company has no
Documented lobbying policy, including content on disclosure of policy and procedure
lobbying practices and resources spent on it, annual report or CSR for making its lobbying
report with lobbying disclosure information. efforts transparent 0 pts
Practical tips
At first glance this indicator might be assessed as irrelevant, because of the
lack of legislation, as for instance in Bulgaria, however, most of the companies
came independently with the presumption that their membership and
involvement with branch industry association is actually providing them with
the framework to protect their business interests transparently.
In some countries lobbying might have a sense of something unethical, which
is very close to corruption and means something which has nothing in common
with transparency. On the other hand it results in the very strong declarations
of companies on transparency, lobbying only by professional organizations /
branch associations (or official licensed lobbyists). They are afraid that
someone may treat their behaviour as unethical lobbying.
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Important! Companies should disclose lobbying practises.
Methodology
1.Meet with senior staff to determine whether the company should
engage with political entities.
2. If it is determined to be beneficial to do so, develop a policy that ensure
engagement in an ethical, transparent way (e.g., issue public statements
on levels of contributions and means of interacting with political entities).
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Indicator 25. Does the company train its staff on
ethical supply chain measures and anti-bribery
and anti-corruption measures?
Definition
Training in this context means educating employees on how to perform
their jobs in an ethical manner. For instance, educating buyers on how to
engage with suppliers in a way that conveys the companys standard of
adhering to ethical business practices in sourcing its goods and services
would be a good example. Another example would be training employees
on how to uphold the companys code of practice, including when it is
acceptable to receive a gift, and other standards of ethical conduct.
Relevance
As mentioned above, it is important for companies to have a plan and
policy in this area, but in order to put these tools into action, employees
have to know how to do their part.
SMEs, again, could be particularly susceptible to problems from
bribery and corruption because they might not have the financial
resources to absorb corrupt practices, which could be a severe
threat to the existence of their businesses.
Criteria Key
To gain points for this indicator, companies will need to show that they Total available score: 4
conduct trainings in these areas for all new employees, as well as pts
regular trainings for existing staff. The company has a
training programme that
Documentation it gives annually, as well
as to new hires, and all
Documentation of anti-corruption trainings, including training content,
attendees have signed
attendance lists with worker signatures.
attendance sheets for
the trainings 4 pts
Practical tips
The company has a
Most companies have a Code of Conduct that is presented to all new documented training
hires. In this way every employee is informed about anti-corruption and program 2 pts
anti-bribery measures. Also additional information might come through
The company has no
company website, internal communication and e-learning. Ethical supply
training programme
chain measures are mainly presented to procurement departments.
in this area 0 pts
Methodology
1.Meet with senior staff to determine the content of the ethical supply
chain and anti-corruption training.
2.Consult with workers on necessary components of the training.
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3. Administer trainings in regular intervals, requiring a signed
attendance at training sessions.
4. Collect feedback from workers attending the sessions to assess comprehension
of the policy and how to implement it, as well as how to improve the trainings.
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buSineSS environment:
good prActice exAmpleS
Aims and goals the elements of green procurement since 2007. For
To enforce environmental the company to ensure environmental and safety
and safety considerations considerations in providing clean and healthy drinking
minimum to clean drinking water requires:
water supply on the suppliers Un obligatory environmental appendix to all suppliers
and subcontractors side. contracts;
A statement of each suppliers in its endeavour to utilize the
least polluting materials;
A contact person for each contract ar Waterworks, whose duty is to
achieve the best possible environmental option. The argument on
clean water and safety of water resources provides a good take-off for
his/her arguments and monitoring activity.
As a result of the comprehensive corporate environmental impact assessment
developed and launched in 2006 the following steps have been introduced:
centralized procurement instead of the earlier fragmented uncontrolled,
autonomous buying of different operations, department, etc.
registry of licensed/permitted chemicals. The list has been created with the
close cooperation of 3 fields in the corporation: environmental protection,
work safety, fire safety. Now there are cca 300 chemicals inherent to
water-cleaning technological processes in the registry that have a lower
negative environmental impact. The final buying transaction is based on
other environmental considerations (distance, environmental emissions
of transport) and other aspects (e.g. time, price) at the same time.
Database on suppliers and subcontractors, that
as a result of the continuous monitoring activities
provides updated information at any time on Benefits for organisation Rules
whether the suppliers have fulfilled all and register provides effective and
the environmental requirements of powerful assistance to employees,
Waterworks. based on which they have the
rights and tools to enforce
These most recent developments have been
environmental considerations at
supported by the management of the
external parties.
Waterworks and embedded both in the
procedures and daily decision-making.
QUESTIONS
4.
As it was mentioned in the beginning of the handbook, the self-assessment
Content questions
1. Is it enough to have policies? Do they ensure that things will
really happen?
There is a general fear that policies are for drawers: those are
principles just to generate more bureaucracy. Goals and KPI-s in the
Structure actually help clarify. In some CEE countries there might be
observed distrust in written policies and strategies. The positive
expectation/belief in this case has to be ensured.
2. Is it necessary for a company to have designated senior
personnel with clear responsibility for CSR?
To have clear CSR responsibility is important, but why is it important to do
it full time? If the responsibility is formulated clearly and straightforwardly,
then the decision maker can delegate CSR activities, coordinate bottom up
CSR initiatives etc. It is better to have one personnel instead of sharing
this responsibility by many (possibly all) members of the organization.
3. Does the company link corporate responsibility issues to
peoples performance reviews/appraisals across the company?
KPI-s in general are said to be rare in workers job description in tested
countries. On the other hand some CSR related KPI-s exists but
exclusively for CSR related personnel (environmental manager, HR
manager, and communication manager) that is only a handful of people.
An indirect link was depicted in the following example. Expectations and
requirements of the parent company (in environmental and CSR aspects
as well) are so strong that all employees try to fulfill them. Otherwise more
visits and audits may come, i.e. something unwanted, negative happens to
the organization, and extra work, stress to its employees.
4. Do I really have to create one more staff position just to work
on CSR? Were in efficiency mode.
Most typically, CSR gets directed to senior public affairs, communications or
marketing staff. Sometimes it is placed in the human resources, government
affairs, environment, health and safety or legal departments. This is a good start,
but in most cases this approach becomes unsustainable unless there is a strong
senior management support, and resources are allocated accordingly. If business
conditions were to become worse, people would default to their core
responsibilities and CSR would likely drop off the radar screen.
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REFERENCES 5.
1. Paul Hohnen. Corporate Social Responsibility. An Implementation Guide for
Business. 2007, International Institute for Sustainable Development.
2. The regional CSR project, Accelerating CSR Practices in the New EU
Member States and The report, Baseline Study on CSR Practices in
the New EU Member States and Candidate Countries (2007).
3. The report, Enhancing Transparency and Credibility of CSR
Practices through the Establishment of CSR Performance
Assessment and Monitoring Systems in New EU Member States,
Company Level CSR Performance Assessment Report (2010).
4. TTH, Gergely: The Truly Responsible Enterprise, About unsustainable
development, the tools of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a
deeper, strategic approach, KVET Association for Sustainable
Economies, 2009, www.kovet.hu/view/dl/117-941.html
5. PORTER, M. E. KRAMER, M. R.: Strategy & Society: A link
between competitive advantage and social responsibility, Harvard
Business Review, 2007.
6. United Nations Global Compact http://www.unglobalcompact.org/
7. http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/campaign/documentation/index_
en.htm#toolkit.
8. http://www.globalreporting.org/Services/E-Shop.
9. http://www.csreurope.org/
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Appendix. Testing spreadsheet example
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CSR Self-Assessment
Handbook for Companies