\'Good in business\' recognised by Corporate Engagement Awards shortlist
- Written by Fran Cator
Corporate social responsibility has long past the stage in which it is in add-on, a nice thing to do, a philanthropic good. In the past few years, CSR, corporate sponsorship and corporate partnerships have increasingly focused on the mutual benefit to all participatory organisations.
The shortlist this year features international heavyweights like EY, KPMG, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola and national household names from the ranks of Marks & Spencer, Morrison’s, O2 and Lloyds Bank, among some of the top non-profit and charity organisations including Cancer Research UK, the National Literacy Trust, Oxfam and Fairtrade. Those prominent names, however are not alone. Strong entries made it onto the shortlist from the likes of regional, international and local organisations that were able to effectively fulfill the remit of the programme and meet the judges’ scrutiny.
Past winners of the Corporate Engagement Awards include Intuit and Startup Britain, the 2013 Grand Prix winners. The project allowed startups to use Intuit’s new payment software, enabling them to take card payments. The partnership gave Intuit a ready-made test audience for a novel service. The 2012 winner was a collaboration between Wickes, A4e, Pimlico Plumbers, London Youth and vinspired. The Volunteer It Yourself project allowed out-of-work youths to gain experience and apprenticeships while renovating a youth centre and taking skills courses.
Brittany Golob, editor of Communicate magazine, said: “Partnerships, sponsorships and CSR programmes with an integrated strategy have a true benefit and strengthen the company culture and reputation of all the organisations involved. The Corporate Engagement Awards is proud to honour these continuing and innovative partnerships and the work they do in and for their communities.”
From the judges:
Sara Heald, community investment manager at Asda: “I really enjoyed being a judge for these awards as all the entries were truly inspiring. It’s incredibly worthwhile for people to take time out to make a difference in their community. It brings people together connecting to a community and making a huge difference to people’s lives. These entries show the compassion people have for changing the communities we live and work in. Well done to everyone who took the time to submit an entry, keep up the amazing good work.”
Sinead Donoghue, corporate development manager at English Heritage: “Being a judge on the Corporate Engagement Awards has been a really enjoyable experience. It has been interesting to read through the diverse range of nominations that have accounted some innovative and inspiring partnerships that are making a real difference to communities around the world.”
Jane Chambers, senior development manager at the National Portrait Gallery: “[There were] A great range and breadth of applications, with many projects demonstrating drive, determination, passion and commitment,” and, “Many projects demonstrated that they are making a real difference in local communities. A number of projects demonstrated evolving business practice and thinking especially in regard to employees, which was good to see.”