Chambers Ireland CSR Awards 2018 (InBUSINESS)

Page 1

AWARDS 2018 2018

PA R T N

OFC InBusiness CSR 2018_Cover_V7.indd 1

RO

ON SI

COM M

CHARITY

INCLU

Thursday 20th September Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4

NMENT

ITY N U

E

CSR

MA

ETPLAC RK

COMMUNICAT I

VOLU N

ACE PL

SHIP ER

TE

WOR K

S N O

ERING

VERSITY I D

EN V

I

14/09/2018 11:33


246085_1C_Intel_JM_Chambers 11.03_V2.indd 1

14/09/2018 11:41


FOREWORD & CONT TS EN

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

W

elcome to the official magazine for the 2018 Chambers Ireland Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. Chambers Ireland is proud to host this fifteenth edition of the annual CSR Awards and to both encourage and celebrate the achievements of organisations across Ireland in delivering important CSR projects. The projects shortlisted this year set new benchmarks for the standards of excellence in CSR initiatives and goals for Irish businesses. The quality of the projects shortlisted, as well as the numbers of applications received, point to a growing culture of CSR leadership being built in Ireland today. The understanding of the importance of CSR and its wide-ranging benefits is becoming more widely acknowledged among Ireland’s business community. According to the CSR Stakeholder Forum’s 2017 baseline survey of businesses in Ireland, over 80 per cent of respondents viewed CSR activities as either ‘very important’ or ‘moderately important’. As the understanding and adoption of CSR practices grows, we look forward to seeing how CSR initiatives will evolve and diversify further in the years to come. The CSR Awards are partnered with BITC Ireland, sponsored by BAM Ireland, and run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, and we thank them for this support. Chambers Ireland would also like to thank our category sponsors – the Environmental Protection Agency for sponsoring the Excellence in Environment Award and One4All for sponsoring the Excellence in the Workplace Award. Each year we review the award categories to reflect new trends, and this year our new award category is Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion. These are crucial principles for talent acquisition, business growth and enhanced engagement, and we are pleased to see these principles being embraced more and more among Irish businesses. The shortlisted companies should be proud to have met such high standards with their projects that they are here this evening. We wish them every success in this year’s awards.

Niamh Boyle

President, Chambers Ireland

W

e are delighted to once again showcase the highest calibre and most innovative practices of Corporate Social Responsibility work taking place across Ireland. This magazine is the official guide for profiling the high-quality projects shortlisted for the awards this year and the outstanding companies behind each of them. Chambers Ireland is proud to be a member of the Government’s CSR Stakeholder Forum and to be associated with the launch of Ireland’s National Plan on CSR 2017-2020, ‘Towards Responsible Business’. We also organise our own CSR Policy Council, whose members play an important and proactive role in areas such as the provision of expertise to SMEs seeking to develop CSR programmes. This forum and council are important parts of a growing support mechanism to foster an ever-evolving culture of CSR in Ireland. As ever, the judges faced an incredibly difficult and time-consuming task this year. I would like to thank everyone on our judging panels for reviewing all of the applications, choosing the awards shortlist and the overall award winners. You can find out more about our panel of judges on page 8. As with any awards ceremony, there can ultimately only be a select group of award winners. However, every shortlisted company has already achieved CSR excellence through exceptional initiative and implementation of their individual projects. I commend each of these companies and the individual teams for their outstanding efforts and wish them the best of luck for the awards.

Ian Talbot

Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 35 36 37 38 39

A Sustainable Model? CSR in the Chamber 2018 CSR Awards Shortlist Judging CSR Bank of Ireland Deloitte Abbott KPMG Tesco Ireland Transdev ESB Arthur Cox Bord Gáis Energy PayPal Gas Networks Ireland AIB A&L Goodbody DHL Heineken Ireland Intel Ireland Energia

Published by: Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West Industrial Park, D12 X9F9 Tel: +353 1 432 2200 | Email: info@ashville.com | Web: www.ashville.com On behalf of: Chambers Ireland, 11 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 FY84 Tel: +353 1 400 4300 | Email: info@chambers.ie | Web: www.chambers.ie All articles © Ashville Media Group 2018. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinion and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of Ashville Media or Chambers Ireland.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

001 InBusiness CSR 2018_Contents.indd 1

1

14/09/2018 11:44


THE CHAMBER

CSR

I

N

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

MODEL?

A SUSTAINABLE Tomás Sercovich, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland, explores whether or not our CSR model is fit for the future and hazards a guess as to what the CSR Awards in 2030 might look like.

A

s the 2018 Chambers Ireland CSR Awards gets under way, once again we celebrate the exemplars of best practice across different sectors of industry, sizes of companies and ranges of initiatives. Looking back at the many years of the awards we can see a clear evolution in the quality and robustness of the submissions, the senior level engagement and the more sophisticated assessments of output and, in some cases, impact. The 2018 CSR Awards should help us look forward and determine where next to exemplars in best practice. What will be the defining characteristics of the winning entries of the awards in five or even ten years from now? What will define best practice in 2030? Given the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world in which we live, and the many disruptive forces that will shape our economy, society, environment and business community, it might be hard to imagine. Let’s try and see where we go next in sustainable business practice, based on current trends and international inspiration as well as some learning from past years of the CSR Awards. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY The intention and integration of CSR initiatives into the business model has been discussed for decades. In 2030, CSR will not be characterised as the stuff that is done during non-busy periods of the year, or as something that must be done in a discreet way so as not to rise too much above the parapet and solely with the

2

002 InBusiness CSR 2018_CSR Feature.indd 2

aim of doing something right for communities. More and more we are seeing that successful businesses are those that are sustainable and responsible. These businesses are profitable because of their sustainable practices. The winning entries of the 2030 Awards will be only those that show a clear correlation between societal, economical or environmental impact and business success. Entries claiming that “we do this because it is the right thing to do” will not feature in the awards of the future. On the contrary, the more integrated the thinking and the management of the company, the closer to best in class that their practices will be. Sustainability objectives must respond to business objectives. In Business in the Community Ireland we are seeing this evolution with the engagement of companies in the Business Working Responsibly Mark, our independently audited standard for CSR and Sustainability. Companies know that they must be the best and they realise that external thirdparty validated recognition of how they manage their business drives benefits in terms of reputation, better orientation towards customers’ changing needs, talent attraction and investor interest. | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 11:44


CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

Tomás Sercovich, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland

1+1=3 The year 2030 will be an important year, as we will supposedly be celebrating the achievement of the 169 targets underpinning the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Supposing the goals are | CSR AWARDS 2018

002 InBusiness CSR 2018_CSR Feature.indd 3

achieved, this would only be possible through intense, creative and substantial collaboration of key actors. Business has a fundamental role to play in ensuring that governments achieve these challenging targets. Winning initiatives of the future will have to be evaluated on the successful partnership elements that they develop, on the multi-stakeholder nature of their programmes and on the capacity to create platforms, coalitions and alliances for bigger and further impact. Successful partnerships will need to demonstrate the multiplier effect of the collaboration rather than simply adding resources in a linear manner. This year, the Business in the Community Ireland Leaders’ Group on Sustainability was launched. This is a coalition of leading companies working together to improve the sustainability of Irish businesses while creating new ways of doing business. We believe this is a critical evolution in how we practice and understand sustainability in Ireland. We hope over the coming years to inspire companies and other stakeholders to collaborate and share a vision of a low carbon economy and a socially cohesive society where business remains as a key agent of change.

TOWARDS THE PURPOSE ECONOMY Where next in the evolution of our economic models? Since taking over as CEO of Business in the Community Ireland in January, I have heard countless mentions of ‘business purpose’ and ‘retrofitting business to purpose’. To me, purpose is essentially about developing business models that are future-fit. This entails looking at how trends like the workplace of the future, customer and investor preferences and societal expectations towards business evolve. Aligning business goals with purpose will be a defining characteristic of the winners of the CSR Awards of 2030. Being able to articulate the dependency between these two concepts in a compelling manner will determine the exemplars of 2030. We must understand how purpose will influence business models and how purpose will define business success. As abstract as it seems, we feel that the metrics for defining business success will be closely aligned to solving societal, economic and environmental challenges we face. Are we ready for the futurefit businesses? Is your company thinking of the business models of excellence and success of 2030? Join our conversation! 3

14/09/2018 11:44


THE CHAMBER

CSR

I

N

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

We profile some of the recent CSR winners from within the Chamber network.

GALWAY CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

BEST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE/CSR AWARD Winner: Boston Scientific

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD Winner: Thorntons Recycling

Boston Scientific Galway, winner of the Best Social Enterprise/CSR Award at the Galway Chamber Business Awards 2017, has a CSR programme made up of four different strands: Charity, Health, STEM Promotion and Community Outreach. Since 2005, the company has raised over 2.5 million for charities locally through the Charity of the Year Programme as well as through payroll donations to Cancer Care West and the Galway Hospice. On October 31st the Boston Wing at the Western Alzheimers facility in Maryfield, Athenry was opened. Employees at Boston Scientific raised 230,000 over a two-year period towards the building of this unit. Under the health strand, Boston Scientific’s partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation began in 2012. As well as promoting the health and wellbeing of employees on-site, it provides community health checks, local group walks and sponsorship of Slí na Sláinte routes. Meanwhile, the promotion of STEM to local students and schools is a natural fit for Boston Scientific. The company partners with SciFest every year to encourage students to engage with science and sponsors the Award for Best Medical Devices at a national level. Two bursaries are awarded on a yearly basis to local students undertaking STEM courses of study at third level.

Thorntons Recycling is one of Ireland’s leading waste management and recycling companies with a staff of 450 people. The company has built upon its relationships with community-based organisations to promote better recycling. Of paramount importance to Thorntons Recycling is that its customers and the community understand the benefits of recycling and using their green recycling bin correctly. Thorntons designed its Thorntons in the Community programme to meet the challenge of this societal need and shared value. Thorntons helps its customers ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ while helping communities to manage waste. One example of this aligned partnership with the core product is the company’s supplying of skips for ‘Clean-Up Days’. Thorntons’ strategy focused on community groups that were willing to partner with the company in sharing recycling habits and good practise. When Thorntons decided to develop the Thorntons in the Community CSR programme, employee engagement, collaboration and insights were sought. The company organised communications with staff to get colleagues engaged with the plan. Ideas from employees included hiring face-painters, acquiring a branded gazebo, stocking giveaway merchandise, and staff volunteering to be brand ambassadors at various festivals such as in Tallaght,

The Thorntons Recycling team collecting its Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the South Dublin County Business Awards 2017

4

004 InBusiness CSR 2018_CSR in the Chamber.indd 4

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 11:53


CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

WEXFORD BUSINESS AWARDS 2018 WEXFORD EXCELLENCE IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD Winner: K&K Windows

K&K Windows Ltd takes exceptional pride in the work it does and the service it provides. For 23 years, the company has been providing outstanding quality windows, doors and conservatories for both residential and commercial projects. All of K&K Windows’ products are manufactured in its stateof-the-art factory in Craanford, just outside Gorey, Co Wexford. K&K Windows aims to make its working environment as enjoyable as possible for staff. It is the company’s belief that “having happy employees makes for happy customers”. With this in mind, K&K Windows recently hosted events such as its tag archery team bonding day as well as other open days. Team bonding days, in particular, have been a great success, with employees and suppliers raising 1,300 for Pieta House Wexford. K&K Windows has chosen this charity organisation to donate to as it provides such an exceptional and broad spectrum of free mental health care and counselling throughout the nation. The environment is also something that is of great importance to K&K Windows. Throughout every process, the company aims to recycle as much waste as possible, even down to the smallest of things like keeping used stamps from envelopes to give to the local priest for missionaries. After all, every little helps!

The K&K Windows team collecting its Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Wexford Business Awards 2018

| CSR AWARDS 2018

004 InBusiness CSR 2018_CSR in the Chamber.indd 5

KILDARE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 EXCELLENCE IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD Winner: Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland is delighted to have been honoured with the Corporate Social Responsibility award by Kildare Chamber. The bank first opened its doors in Kildare in Athy in 1840 and today, it is the largest retail bank in the county serving 11 locations. The bank continues to provide financial advice to a wide array of personal and business customers and welcomes the opportunity to share its banking knowledge with local schools and community groups through its extensive youth and enterprise programmes. Commenting on the award, Roisin Crotty, Bank of Ireland Head of County for Kildare, said: “Our purpose of ‘enabling our customers, colleagues and communities to thrive,’ together with our values, are at the heart of our approach to being a responsible business. Winning this award is a very proud acknowledgement to the team.” Bank of Ireland staff host a series of key community events throughout the year, volunteering their time and fundraising in support of local charities. In 2017, over 108,000 in charitable donations was raised directly by staff in the county. For further information, download the bank’s latest Responsible Business Report at

The Bank of Ireland team collecting its Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Kildare Chamber Business Awards 2017

5

14/09/2018 11:53


Com

ete 2018 ShorTlist pl

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

CSR COMMUNICATION • Aldi Aldi Foróige Partnership • Carbery Food Ingredients Carbery Connect • Diageo Ireland St. James’s Gate Quarter – Conversations at the Gate • Lidl Ireland A Better Tomorrow

• Diageo Ireland Diageo and LVA ALONE Partnership • Earth’s Edge KPAP Equipment Lending Programme • William Fry Partnership with Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – MNC**

• The Taxback Group GroupLife • Tesco Ireland Tesco’s ‘No Time for Waste Community Chill’ Campaign • William Fry William Fry Making a Difference

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – LIC* • Applegreen plc The Applegreen Charitable Fund – Innovating for the Future • Bank of Ireland Group plc Up the Hill for Jack & Jill • Bord Gáis Energy Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy CR Partnership • Deloitte Deloitte Overseas Volunteer Placement with Nurture Africa

6

• Boots Ireland Partnership with the Irish Cancer Society • LinkedIn Ireland LinkedIn for Good Jobcare partnership • Mace Technology Ireland Mace and Barretstown Community Project • Microsoft Ireland Enable Ireland Retro Gaming for Eye Gaze • Transdev Dublin Light Rail FillaLuas Homeless Shoebox Appeal • Tesco Ireland Raising funds to save lives at Temple Street • Vodafone Ireland Ltd Vodafone and Childline – Working Together to Keep Children Safe by Keeping them Connected

ENVIRONMENT – LIC* • AIB AIB’s First Green Hub • Deloitte Deloitte’s Green Agenda Programme • eir Fresh eir • Gas Networks Ireland Biodiversity Programme

• Earth’s Edge Explore, Experience, Evolve • Three Q PERMS & TEMPS Putting Our Skills To Work In Our Community • William Fry Incognito with the Support of William Fry

ENVIRONMENT MNC**

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING – MNC**

• Aldi Aldi Ireland Origin Green Plan

• Abbott Abbott’s commitment to strategic volunteering

• BioMarin International Ltd. Making BioMarin site and local area more environmentally friendly

• Fujitsu Ireland Fujitsu Ireland Volunteering Programme

• HEINEKEN Ireland ‘Drop the C’ in HEINEKEN Ireland • Intel Ireland Biodiversity at Intel • Lidl Ireland A Better Tomorrow

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING – LIC* • Bank of Ireland Group plc The Great Bank of Ireland Backyard Blitz

| *Large Indigenous Company LIC | **Multinational Company MNC

006 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlist.indd 6

• Deloitte WorldClass Volunteering at Deloitte

• Microsoft Ireland Microsoft Cycling Challenge for LauraLynn • VMware International Limited VMware Cork Giving Network • Workday Workday: Giving & Doing Programme

COMMUNITY - COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – LIC* • A&L Goodbody Support of literacy in the community

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 11:55


CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

• Arthur Cox Restorative Conversations with Arthur Cox • Deloitte IMPACT Day • Energia Energia Get Ireland Growing • Gas Networks Ireland Our Universe

WORKPLACE – LIC*

• Workday Workday: Fostering a Great Place to Work

• Arthur Cox Partnership with Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities

• Fujitsu Ireland The Women’s Business Network at Fujitsu (WBN@F)

MARKETPLACE

• eir eir Wellness

• A&L Goodbody A family renuification case – Serge and Giresse Kanyamuhanga

• Vodafone Ireland Inclusive Talent Acquisition and Development to create a sustainable diverse and inclusive workplace

• Friends First Friends in the Workplace

• Law Society of Ireland Diploma Centre Public Legal Education Programme

• SL Controls Ltd Live Well at SL / Think Well at SL

• Abbott Nutrition Abbott Management & Leadership Programme for Directors of Nursing

• Little Island Industries Development Company Little Island Industries Development Company

• William Fry William Fry Making a Difference in the Workplace

• Bank of Ireland Group plc Bank of Ireland Workbench

COMMUNITY - COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – MNC**

WORKPLACE – MNC**

• Canada Life Reinsurance Cycling Without Age – Sybil Hill Nursing Home • Coca-Cola Ireland Coca-Cola Thank You Fund • Lidl Ireland Lidl Community Works • Microsoft Ireland Special Olympics National Games • PayPal Opportunity Hack • Tesco Ireland Tesco Community Fund

• Abbott Abbott: Inspiring our people to LiveLifeWell • Boots Ireland Boots & See Change: De-stigmatising Mental Health • HEINEKEN Ireland Growing with our Communities – partnership with GIY • IBM I Like it Here! • Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland Work Safe. Live Well. • Veolia Ireland Veolia’s well-being evolution

| CSR AWARDS 2018

006 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlist.indd 7

• EirGrid EirGrid’s Six-Step Approach for Public Participation in Grid Development

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

CSR BY AN SME • Connector Drivers of Change • Earth’s Edge Guide Exchange Programme • Fitness Freak Free Fruit For All in South Tipperary General Hospital • Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre Cork Yoga in the Park Cork • OpenApp Rare100

• AIB Group iMatter • Diageo Ireland Learning for Life Refugee & Asylum Seeker Training

• Recycle IT Residents Electrical Recycling Initiative • Republic of Work Birthday Week in Aid of Pieta House

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Diversity, Career and Family Focus Programme

• Technically Write IT Charity and Community Involvement Committee

• ESB Managing Successful Parenting Transitions Programme

• Tico Mail Works Tico Mail Works Renewable Energy Electric Car To Work Scheme

MNC **Multinational Company | LIC *Large Indigenous Company |

7

14/09/2018 11:55


Jud g

CSR ing

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

This year’s judges share their views on the merits of practising CSR in business.

Nina Arwitz, CEO, Volunteer Ireland

John Cunningham, Director, CheckRisk and Director, Immigrant Council of Ireland

Karina Howley, Head of Corporate Citizenship & Diversity, KPMG Ireland

“Judging these awards was very difficult as there were so many brilliant entries. I was inspired and humbled by the fantastic work detailed, and also found myself feeling slightly inadequate in comparison to the individuals doing so much on the ground as volunteers to make Ireland a better society.”

“Every year I say it, but this year again demonstrated that Ireland can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world in the delivery of world-class CSR. Both international, domestic, large businesses and small have demonstrated that every business can have a CSR strategy and make a difference.”

“As last year’s Overall Winner, I was delighted on behalf of KPMG to be involved in the judging this year. As a CSR practitioner, I am acutely aware of the work that goes in to all the projects that have a meaningful impact. It was inspirational to see the very high quality of entries.”

Ellen Gunning, Director, Irish Academy of Public Relations

Roger Warnock, Director, Social Nybble Labs

“I carefully studied both the written and physical presentations that I was presented with. The written submissions were thorough, insightful and focused – KPIs were abundant! Sincerity shone through. Businesses genuinely want to engage and make an impact. Physical presentations were passionate, enlightening, insightful and well-prepared.”

“As a judge for the second year, I am even more impressed by how Irish businesses get behind this competition. CSR is vital if we are to solve social issues here in Ireland and going forward we need to value these businesses for the great work that they do.”

Seònaid Ó Murchadha, HR & Disability Project Manager, Employer Disability Information

Sheila Killian, Assistant Dean, Research at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick

“As a judge, I am greatly impressed by the fantastic initiatives happening around Ireland in companies of all sizes and sectors. Businesses are really recognising the benefit and impact of CSR, in particular in the diversity area – they’re seeing the competitive advantage, not just in their own workplaces but on their bottom line too.”

“The standard and creativity of the entries continues to rise year-on-year. This awards programme is clearly effective in motivating good CSR practice in a wide range of sectors.”

8

008 InBusiness CSR 2018_Judges_V2.indd 8

Dr Shane Colgan, Manager, Resource Efficiency Unit, Environmental Protection Agency

“These awards shine a light on companies working with others to make improvements to their local environment. CSR offers a true win-win scenario where the environmental projects benefit from new skills and resources; while the company and each staff member gains from the experience of working on these novel, exciting projects.”

Moira Grassik, Associate Director, Graphite HRM Ltd

“Social sustainability and ethical behaviour have become a major part of a business’s agenda. This year’s CSR applicants were of an extremely high standard and it shows the importance and benefits of organisations supporting the wider economic and social community.”

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 11:56


CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

Patrick Sweeney, Development Manager, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland

Rosa Chun, Chair in Global Leadership, Reputation and Responsibility, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School

Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Social Innovation Fund Ireland

“It’s fantastic to see Irish companies, both large and small, taking a considered approach to CSR. By organisations developing innovative programmes supporting asylum seekers, minority groups or a more sustainable environment we can see the true potential and impact of CSR in helping tackle Ireland’s social problems.”

“It is an absolute pleasure to see that every year there is an increasing level of innovative projects and a commitment from employers, leading to a high level of competition. The companies should not be shy in speaking about their impact, either business or social impact, either short-term or long-term. Ultimately, can CSR lead to happiness? Yes!”

“Corporate social responsibility is now an integral part of today’s business practice, and today’s finalists have showcased the value and importance of CSR. Embedding CSR in strategy and supply chain, as well as marketing and people, will not only make an impact on community projects but also be good for business in the short, medium and long-term.”

Cathal Divilly, Partner, Great Place to Work

Martin Tobin, CEO, European Recycling Platform Ireland

Jim Gannon, CEO, Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland

“The quality and standard of this year’s CSR awards were at a very high level. Many companies in the area of workplace seem to be placing a particular focus on creating healthy cultures for their employees. This focus on health will surely support organisations in their pursuit to build high performing workplaces.”

“By taking a strategic approach to CSR and addressing their social responsibility, companies can build long-term employee, consumer and citizen trust leading to sustainable growth, responsible business behaviour and lasting job creation. I would like to wish all entrants the best of luck.”

“Year on year, it is becoming clearer that CSR and more sustainable business practices are no longer just a progressive fad, they are defining business practices that generate clear and enduring competitive advantage. The entrants to the 2018 CSR Awards are true leaders in their respective industries.”

Éilis Murray, CEO, Philanthropy Ireland

Carmel McQuaid, Head of Sustainable Business, Marks and Spencer

“Business has a real role to play in giving back to society, achieving real impact and value through strategic giving. There are great examples here of how this can be achieved, providing great platforms for further development of corporate giving.”

| CSR AWARDS 2018

008 InBusiness CSR 2018_Judges_V2.indd 9

“It was so inspiring to read the entries for these awards which demonstrate business at its very best – challenging the status quo, engaging colleagues, connecting with communities and in turn becoming a better, stronger business ready for the future and anticipating customer needs. Congratulations to the shortlisted projects!”

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CSR Each year, one company wins this award for overall excellence in CSR. The companies shortlisted for the overall award are invited to make a presentation on their company’s CSR strategy to a panel of selected judges.

9

14/09/2018 11:56


CSR PROFILE BANK OF IRELAND

Enabling Communities

to Thrive

Bank of Ireland is committed to adding value to its community – not just for its customers and colleagues, but for businesses, charities and the wider environment.

A

s the bank with the largest branch network in Ireland, Bank of Ireland is conscious of its need to evolve, but also to remain rooted within the communities in which it operates. Through its community initiatives and charity partnerships, Bank of Ireland aims to fulfill its purpose to enable customers, colleagues and communities to thrive. It is no wonder, therefore, that Bank of Ireland has been shortlisted for three awards at this year’s CSR Awards – Excellence in Volunteering for the Great Bank of Ireland Backyard Blitz, Excellence in Partnership with a Charity for its support of Up the Hill for Jack & Jill, and Excellence in Marketplace for the Bank of Ireland Workbench initiative.

WORKBENCH Workbench is a clear example of Bank of Ireland’s commitment to helping the wider community. The initiative connects entrepreneurs, Bank of Ireland staff and the local community by offering a free dedicated

10

Bank Of Ireland_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V5.indd 10

space for co-working, product launches, and events. Anyone can utilise Workbench, regardless of whether you are a Bank of Ireland customer. The first workbench opened in January 2015 to support Irish startups to scale and succeed. “We sought to build a programme that would address some of the barriers that start-ups face on an ongoing basis, thereby allowing them to flourish,” explains Audrey Nolan, Head of CSR. Workbench offers professional facilities for meetings, events and presentations as well as hot desks, WiFi, interactive screens, and unlimited access to start-ups looking to develop their businesses – all free of charge. Workbench hosts business and community events, where start-ups, charities and individuals can learn from experts and network with other businesses. Bank of Ireland staff act as mentors and advisors and help with the organisation and delivery of events. Workbench, branches of which are now located in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork, has welcomed more than 29,000

attendees to its events and hosted more than 1,300 attendees. It has been the starting point for many successful new businesses which have gone on to win investment to develop their ideas further. According to Nolan, the initiative “has reinvented what people expect from a local bank branch”. She says: “It cements our presence in the community, it drives innovation and partnerships, provides tangible supports and links and connects the community in its broadest sense.”

THE BACKYARD BLITZ The Great Bank of Ireland Backyard Blitz was the largest ever Bank of Ireland volunteering project to date, which saw hundreds of volunteers give up their time to help their older neighbours in the garden. Over 300 volunteers mobilised in Dublin, Cork and Galway to mow the lawns, trim the hedges and brighten up the gardens, and the lives, of hundreds of elderly people in their local areas. Age Action is one of Bank of Ireland’s three flagship charity partners in Ireland. The partnership aims to support older people to remain active in their communities and to stay connected. Bank of Ireland staff are allocated

one volunteering day a year. After discussing the potential for Bank of Ireland colleagues to use this day to create a positive impact for Age Action and its beneficiaries, it was decided that most impact could be achieved through a gardening initiative. Bank of Ireland worked hand-in-hand with Age Action to plan the event, recruit clients and volunteers and deliver on the day. Volunteers interacted with older people in the community throughout the twoday event in July 2017, providing invaluable help while building a deeper understanding of the challenges that older people face. “This greater awareness in turns helps to inform our older and vulnerable customer strategy,” says Nolan. The planning and delivery of the initiative also allowed colleagues to explore new skills, take on leadership tasks and build relationships across the company. The Backyard Blitz received positive feedback from both the elderly people who received help with their gardens and the volunteers who delivered the project. Nolan said the team learned a lot from the event and this information was used to help shape the 2018 Backyard Blitz. | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 11:56


CSR PROFILE BANK OF IRELAND

Bank of Ireland colleagues get ready for the Backyard Blitz Customers, colleagues and communities taking part in Up the Hill for Jack and Jill on 7th October 2017

Bernie McHale and Miriam Byrne from Bank of Ireland and expert gardener, Tom Fitzgerald help out during the Backyard Blitz

UP THE HILL FOR JACK & JILL Up the Hill for Jack & Jill is the annual flagship fundraiser for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. It encourages people to climb a hill to raise much needed funds for the charity, however, the amounts raised had fallen considerably in recent years. Bank of Ireland came on board in 2017 to help the charity to reshape the campaign and ensure its sustainability for years to come. In the four-month runup to the campaign, Bank

of Ireland’s marketing team provided their expertise and guidance, including creative design and a bespoke online registration process. The microsite they helped build for the campaign contains the most upto-date data analytics software allowing the charity to analyse the information gathered from registrants, enabling them to identify people that will support them in organising the events in the years to come. To encourage participation, every e16

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Bank Of Ireland_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V5.indd 11

Tracy Keogh, Community Manager Galway, helps a customer in Bank of Ireland’s Workbench on Mainguard Street

registration was topped up by e4 by Bank of Ireland and staff registration was matched in full. Bank of Ireland also worked with its suppliers to obtain over €100,000 worth of media coverage in national, regional and local media. Bank of Ireland successfully helped the charity build a more sustainable model for the fundraiser which will continue to grow year-on-

year. The bank also helped build brand awareness for the charity, which will undoubtedly help with their sustainability goals. The numbers that took part doubled in 2017 and the campaign raised over €80,000, which helps fund over 5,000 nursing hours for families throughout Ireland. This amounted to an increase of 37 per cent on the previous year.

11

14/09/2018 11:57


CSR PROFILE DELOITTE

CSR With

Impact Deloitte believes that having a clearly defined approach to tackling issues such as climate change or inspiring community involvement should be a core value of any enlightened business.

N

ot many companies manage to be nominated in four separate categories in the CSR Awards, but given how serious Deloitte takes its approach to corporate social responsibility, the professional services firm has done just that. Harnessing a deep committment to giving something back to society, Deloitte believes that having a clearly defined approach to tackling issues such as climate change or inspiring community involvement should be a core value of any enlightened business. “This purpose gives us our reasons to exist as an organisation: serving our clients, inspiring our people and contributing to society,” says CEO Brendan Jennings. “It is only by all of us behaving responsibly in everything we do that we will earn and retain the respect of the business and the wider community.” That respect has manifested itself in the form of nominations in

12

Deloitte_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V3.indd 12

four separate categories this year – Excellence in Community – Partnership with Charity (LIC); Excellence in Community – Community Programme (LIC); Excellence in Community – Volunteering (LIC) and Excellence in Environment. The partnership with charity nomination came about as a result of Deloitte’s work with Nurture Africa (NA), an Irish founded organisation based in Uganda that works with children and families affected by HIV/ AIDS. The company has been partnered with NA since 2013, and in that time 85 Deloitte volunteers have offered their expertise in assisting the charity and its partners in empowering local community groups and enterprises in Uganda to be self-sufficient.

The collective goal is to help manage the harmful legacy of HIV and enable economic opportunity going forward. Deloitte took on the project because it wanted to commit to something that was not only longterm but sustainable too. Although the company had raised over €150,000 for the charity, it was not content with simply throwing money at the problem. Volunteers offer a range of supports and teach a number of skills – such as bookkeeping, fee scheduling and new standard operating procedures – to local partner organisations so that they can one day be self-reliant. “From helping my local partner organisations with financial reports to simply putting a smile on people’s

faces, I can easily say this is my most eye-opening experience to date,” says Deloitte volunteer Colm. “Nurture Africa is able to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around Uganda as well as my own.”

A DAY WITH IMPACT Deloitte’s flagship CSR nominated volunteer programme, IMPACT Day, is a key aspect of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. On the day, Deloitte’s professionals spend the time volunteering and, while it may just be one day, IMPACT Day sets out to ensure it will leave a lasting impression with the communities it serves and with volunteering staff. The initiative began ten years ago in Ireland | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 11:59


CSR PROFILE DELOITTE Since 2008, 180 projects have been run by Deloitte, with almost 5,000 staff volunteers involved

and the number of those volunteering has risen significantly, from 444 in 2013 to 800 in 2017. Deloitte sources IMPACT Day projects for its participants through Business in Community Ireland (BICTI), staff suggestions and ongoing partnerships. By passing on practical advice and professional know-how, the firm provides assistance to charities, helping those organisations as they help those in need. Since 2008, 180 projects have been run by Deloitte, with almost 5,000 staff volunteers and a host of returning partnerships involved. Charities like Enable Ireland, the National Council for the Blind and U-Casadh have been involved in and benefit from IMPACT Day, with each of the organisations responding with positive feedback. It’s not surprising then, that Deloitte’s volunteering programme

was nominated separately in the Excellence in Community – Volunteering category for large corporations. The programme is an integral part of the firm’s ambitious WorldClass initiative, which is Deloitte’s commitment to prepare 50 million futures for a world of opportunity in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals. Its voluntary programme works in partnership with five different, educationfocused charities: Age Action, Early Learning Initiative (ELI), Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), Solas Project and Suas. Deloitte prides itself as a company that’s always learning and, as Claire Bergin, Corporate Responsibility Manager for the company, points out, that’s a trait it sees in people too. “We recognise that learning and education is not limited to younger generations,” she says. “Which is why we have chosen to partner

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Deloitte_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V3.indd 13

with these organisations to make an impact in education and skills development across the life cycles, for all age groups.” Participants support various communities by leading computer literacy and coding classes for older generations, or carrying mock interviews and CV support for JAI. This is to name a just a few of the projects that volunteers are involved in based on their relevant skills. Deloitte’s final nomination, which is in the environmental category, is for The Green Agenda, the firm’s programme that sets out to make a positive impact on the environment. The agenda addresses several issues affecting our planet including climate change, air pollution, water consumption, biodiversity and resource consumption. Deloitte also ensures its own influence widens by engaging with suppliers

to embed sustainability into their supply chain and providing their employees with information on what are the best, eco-friendly practices. When it comes to reducing emissions associated with waste production, energy and paper usage, Deloitte has far exceeded many of the targets it set for itself. In the year ending 2017, the company achieved a five per cent reduction in overall emissions compared to the year previous. “Today the implications of climate change and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly evident at a global and local level,” says Eimear Dempsey, Environmental, Health & Safety Executive. “Our Green agenda programme was designed to address a wide range of environmental concerns that are affected by our operations.”

13

14/09/2018 11:59


CSR PROFILE ABBOTT IRELAND

Life.

To the Fullest Abbott Ireland is helping people to live fuller lives through the power of health, writes Sinéad Hickey, Sustainability Manager, Abbott.

A

t Abbott, we’re proud of our long history in Ireland, and the way that we have grown our operations over recent years to become one of the country’s largest healthcare companies. Ireland plays an important role in Abbott’s mission to help more people live fuller lives through the power of health. The innovations that we develop and manufacture here change lives for the better across the world, and our employees in Ireland are committed to enabling fuller lives closer to home as well. Across all four of Ireland’s provinces, we are working to build a sustainable and inclusive business that strengthens local communities, preserves healthy living environments, and inspires all people to fulfil their potential.

WORKPLACE Abbott’s mission is to help people fulfil their potential through good health, and that starts with employees. The key to Abbott’s success is our

14

Abbott_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V4.indd 14

Through its CSR activity, Abbott Ireland is working to build a sustainable and inclusive business that strengthens local communities and inspires people to fulfil their potential

people. We support a range of initiatives including LiveLifeWell, our integrated wellness programme for all Abbott employees. The LiveLifeWell programme aims to inspire, engage and empower employees to embrace a holistic approach to their physical and mental wellbeing. By taking a proactive and progressive approach to employee wellness, it is aimed that employees will be able to maximise their potential in the workplace.

MARKETPLACE The Abbott Management and Leadership

Programme for Directors of Nursing, endorsed by the Irish Institute of Training and Development, aims to improve the standard of care delivered to nursing home residents, through the development of professional management practices and leadership behaviours. This bespoke programme has been designed for nursing homes by Abbott, with the needs, requirements and the health of nursing home residents at the forefront. Education, knowledge and empowerment are vital enablers of better health and fuller lives and Abbott

is committed to sharing innovations and ideas that can make a difference.

VOLUNTEERING In 2017, Abbott’s Croí an Óir (our national volunteer programme) teams helped to contribute over 6,500 volunteering hours, fundraised over €36,000 and made 54 unique community connections. Over the past ten years, Abbott has engaged with more than 10,000 students, teachers and families through science and engineering education outreach because we know STEM will play an | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:01


CSR PROFILE ABBOTT IRELAND

increasingly important role in the future of our planet, particularly in developing the healthcare solutions we need. Our employees’ passion for STEM education is evident through our delivery of the Abbott Fund Family Science and Operation Discovery programmes. These programmes consistently have a positive impact on all participants. This year, Abbott marked the tenth year of supporting SciFest. In addition to this, Abbott and SciFest deepened their relationship by partnering with the Trinity Centre for

People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) to develop a SciFest@TCPID programme. In 2017 and 2018, Abbott mentors worked with students from TCPID to develop their own individual science projects. This programme included idea generation, assisting in background research and conducting experiments with the students. Abbott mentors gained valuable and meaningful volunteering experience and the students developed a new range of skills, gained confidence and built a network of contacts.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Abbott_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V4.indd 15

The feedback from students, mentors and the centre coordinators has been fantastic. Our employees in Ireland have shown their passion for STEM education by developing their own bespoke volunteering programmes. Employees at Abbott’s diagnostics facility in Sligo developed a bespoke engineering outreach programme called Ignition. This six-week programme is aimed at primary school students, to encourage them to gain an interest in the world of engineering. This programme features school visits from Abbott volunteers. Growing Healthy People is a homegrown programme, delivered by

the Croí an Óir team at Abbott’s Diabetes Care facility in Donegal. The programme was led by employees who have a passion for STEM, the environment and their local communities. The team donated a greenhouse to a local school as well as delivered modules that support the primary school science curriculum. Topics include biodiversity, the environment, energy, a nd good nutrition – and this provides both positive social and environment impacts. Abbott in Ireland is focused on ensuring that its neighbours and employees can work together to build stronger communities that help people live their best lives.

15

14/09/2018 12:01


CSR PROFILE KPMG

Learning From

The Experts We speak to Karina Howley, Head of Corporate Citizenship & Diversity at KPMG, winner of last year’s Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility Award, about CSR activity with impact.

G

iven the highly successful year that KPMG had in 2017 when it came to corporate social responsibility, the company has found itself sitting out this year’s CSR Awards. It’s certainly not for a lack of effort in the CSR stakes however, with competition rules stipulating that the firm that picks up the overall award cannot participate the following year, instead taking part in the judging process. “It certainly was humbling to see all these great projects that are out there,” says KPMG’s Karina Howley, who sat on the panel in the first round of judging. “Having won two category awards last year as well as the overall award, I know how hard it is for judges to make those sorts of calls. It gave me a new perspective, insight and appreciation of how difficult it is to differentiate between all the great companies doing amazing things.”

16

KPMG_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V6.indd 16

Howley is as well placed as any to make those tough calls. She has been in her role as head of Corporate Citizenship & Diversity at KPMG for the past 11 years, and before that was on the global CSR team at Intel. “CSR was a relatively new concept back then,” she says of joining KPMG. “They saw my skillset and the firm felt that this was an area they could see themselves excelling in, and they really wanted someone with that level of expertise. So for the last 11 years we’ve been very much focused on a range of things, looking at skills-based volunteering. We became the first professional services in Ireland to go carbon neutral in 2007. We have also put a big focus on employability, skills and entrepreneurship so we support organisations like Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.” KPMG has also played a pivotal role in empowering third-level students to make a positive difference in their communities through the Enactus programme. Enactus Ireland is an international non-profit organisation that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilise university students to make an impact in their communities while helping develop the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. With active programmes on

KPMG Supports Pride Week

more than 1,600 campuses in 36 countries and the support of hundreds of corporations, Enactus represents an excellent network between business and higher education. Mentored by faculty advisers and local business advisory boards, Enactus teams spend the academic year conducting educational outreach projects that make a lasting difference in their communities. Enactus team projects are working laboratories through which the students develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, realworld, problem-solving, communication, and business skills. KPMG’s work throughout the years with programmes like Enactus and in developing its CSR strategy culminated in the company taking home the Outstanding Achievement

in Corporate Social Responsibility Award at last year’s Chambers Ireland CSR Awards. In addition, KPMG secured category wins in Excellence in Workplace (Large Indigenous Companies) for the KPMG Inclusion and Diversity Programme and Excellence in Community Volunteering (Large Indigenous Companies) for the Family for Literacy programme. The company was also shortlisted for the Excellence in Marketplace CSR category for the KPMG Going for Growth programme. Given the company’s successes, what key advice does Howley have for companies beginning their own CSR journey? “I think it’s really important for an organisation to look at its strengths and what its core skills are,” she says. “In KPMG we are all about | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:03


CSR PROFILE KPMG

KPMG numbers in the BITCI Business Impact Map

Skills-based volunteering in KPMG on environment and literacy projects

skills-based volunteering and that’s really the cornerstone of our CSR programme, which we call ‘corporate citizenship’ in KPMG.” Naturally though, not all businesses have the resources that KPMG has, something recognised by Howley. “So I would say, a big thing for an organisation is to look at what they can bring to the table,” she says. “What are the skills they can bring and how can they do it to make a real positive difference? An SME can focus on a niche area, the important factor is how you put your own personalised approach on something.”

Howley also points to a guidance service provided by the Chambers Ireland CSR Policy Council, which explores how best to leverage CSR among chambers around the country with a specific focus on offering advice to SMEs. Howley, who is chair of the council, says: “Say an SME in Cork for example is looking to set up a CSR programme, they can contact myself or anyone else on the council and we’ll sit down with them for a couple of hours and give them one-on-one advice. It’s a great service to have.” In the coming months, KPMG will continue to build on its impressive

| CSR AWARDS 2018

KPMG_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V6.indd 17

portfolio of CSR work, which includes the reintroduction of its Get Cents and Doodle Den initiatives to coincide with the new school term. Ranked third out of 57 companies in the 2017 BITCI Business Impact Map for the number of volunteering hours dedicated to CSR activity, the firm has substantial successes to build on. Howley is committed to making sure this work continues to have an impact. “We put our focus on our people actually giving their skills within working hours versus shaking a bucket or just fundraising,” she concludes.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS KPMG led the charge in getting Enactus established and registered as a legal entity with charitable status in Ireland. The programme couldn’t have been rolled out on the scale that it has if it wasn’t for its participants and sponsors. Ten third-level institutes have come on board: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Dublin, NUI Galway, University College Cork, University of Limerick, NUI Maynooth, Dublin IT, IADT Dún Laoghaire and Cork IT. The organisations sponsoring Enactus Ireland are: KPMG, Bank of Ireland, Aer Lingus, Abbott, AIG, CarTrawler, Citi, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, KBC Bank, MERC Partners, Microsoft, Musgrave Group, New Ireland Assurance, the Ireland Funds, Unilever, and HSBC. The Irish Times is the Enactus media partner.

17

14/09/2018 12:03


CSR PROFILE TESCO IRELAND

Supporting

Local Communities Making a positive contribution to local communities and being a good neighbour is important to Tesco Ireland, writes Christine Heffernan, Corporate Affairs Director.

A

t Tesco Ireland we are proud of the role we play in supporting our local communities. With 151 stores we are one of Ireland’s largest private employers. Our core purpose is to serve Ireland’s shoppers a little better every day. Ensuring that we make a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate and being a good neighbour is important to us.

NO TIME FOR WASTE We believe it’s simply not right that good food goes to waste in our business when it could have been donated to those in need. That’s why we’ve committed to ensuring that no food which is suitable for human consumption will go to waste in our stores in Ireland by 2020. It’s an ambitious target, but one we are committed to achieving. To get there we have a dual focus – minimising food surplus in our business and maximising the donation of any surplus food when we have it to give. Since 2013 we have been on a journey to maximise

18

Tesco_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V3.indd 18

donations of surplus food from our stores and distribution centres through our partnership with FoodCloud and are currently working with over 300 good causes nationwide. To date we have donated over six million meals and we’re not done yet. In September 2017, we launched the Community Chill, which aims to overcome one of the obstacles to local good causes taking more surplus food – a lack of storage facilities. The Community Chill provides food-related good causes with new fridges and freezers so they can receive more surplus food donations to help people in need. A wide variety of causes are benefiting from the service, ranging from youth services, homeless organisations, colleges, schools, the elderly and many more. With the help of our surplus food donations programme, these organisations have access to good quality food including meat, fish, bread, fruit and vegetables. We have also donated 20 decommissioned grocery homes service delivery vans to causes in need of

Pictured at the launch of the Tesco’s Community Chill are TV presenter Anna Daly and Christine Heffernan, Corporate Affairs Director

transport including the Dublin Simon Community, Feed Cork, Novas Limerick and Cope Galway. We also have a shared responsibility to tackle food waste from farm to fork. Working in partnership with our producers we are helping to reduce farm waste by introducing bumper crops to stores and by selling through irregularly shaped vegetables, which would have otherwise gone to waste. In 2017 we introduced our first Perfectly Imperfect product, supporting our long-term Irish supplier Country Crest to sell through 300 tonnes of onions which were perfectly good to eat but had slightly imperfect skin due to cold weather conditions.

Transparency and measurement are essential for identifying food waste hotspots, and in tackling the causes of food waste. As the first Irish retailer to publish our food waste data, we are proud to be leading the industry in helping to stop good food from going to waste.

TESCO COMMUNITY FUND Local community groups gathered at Tesco stores nationwide recently for a Communi-Tea day to celebrate the company’s support for 11,000 community projects with €3 million in donations since 2014 through the Tesco Community Fund. Since 2014, Tesco customers have been able to support their favourite | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:04


CSR PROFILE TESCO IRELAND

Tesco colleagues Jamie Hynes, Ellen Rafter and Deirdre Keating are pictured at Temple Street alongside Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Temple Street Foundation and Christine Heffernan, Corporate Affairs Director, Tesco Ireland launching the two year extension of their charity partnership with the help of Beth Monaghan

local cause using their blue tokens, making a huge difference for those who really need it. The Communi-Tea parties were a great opportunity for all those that have benefited from the Community Fund; including schools, sports clubs, animal shelters and many more, to call into their local store and enjoy a cup of tea with friends, neighbours and Tesco colleagues. Every eight weeks, three local good causes per store are nominated by customers. Customers receive a blue token with each shop, regardless of spend, that can be used to vote for their favourite

cause. At the end of the eight weeks, the tokens are counted and the fund, up to €1,000 per store, is divided between the three good causes. We encourage anyone who knows or works with a cause that could benefit from the Tesco Community Fund to pop into their local Tesco store to nominate them to participate.

TEMPLE STREET PARTNERSHIP Earlier this year, Tesco announced a two year extension of our charity partnership with Temple Street Children’s University Hospital until the end of 2019. First launched in

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Tesco_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V3.indd 19

Pictured at Tesco Oranmore’s Communi-Tea Party are members of Clare River Harriers Juvenile A.C. Eilish McEvoy; Amanda, Kyle and Adam Fitzgerald with Tesco Community Champion Geraldine Maloney; Store Manager Catherine Swift and customer service representative Marion Burke

October 2014, the initial two-year partnership will now become a five-year partnership with an ambitious goal of raising €5m within five years for the children’s hospital. To date, with the support of our colleagues and customers, Tesco has raised over €3m to purchase vital life-saving equipment

for the hospital’s theatres, wards, laboratories and intensive care unit. The next two years of the partnership will focus on raising €2m to purchase additional lifesaving equipment through colleague-led fundraising events such as the Great Irish Bake and Trick or Treat for Temple Street.

19

14/09/2018 12:05


CSR PROFILE TRANSDEV

Going the

Extra Mile Transdev strives for sustainability and ethically minded solutions to the way it does business and connects with others.

T

ransdev is no newcomer to corporate social responsibility and has been directly engaged in its practices for a number of years now. The Luas transport operator’s CSR strategy, ‘Going the Extra Mile’, was established back in 2014 with the aim of formalising its approach to CSR and evaluating the company’s actions in relation to it. Since Going the Extra Mile launched, CSR has permeated every aspect of the company with the ultimate goal of ensuring that good business practice is operated across the board. Included in the management system are objectives, indicators and initiatives in four key areas: marketplace, workplace, environment and community. “For Transdev, practicing CSR makes us more resilient as a company and ensures we are pro-actively engaging with our stakeholders in Dublin to create sustainable communities and a sustainable city,” says Environment and Sustainability Manager Neil Menzies. In the second half of 2018, Transdev will continue to expand its

20

Transdev_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V2.indd 20

CSR portfolio, launching a new community ambassador programme. These community ambassadors will provide a mechanism for engaging with local communities in which the LUAS operates. This will seek to increase stakeholder engagement for the mutual benefit of the community and Transdev, as well as highlight the community projects that the company can partner with and support. The company also plans to develop awareness programmes and campaigns internally and externally around disabilities that are not easy to identify, such as autism. This will involve campaigns on the LUAS system with customers as well as awareness initiatives and training with staff to ensure they know what to look out for and how to accommodate persons with these disabilities. Transdev strives for sustainability and ethically minded solutions to the way it does business and connects with others. Its nomination at this year’s CSR Awards in the ‘Excellence in Community – Partnership with Charity’ category is

proof of a longstanding commitment to good business practice and to the great work it is carrying out to tackle homelessness. Since 2012, Transdev has held the ‘Business Working Responsibly’ mark that’s awarded by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and is the country’s only certification for responsible and sustainable business practices. Additionally, earlier this year, Transdev was awarded the Green Transport Award at The Green Awards 2018.

SUBURBAN CHALLENGES With its tram stops operating within Dublin city centre and its outskirts, Transdev is distinctly aware of the harsh realities and difficult circumstances that can come with urban life. For employees operating or working on the LUAS system, homelessness is something they witness on a daily basis. Menzies has heard firsthand the experiences of colleagues working on the LUAS. “Drivers, inspectors and maintenance staff interact face-to-face with homeless people in and around the LUAS system and over the years have built up relationships with many, making them genuinely concerned

for their health and wellbeing,” he says. Since 2014, Transdev has been working with Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH) in Dublin city centre to support in any way it can. Initially the project involved assisting the ICHH with fundraising events, however its role has evolved significantly in recent years to something decidedly more hands-on and proactive. In 2015, Transdev worked with the ICHH to develop its own unique charity event entitled the Fillaluas Shoebox Appeal. The annual event, which has already run three times, sees donors offer up a shoebox of goods and items that might be useful or bring some comfort to those struggling on the streets. The appeal takes place during the Christmas period each year when Transdev supplies a tram at the Connolly Luas platform for a day. The tram, decorated in seasonal staples, acts as the focal point for the big drive. Staff volunteer and man the tram, offering up their time as they collect gifts offered up by the public. ICHH volunteers are also present to provide assistance, food, hot drinks and haircuts for those in need. | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:12


CSR PROFILE TRANSDEV Transdev providing a tram for young persons attending the Dublin Pride Parade 2018

Wildflowers at the pollinator friendly Kilmacud Stop on the Luas Green Line

Transdev member of staff receiving a cheque for their nominated charity as part of the company's donation programme called The Link

Transdev staff volunteering at the 2017 shoebox appeal

The event has a whole host of benefits for the local community and for the ICHH. The central location of the shoebox appeal, which takes places in the heart of the city centre during the busiest period of the year for shoppers, means that it garners much needed attention. For the ICHH, it’s an event that not only allows it to collect funds to sustain its services, but also one that affords it the chance to engage with the media.

The project which started out as a potential one-off is now an exemplar of CSR in action. The success it achived in its first year meant that it was repeated again in 2016 and 2017. Brian McLoughlin, Head of Communications for the IHCC, sums up the impact of the project: “As homelessness is at national emergency levels, with 10,000 homeless including 4,000 children, this event is a day that

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Transdev_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V2.indd 21

Students from St Aidans secondary school in Tallaght attending a workshop in Transdev's offices as part of the Skills @ Work programme

everyone comes together to give homeless people a special day to remember.” Given the four years of success his company has had in CSR, Menzies offers some advice for other companies starting out on their own CSR journey. “Start off small,” he says. “Do some research, talk to other companies, your staff and your clients

and learn where you can make the most difference. This may be with a local football team or charity where some of your staff volunteer their time or it may be a school close by that you can partner with. Then look at your core business and the staff that you have to understand how you can bring everyone along for the journey.”

21

14/09/2018 12:12


CSR PROFILE ESB

Shining a Light on

Gender Diversity ESB’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace is helping the company to drive innovation and push the boundaries of energy technology to address today’s energy challenges.

B

ack in 2016, ESB won the overall award for outstanding achievement in corporate social responsibility at the CSR Awards. It served as recognition of the socially conscious ethos that was deeply embedded within the company then and, based on ESB’s nomination this year, which remains there today. While the 2016 victory was a nice affirmation that ESB’s efforts were making an impact, the company remains determined that its top honours success will leave an enduring legacy. As Ireland’s foremost energy provider, ESB sees itself as a vital part of building a brighter and more sustainable future for its people and customers. Its corporate social responsibility platform is key to achieving this, with the company being deeply committed to investing in individuals and communities right across the country. Whether its by supporting young, budding scientists by getting them to engage in

22

ESB_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V3.indd 22

STEM subjects, protecting our heritage and environment for future generations to enjoy, or helping communities to advance their skills through education, ESB will continue to strive for a better world.

GENDER DIVERSITY ESB’s commitment to a more inclusive workplace is also an integral aspect of ESB’s CSR agenda. Achieving a more gender balanced workforce is something ESB knows that it, and all companies, could do better on. Irish girls outperform their male counterparts at the Leaving Certificate exams. When it comes to workplace representation, gender balance is on a par for males and females up to the age of 30. After that, however, a significant gap emerges: 64 per cent of Irish women over 30 are currently working compared with 70 per cent of men in the same age bracket. According to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Ireland ranks top of the leaderboard for educational attainment

for both men and women. Yet, in the same report we place 49th for women’s economic participation and for providing them with opportunity. Compared to other western nations, the statistics that Ireland lags behind: Three in five Irish women work compared with nine in ten women in Iceland. This is an issue that ESB has recognised and been making concerted efforts to rectify. It’s those efforts that have led to the company being nominated in the Diversity and Inclusion category. ESB is aware that responsibilities around child rearing is a key, contributing factor to the gender disparity that we see today. The transition to parenthood can represent real barriers for women trying to advance in their profession, and absences associated with maternity leave can lead to career stalling or derailment, unconscious bias amongst colleagues and a deterioration of professional relationships. This is something recognised by Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director, Enterprise Services and Executive Sponsor of the programme. “At ESB, we understand the challenges and experiences of employees

at parenting transition stage,” she says. “We recognise the need to support employees, line managers and HR business partners to successfully manage this critical transition.” One of ESB’s initiatives to address challenges is the ‘Managing Successful Parenting Programme’. This programme enables individuals to remain connected to the company while on leave. Initially, females going on and returning from maternity leave were supported by the initiative but it has since been extended to include modules for line managers, HR managers, new fathers and partners and parents of children of one to five years. Each of these modules consists of a two-and-a-half hour coaching-based workshop. The initiative is open to all levels and business units and is based on insights into experiences of females pre- and postmaternity leave. These insights came as a result of pilot workshops held in 2014 as well as global research conducted by Talking Talent Ltd. ESB sought to better adopt the best practice recommendations from this research, which included taking a longer term view of maternity leave, training for line and HR managers, business | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:14


CSR PROFILE ESB

training and phased returns to work. In order to facilitate every employee who wishes to participate in the programme, a number of online seminars will be piloted via Skype later this year, to accommodate employees in some of our outlying areas. All participants will have 24/7

access to an interactive online portal with supporting reference material. During the process, ESB found that the ideal structure for the programme was to have it tailored for specific groups in order to offer a more targeted approach for what is a complex issue.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

ESB_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V3.indd 23

As Bernie O’Connor, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist at ESB, points out, it is programmes like these that are key to attracting, retaining and progressing female talent. “Working towards a more gender balanced leadership is a key priority for ESB and the Managing Successful

Parenting Transitions Programme supports this aim,” she says. “ESB recognises that organisations are at risk of losing talent if parenting transitions are not managed effectively and there can be challenges for individuals going back into the workforce after a maternity leave absence.”

23

14/09/2018 12:14


CSR PROFILE ARTHUR COX

Breaking

Barriers Arthur Cox is committed to breaking down barriers and expanding the horizons of students and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

I

rish law firm Arthur Cox has a long history of charitable activity, and that’s no surprise given that its founder, Arthur Cox himself, was a great philanthropist. Doing business responsibly and giving back to the community has always been part of the ethos of the firm, however, Arthur Cox has become much more organised in the last ten years having introduced a CSR advisory board, made up of five senior partners, as well as a CSR committee. “We aim to include as many people in the firm as possible,” says Rachel Hussey, Partner and Chair of the CSR Advisory Board. Arthur Cox’s CSR activities can be broken down into four main pillars; volunteering, charitable activities, pro bono and the environment. Managing Partner Brian O’Gorman says the theme of education runs through most of the firm’s CSR work, particularly

24

Arthur Cox_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V4.indd 24

Restorative Conversations at Arthur Cox with young people from Belvedere Youth Club

through its work experience scheme, Prime, aimed at Transition Year and fifth year students from schools in disadvantaged communities. “Prime is all about convincing people who perhaps otherwise wouldn’t have third-level education on their radar that it should be on their radar,” he explains. “The whole idea is to inspire them to stay in school, keep their heads down and keep working as hard as they can,” adds Jean Maxwell, CSR Executive. Arthur Cox also supports the access programmes in a number of universities and the firm’s trainees travel

to Zambia each year, building schools and providing invaluable resources to rural communities. The theme of education is also evident in the Restorative Conversations Programme and the firm’s partnership with Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities; the two projects that have earned Arthur Cox nominations in this year’s CSR Awards.

CONVERSATIONS ON CONFLICT Arthur Cox has been working with the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) at the National College of Ireland for a number of years. In 2017, the ELI approached the firm

regarding research around the concept of restorative practice. This involves exploring how local communities can develop by avoiding conflict and looking at more creative and peaceful ways of resolving conflict. “The missing piece that they were looking for us to fill was how communities interact with corporates,” says Maxwell. It led to Arthur Cox setting up a pilot programme that involved young people from the Belvedere Youth Centre going into the firm’s offices where an ELI facilitator conducted workshops and explored various ways of dealing with conflict. | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:15


CSR PROFILE ARTHUR COX

Shane McGilton

Participants of the Early Learning Initiative Restorative Practice Programme

“Very strong relationships were formed as a result of those first four weeks,” says Maxwell. It resulted in a second phase of the pilot being launched soon afterwards. “The project demystifies what corporate life is like and breaks down the barriers between what they thought was an alien corporate world and their everyday lives,” adds Maxwell. The firm plans to expand the Restorative Conversations Programme in the future, introducing even more young people to the firm.

A STRONG PARTNERSHIP Arthur Cox’s latest work with Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities is the second

iteration of its partnership with the centre. According to O’Gorman, over the years, a number of students have been placed with the firm successfully. “I think the people who joined us for placement really enjoyed it,” he says. “They got a lot out of it and we as a firm got a lot out of it too. We were very pleased to relaunch it earlier this year.” Shane, the most recent student to join the firm under the partnership, has had his placement extended from three months to now being offered a contract for six months following his successful placement. O’Gorman explains that a lot of the themes from the Restorative Conversations Programme are also present in this

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Arthur Cox_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V4.indd 25

partnership. “It helped introduce Shane to corporate life and made him realise that actually we’re all very normal in here and that he does fit in an organisation like this. It’s a great programme and one we hope to continue.”

ALL HANDS ON DECK Staff at Arthur Cox have been eager to get involved with all aspects of the firm’s CSR activity with volunteer numbers growing every year. “We really do have a strong culture of volunteering,” says O’Gorman. “It is very embedded and widespread across the firm.” Hussey emphasises the importance of involving staff. “Every two years we do a survey of all the

people in the firm to see what charities they’d like to support,” she explains. “We pick the top three charities that people want to support and then get in a strategic partnership with them. The feedback we get is very positive from the people in the firm and it’s a good way of demonstrating to the people that we’re recruiting that we have a corporate conscience.” “This isn’t some initiative that’s dreamed up at management level,” stresses Maxwell. “It’s something that everybody feels part of and everybody feels that they own.” Hussey advises other firms starting out on their CSR journey to identify what it is they’re trying to achieve and to consult the Government’s national plan for CSR as well as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As for Arthur Cox, the firm is currently gearing up for the Special Olympics Arthur Cox Day in November, an event it has supported for many years.

25

14/09/2018 12:16


CSR PROFILE BORD GÁIS ENERGY

Rising to

Meet the Challenge Bord Gáis Energy’s CSR activity is a refreshing example of an organisation that truly lives the values it claims.

I

n October 2015, Bord Gáis Energy began a three-year partnership with Focus Ireland, an organisation committed to fighting homelessness in Ireland and preventing those at risk from ever knowing the despair of having nowhere to call home. Since that partnership began, it has directly helped to prevent 1,134 families from becoming homeless, while simultaneously offering a wide range of support systems to 4,048 families in homelessness. The support includes things as simple, yet crucial, as travel costs for Leap cards for children to get to school, to childcare for those that have no community childcare available to them. The initial partnership consisted of a financial commitment of €1.2 million. In the years since, Bord Gáis Energy and Focus Ireland have launched a number of campaigns supporting a variety of issues centred around alleviating family homelessness and through fundraising and

26

Bord Gais_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM_V3.indd 26

Bord Gáis Energy Cork to Dublin Office to Office cycle

volunteering have raised additional funds. These continued efforts by everyone at Bord Gáis Energy are a refreshing example of an organisation that truly lives the values it claims. Anyone who takes a passing glance at its efforts and practices can see instances of “care, delivery, collaboration, agility and courage”. Certainly, more than one of those values are clear to see in Bord Gáis Energy’s ongoing efforts to support Focus Ireland’s campaign against homelessness in Ireland. One of the most recent efforts to shine a light on the issue and raise funds to support even more families was the Bord Gáis Energy Cork to Dublin

Office to Office Cycle. This initiative saw 40 Bord Gáis Energy employees volunteer to cycle 285km, over three long and tiring days, raising awareness and desperately needed funds for the cause. Mark Prentice, Interim Managing Director for Bord Gáis Energy, said: “Focus Ireland provides an invaluable service in helping families, young people and children affected by homelessness. As a business, our partnership with Focus Ireland over the last three years has not only provided financial support but also practical support through staff volunteering that continues to help alleviate family homelessness.

We are incredibly proud to support such a worthy cause and it’s great to see our entire team embrace this important partnership.”

THE CRISIS WORSENS Despite these significant efforts by Bord Gáis Energy the family homelessness situation in Ireland has gotten considerably worse. The current homelessness crisis in Ireland today is the worst it has ever been in the history of the Republic. Today, there are 9,874 men, women and children homeless in Ireland. To further illustrate just how desperate the situation has become, Focus Ireland has | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:17


CSR PROFILE BORD GÁIS ENERGY

Shine A Light sleep-out

Ireland’s Great Get Together

conducted research and found that there has been a substantial increase in homelessness in the south-east, in particular. In March of last year, the area had eight families living without a home – that number has now increased to 45. Those 67 adults and 64 children in the country’s south-east represent a 462 per cent

increase in homelessness for the area.

MORE FOCUSED EFFORTS With an increased need for support, Bord Gáis Energy recently announced an extension of its partnership with Focus Ireland and will continue to work with the charity to 2021. With this support,

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Bord Gais_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM_V3.indd 27

Focus Ireland has been able to fund support workers in Kilkenny city, in an effort to directly support those in the area who are either on the brink of homelessness, or who have already found themselves in that most desperate of circumstances. Pat Denningan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: “The continued support of Bord Gáis Energy will

mean Focus Ireland can prevent more families from becoming homeless in the first place and help to ensure that others already impacted can exit homelessness. Focus Ireland – in partnership with the State - managed to help over 1,000 households to secure a home last year and leave homelessness behind. However, the crisis still continues to deepen as at least three families have become homeless every day this year. A central part of Focus Ireland’s work is prevention – and with the support of Bord Gáis Energy, this year the charity has already worked with over 500 families to intervene and help prevent family homelessness nationally.” He added: “It is always vital to remember that behind every number is a human story or stories; a man, a woman, a family who are now in a home – or never even became homeless in the first place because of the work of Focus Ireland and the support of Bord Gáis Energy.” With the housing crisis said to worsen before it gets better, services such as those offered by Focus Ireland will undoubtedly be in more demand than ever before. It is through partnerships with socially responsible organisations, such as Bord Gáis Energy, that these services can not only continue, but can also expand to meet the needs of those in our communities that face losing – or have already lost – the most basic comfort and source of safety for families – a home.

27

14/09/2018 12:18


CSR PROFILE PAYPAL

Championing

Local Communities PayPal actively supports teammates in charity and community initiatives, championing worthwhile causes both in Ireland and throughout the world through CSR.

C

orporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become increasingly important as employees look to make a positive and lasting contribution both inside and outside the workplace. They recognise wider society needs and want to play their part in supporting and meeting these. PayPal understands and shares this vision. In fact, CSR is a core pillar of the company ethos, with the organisation actively supporting teammates in charity and community initiatives, and championing worthwhile causes both in Ireland and throughout the world.

SOLVING PROBLEMS One of PayPal’s highlights of the year is its 24-hour charity hackathon, during which a number of PayPal teammates create and develop digital resources and systems for Irish charities. The annual event will be taking place again this November in Dublin. In 2017, 30 PayPal teammates from various disciplines – including coding, software development, customer support, risk and compliance – joined forces

28

PayPal_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM_V2.indd 28

with charities to develop solutions for their most pressing digital needs. The PayPal techies helped to create an online shop for Chifundo, a charity dedicated to the education of some of the most underprivileged children in the village of Zomba in Malawi. The organisation can now sell Malawi crafts brought back to Ireland by volunteers, the proceeds of which are donated directly to the programme. Pieta House, which helps those in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm, developed an app with the PayPal volunteers, which allows community centres to streamline registration and payments for its events. The charity estimates that its new app will save it 5,000 volunteer hours, allowing its team to efficiently gather information on event participants and eliminating the need to manually process over €1.5m in cash. Junior Achievement Ireland, an organisation that encourages and supports young people to remain in education, and Outreach Moldova, which is dedicated to protecting

the rights of vulnerable children in the Republic of Moldova, also participated in the hackathon. Junior Achievement Ireland collaborated with PayPal to develop an integrated CRM system to digitise materials used in the classroom. Outreach Moldova’s collaboration resulted in a new online ticketing service to make it easier for people to purchase tickets for its events.

GIVING BACK PayPal also has its PayPal Gives programme, which supports teammates who are passionate about causes within the communities where they work and live, and a Financial Inclusion Charity Grant, which helps people and organisations struggling to secure affordable financial services. Earlier this year, PayPal revealed that it had donated €65,000 to ten Irish charities – seven of which were nominated through the PayPal Gives programme and received €6,900 each. The organisations put forth by employees across the Dundalk and Dublin branches included: • C hild Vision, which helps visually-impaired young people by providing advanced

eye glaze technology to aid the development of sensory skills. The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre, which provides those affected by cancer with a safe and holistic environment. SOSAD (Save Our Sons And Daughters), an organisation that helps those dealing with and affected by suicide. The Louth Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which has been in existence for more t han 50 years. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the leading provider of dementiaspecific services. The Louth/Meath branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, which is dedicated to being the primary source of information and support to people with Down Syndrome. The Rape Crisis Centre, which provides specialised counselling and support services for young people who have experienced sexual assault or abuse.

Three more charities received funding as part of PayPal’s Financial Inclusion Charity Grant: • ALONE, which helps older people live in their own homes, received €8,900 to fund its | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:20


CSR PROFILE PAYPAL

Earlier this year, PayPal revealed that it had donated e65,000 to ten Irish charities

the needs of vulnerable young people living in disadvantaged circumstances. • S onairte Ecology Centre, a not-for-profit educational charity that focuses on sustainable living, received €2,800 ($3,500) to be invested in the establishment of a permanent social enterprise within the organisation. Maeve Dorman, Vice President of Merchant Operations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, PayPal, at this year’s PayPal Gives event

Launch Bwell mobile app. The app aims to promote financial inclusion for those aged 60 and over. • In a bid to develop young people as social

entrepreneurs, the Irish Youth Foundation is using their €4,800 donation to develop its YouthBank programme. The organisation is dedicated to meeting

| CSR AWARDS 2018

PayPal_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM_V2.indd 29

Speaking about PayPal’s extensive CSR offering, Maeve Dorman, Vice President of Merchant Operations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, PayPal, said: “Our CSR activities are reflective of the culture within PayPal and it’s fantastic to see so many

charities benefit from our programmes and events. We are proud to support the invaluable work that these organisations do in our local communities and it means a lot to our teammates to see the real impact they are making on people’s lives. “Of course, it’s not just about raising money and volunteering, the PayPal team thrives on solving digital challenges for these organisations and delivering solutions that transform the way they work. Every teammate takes great pride in contributing to worthwhile causes and addressing wider societal issues such as social inclusion, education and wellness. It’s what CSR is all about.”

29

14/09/2018 12:20


CSR PROFILE GAS NETWORKS IRELAND

A

Natural Fit Biodiversity and science education are among the issues being addressed through Gas Networks Ireland’s CSR activity.

A

t Gas Networks Ireland, corporate social responsibility is as natural to the company as the gas it provides to its customers. Responsible business practice is part and parcel of the business’s outlook as Gas Networks Ireland ensures that environmental, ethical and social principles are at the core of all of its decisions. The culture at Gas Networks Ireland is one that encourages individual and social responsibility in its staff, enabling them to deliver solutions that benefit their customers and society at large. Supporting the aims of both Ireland’s national plan on corporate social responsibility and the EU’s corporate responsibility objectives, the energy transporter is committed to living its values through its actions. This means proactively safeguarding the environment, ensuring that community is at the heart of everything it does, and continuing to promote excellence and diversity through its people.

30

Gas Networks Ireland_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V4.indd 30

OUR UNIVERSE Gas Networks Ireland doesn’t just look forward to a bright future, it wants to help make it happen through either championing sustainability or cultivating the young minds of today that will one day make the big decisions of tomorrow. One of its most worthwhile programmes contributing to that bright future is its Our Universe initiative. Launched in collaboration with Junior Achievement Ireland, Our Universe is a classroomstyle science education programme aimed at primary school students who are on the cusp of entering the secondary school system. These classes aim to foster an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths or STEM subjects among young students. Gas Networks Ireland has already delivered the programme to over 15,000 (5,000 per year) sixth-class pupils across the country. The aim is that Our Universe will influence the decisions of these students at a crucial time and ensure they will continue with science when entering secondary school. The long-term objective is that this will result in a greater number of science graduates in the near future.

Ireland finds itself in a unique position in the EU in that science subjects are not mandatory for secondary school pupils. Christina van der Kamp, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Gas Networks Ireland, believes this has left a stigma around certain subjects. “Promoting STEM to primary school students is crucial to dispelling the myth that science is difficult and in reinforcing its role in sustaining our future,” she says. “Career statistics show that Ireland is suffering a skills shortage in a sector that has minimum unemployment and major job growth.” The Our Universe programme is delivered by over 200 business volunteers from organisations nationwide and favours a more hands on ‘learning by doing’ approach. Volunteers lead six workshops over a six-week period and the lessons featured cover energy, physics, chemistry and biology. What is taught is wide-ranging – from the structure and formation of the skeleton to the basics of crimesolving forensic analysis – and chances are, there will be something there to resonate with any budding scientist. Indeed, according to a questionnaire carried out by Gas Networks

Ireland before and after the programme, eighty per cent of students said they were likely to continue to study science after participating in Our Universe.

ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY Gas Network Ireland’s environmental ambitions can perhaps best be articulated through its biodiversity programme. The company recognised that, with assets located all across Ireland, there was a great opportunity to enhance biodiversity across a number of its sites. With that in mind, its biodiversity programme was launched in 2017, which implemented simple biodiversity management initiatives to develop a network of pollinatorfriendly habitats. Initially, a pilot study was carried out at one of Gas Network Ireland’s large Above Ground Installations (AGIs), Brownsbarn AGI. The study provided the groundwork for the programme by establishing an ecological baseline and introducing a number of methods to promote biodiversity. Methods like restricting access to the site pond, planting flowers to support pollinators, installing bird boxes, | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:21


CSR PROFILE GAS NETWORKS IRELAND

Gas Networks Ireland supports a wide range of activities as part of its Corporate Responsibility programme

erecting awareness signage and reducing the frequency of grass cutting at the sites. In addition, a researcher from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) commenced a further study on the site to investigate how herbicides and fertilisers affect the health of bees. The project was a collaboration between TCD and Gas Networks Ireland and examined how the treatment of flowers with different levels of herbicides and fertilisers impacted the pollination process. Gas Networks Ireland has since identified other AGIs across the

country that are suitable for the programme with the company is currently in the process of expanding it in the east, west and south of the country. “Gas Network Ireland recognises our responsibility to manage and minimise the impact on the environment and the community,” says Anne Moore, Environment Manager. “Biodiversity is something everyone can get involved in. Gas Networks Ireland encourages both staff and its contractors to support biodiversity and consider implications from the

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Gas Networks Ireland_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V4.indd 31

early stages of a project to construction and operation stage.” In order to improve biodiversity awareness, workshops and talks are regularly carried out with Gas Networks Ireland staff. As part of the programme, the company signed up as a business supporter of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and met with National Biodiversity Data Centre on the issue. The plan is an initiative which looks to counteract the damage caused by human actions that have drastically reduced the areas where

bees can nest. One-third of Ireland’s bee species are currently threatened with extinction. This is why Gas Networks Ireland has engaged with the issue and looked to promote biodiversity as a way in which it can mitigate its own impact. The Gas Networks Ireland Our Universe programme is shortlisted in the Excellence in Community – Community Programme (LIC) category, while the company’s biodiversity programme is shortlisted in the Excellence in Environment category.

31

14/09/2018 12:22


CSR PROFILE AIB

The

Sustainable Bank We speak to Sarah Dempsey, Head of the Office of Sustainable Business at AIB, about the bank’s work to create longterm, shared value in its business, the economy and the communities where AIB operates. Q. Firstly, could you give us an overview of AIB’s approach to sustainability? A. As a bank, we recognise our role in the economy and society. As is evident from Our Purpose statement, to back our customers to achieve their dreams and ambitions it starts with an unrelenting focus on delivering for our customers and ripples out from there. Our aim is to create long-term shared value in our business, the economy and the communities where we work. By doing this well we can continue to build our social licence to operate. That means evolving and embedding a sustainable approach into every level of our business, ensuring it is hard-wired into the decisions we make and the actions we take. As a sustainable bank we must be profitable, offering products and services that are relevant,

32

AIB_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V2.indd 32

easily understood, simple to access and fairly priced for both new and existing customers. We also need to be technologically advanced, environmentally conscious and socially responsible. Our stakeholders care about our sustainability agenda. They want to know more about our business, specifically the impact we have and the value we create. More information on how we engage with our stakeholders can be found in our recently published sustainability report: AIB Sustainability Report 2017.

Q. Could you tell us about your First Green Hub initiative, which is shortlisted in the Excellence in Environment – LIC category? A. This initiative manifested as a result of an Environmental Protection Agency Waste Characterisation Study, where we discovered that two-thirds of our waste was contaminated by liquids and food waste. Our aim was to create awareness of the environmental cost of the coffee-to-go culture and the importance of “good” recycling among our staff, as well as to reduce the building’s carbon emissions. We focused on informing staff to improve

waste segregation and, in turn, reducing levels diverted to landfill. The introduction of improved waste segregation points, the removal of single use coffee cups supported by ongoing staff communication via our Carbon Footprint blog, provided us with excellent results. General waste volumes almost halved during the pilot; we saw a reduction in contamination due to liquids by 95 per cent; and prevented 5,200kg of wasted from being incinerated, from just this one location. Since the project’s launch, we have replicated this approach across our other head office locations, held our first Waste Awareness Day, and are eliminating all single-use plastics in our restaurants in 2018.

Q. Could you tell us about your iMatter campaign, which is shortlisted in the Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion category? A. iMatter is our Diversity and Inclusion strategy, which is built on four aspects – raising awareness, improving talent pipelines, creating a modern workplace that encourages diversity, and actions to ‘mind the gap’; integrating absences such as maternity leave into

standard career planning. Our aim is real change in leadership, policies and practices. The programme has included best-in-class polices, unconscious bias training for 1,400+ people leaders, establishment of employee network groups, and stretching gender targets for board, C-suite and senior management. Initially focused on better gender representation, in 2017 we extended the programme to include a range of diversity options, establishing employee groups for pride, women, men, roots, abilities and families. In 2017, we celebrated Pride Week for the first time. In March 2018, as part of our second annual diversity week, we marked Pride Day and International Women’s Day in all branches and launched an AIB Inclusion Pledge across 10,000 employees.

Q. How have your employees responded to your activities? A. Having the right culture is critical to the success of any business and it sets a baseline for the beliefs and values of our people. These beliefs and values drive behaviour, and our collective behaviour determines how we face out to our colleagues, customers and those | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:24


CSR PROFILE AIB

In March 2018, as part of AIB's second annual diversity week, staff at the bank marked Pride Day

A. Last year, we made

we engage with in our communities. Focusing on delivering shared value across our business for customers and society has a tangible positive impact on our people and how they operate. They can see how they contribute and how they fit into our overall purpose, which we are continuing to embed. They can see how they

contribute and fit into our overall purpose, which we are continuing to embed through CEO and leadershipled workshops, creating understanding of how everyone has a role to play.

Q. Any news you can share relating to your community programme?

| CSR AWARDS 2018

AIB_CSR Partner Profile DPS_JM_V2.indd 33

a strategic decision to rebuild our community programme across AIB, with both financial and volunteer support. Staff fundraising and volunteering is a big part of our culture and we want to capture the positive contribution that our people are making. That is why we launched AIB Together, a new community investment

programme. As part of the programme, all of our people can avail of two volunteering days per year, with a focus on supporting two main themes – social entrepreneurship and youth and education in their local communities. While we are at the start of this journey, we are already seeing the benefits and the measurable impact across our activities.

33

14/09/2018 12:24


Supporting refugees to build a future in Ireland So far, 108 of our lawyers have helped reunite seven families and assisted 38 people seeking protection in Ireland. Pro Bono. Lawyers using their skills to change lives.

Pictured: The Kanyamuhanga family reunited at Dublin Airport in December 2017

DUBLIN / BELFAST / LONDON / NEW YORK / SAN FRANCISCO / PALO ALTO

246130_1C_AL Goodbody_JM_CSR.indd 1

www.algoodbody.com

14/09/2018 12:09


CSR PROFILE A&L GOODBODY

Responsibility

to Reunite A&L Goodbody’s Responsible Business Programme is an integral component of the firm’s business strategy. The firm believes it has a responsibility to help those in need who would not otherwise have access to legal advice.

T

ogether with the Irish Refugee’s Independent Law Centre, A&L Goodbody developed a pro bono programme that provides essential early legal advice to people seeking asylum in Ireland and refugees seeking family reunification. Since the beginning of the programme, A&L Goodbody lawyers have dedicated over 4,000 hours to 45 individual refugee cases, with the firm helping numerous asylum seekers achieve refugee status in Ireland and playing a significant role in reuniting refugees with their families. One such case is that of Serge and Giresse Kanyamuhanga who, at the age of 15 and 16, were kidnapped from school in 2012, and forced to train as soldiers in the Congolese revolutionary army. The brothers managed to escape to Uganda and from there, travelled to Ireland in 2013 where they were granted refugee status. After being asked by the Irish Refugee Council to represent Serge and Giresse as

two unaccompanied minor siblings in their application for family reunification, A&L Goodbody assisted the boys with their case. The firm is shortlisted in the Excellence in Marketplace category for the work it does in family reunification. Eamonn Conlon, Pro Bono Partner at A&L Goodbody, says the process of reuniting the boys with their family was complicated. “It happened in two stages,” he explains. “In the first stage they applied for their mother and their sisters to come to Ireland and we were successful. The more difficult part was in relation to their father.” Serge and Giresse’s father had been presumed dead, but upon discovering that he was in fact still alive, the family applied for him to join them in Ireland. However, legislation had changed and under new laws, asylum seekers had to apply for family reunification within 12 months of being granted refugee status. “People in this situation need access to justice the same

| CSR AWARDS 2018

A&L Goodbody_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM_V6.indd 35

The team from the Irish Refugee Council, which partnered with A&L Goodbody for the Serge and Giresse Kanyamuhanga case

as everyone else,” says Conlon. After putting in an application, which was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and ultimately granted by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr Kanyamuhanga joined the rest of his family in Ireland in December 2017. Conlon says the impact this case has had on those involved has been “huge”. “Those who work on these projects are really proud of the work they do and to be able to help a family in this situation gives a huge amount of satisfaction,” he says. According to Conlon, the work also gives lawyers at the firm “a diversity of experience” and an opportunity to stretch “not just our legal skills, but also our personal skills”. Sinéad Smith, Corporate Responsibility Manager

at A&L Goodbody says the firm believes that it is important to align your CSR strategy with your business strategy. “From a community perspective, we prioritise causes where we feel we can make the most meaningful contribution so that’s why pro bono is central to all our community activity.” Smith encourages leadership teams at other organisations looking to develop a CSR strategy to allow their staff to get involved in community initiatives. She advises that being responsible in the community is just one element of a corporate responsibility strategy. “When developing your strategy it’s important that you demonstrate best practice in all parts of the business, from your clients or customers to your employees and suppliers.”

35

14/09/2018 12:25


CSR PROFILE DHL EXPRESS IRELAND

DHL’s

Got Heart Caring is firmly on the agenda at DHL, as Ciara Hynes, Brand, Marketing & Communication Manager, DHL Express Ireland, explains.

I

n early 2017, DHL Express Ireland was searching for a new charity partner following an extremely fulfilling partnership with Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. Our employees overwhelmingly chose to put their support behind Pieta House, a charity doing amazing work for the prevention of suicide and self-harm. Having welcomed Brian McEvoy onsite at DHL to present to the company, we knew

that Pieta House would benefit not only from our financial and fundraising support but also DHL’s logistics expertise. The partnership enjoyed a busy and productive year with DHL’s involvement in Pieta House events such as Darkness into Light, the Pieta 100 and Christmas gift-wrapping and bag-packing. Additionally, we provided fundraising and logistical support efforts through employees participating in the 4 Peaks Challenge, providing assistance for the Pieta House office moves across the country to enable them to expand their services, offering storage solutions for office furniture and acting as support crew for numerous events.

DHL Does Strictly Come Dancing raised €27,000 for Pieta House

36

DHL_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM.indd 36

The beginning of the second year of the partnership brought a renewed energy and with it an ambitious goal to raise even more funds. Cue DHL Does Strictly Come Dancing, the largest scale and glitziest event to ever hit the warehouse of DHL! Twenty-two dancers from departments across the business dedicated six long weeks in training to ensure they put on an unbelievable show for 300 guests. This one event raised an impressive €27,000 for Pieta House. For our next fundraising venture, 30 novice DHL cyclists will take on the challenge of completing 100km in the Pieta 100 on September 9th. DHL vans will be on hand to offer logistical support, taxi services and the provision of water and sugar to keep the participants moving towards the finish line. DHL has always encouraged employees to get involved in charity work and each year we sponsor a Global Volunteer Day (GVD) in September when employees turn out in droves to donate their time and energy as volunteers. In an attempt to further reinforce caring as a value of DHL, in the midst of our local fundraising efforts in 2017, globally DHL Express launched DHL’s Got Heart, an

internal competition that aims to celebrate everyday DHL heroes who use their spare time and work to make the world a better place. All year long, thousands of DHL Express employees across the globe volunteer to support a broad variety of charitable causes outside of work. Many help out with community projects, others promote environmental protection or provide aid for people in need. DHL Express wanted to encourage its employees to share their social engagement with the global DHL community in order to be in with a chance to win invaluable funds for their chosen charity. Entries were received from DHL employees around the globe and six regional winners were chosen to attend the global management conference in Dubai in January 2018 where over €90,000 was donated to the winning charities. The competition was so successful that the 2018 version has just been launched. According to Regine Buettner, Executive Vice President HR Global & Europe, this is the start of something special at DHL and it cements the fact that caring is now firmly on the corporate agenda. | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:27


CSR PROFILE HEINEKEN IRELAND

Beyond

Brewing HEINEKEN Ireland’s CSR activity has a strong focus on both the environment and workplace, culminating in the company being nominated for two CSR awards this year.

O

ne look at the detail of HEINEKEN Ireland’s two nominations at this year’s CSR awards is proof of the company’s dedication to creating a greener, more sustainable environment, and making that prospect attractive to both stakeholders and the ordinary, everyday people who consume its products. Its big ambition is to “Brew a Better World” across its entire value chain, from barley to bar, and one of its most impressive endeavours is its Drop The C campaign, which aims to reduce the company’s CO2 emissions in the areas where it is needed most. This includes the emissions that come with brewing its beer, fermenting its cider and how it transports,

cools and disposes of its waste. “We aim to use our brands as a positive force for change, while managing our impacts to protect people and the planet,” explains Sandy Boundy, Communications & CSR Manager, HEINEKEN Ireland. “We see sustainability as a driver for business success, and business as a positive force for change.” As production was projected to increase with the construction of a new cidery at its Lady’s Well brewery in Cork, HEINEKEN Ireland had to mitigate the climate impact associated with growth while ensuring its ambitious targets would still be met. Even with that added pressure, the results

of Drop The C speak for themselves – there was a 6 per cent reduction in emissions in production and 9 per cent reduction in distribution, among other energy-saving results. Given its success, it is no surprise that HEINEKEN Ireland recently received an NSAI certification for environmental management and is nominated in this year’s ‘Environment’ category. HEINEKEN Ireland’s ‘green’ aspirations do not end there. In 2017, HEINEKEN Ireland launched Growing with Our Communities, an initiative and collaboration with nonprofit organisation Grow It Yourself (GIY) which created urban growing spaces aimed at having a positive social, economic and environmental impact on local communities. Cognisant of the fact that increased urbanisation is putting further pressure on

Voluteers take part in the Growing With Our Communities initiative

| CSR AWARDS 2018

Heineken_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM_V4.indd 37

our habitats, HEINEKEN Ireland felt that something had to be done. The Growing With Our Communities programme was powered by over 200 volunteers who assisted in helping to create ten community gardens and three ‘star gardens’ across Dublin, Cork and Waterford. It was an excellent example of a move away from the typical one-and-done philanthropic donation that corporate entities often engage in, instead showing a long-term commitment to communities, with staff involved in the project from an early stage. “Workplace CSR is about creating a happy and supportive environment for your employees,” says Boundy. “It involves going above and beyond what is required by business to ensure employees can develop to their full potential, and work in an environment that is welcoming and full of opportunities.” Growing With Our Communities has been well received both by staff and at a local level. In a survey carried out by HEINEKEN, 100 per cent of employees said the programme made them proud to work for the company, and responses like that undoubtedly contributed to the programme’s nomination in the ‘Workplace’ category.

37

14/09/2018 12:28


CSR PROFILE INTEL IRELAND

Caring for the

World Around Us Intel Ireland has a long history of supporting biodiversity at its site in Leixlip, something it continues to do through its CSR work.

R

ecent studies have found that biodiversity is being lost at least 1,000 times faster than the natural rate. This loss has been attributed to a number of factors relating to human activity, including the destruction and degradation of the places (habitats) where wildlife lives. Ireland is not immune to this and, despite its green image, its biodiversity is also under serious threat. Working with data from a recent publication from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and along with our long history of supporting biodiversity at our site in Leixlip, we decided to have to focus our efforts to enhance, restore, promote and create biodiverse habitats in and around the campus.

We also amplified the impact of these initiatives beyond the limits of its site by supporting local partnerships for nature and engaging employees in its efforts to support local wildlife.

EMBRACING BIODIVERSITY Intel Ireland has a long history of supporting biodiversity and since first arriving at our campus in Leixlip in 1989 we have worked to enhance, restore and create biodiverse habitats and have ensured continual improvement in this area by embedding biodiversity into our Environmental Management System. We renewed our focus on biodiversity both at our Leixlip site and in the local surrounding community, we kicked off a dedicated

A wildflower meadow in full bloom on the Intel site in Leixlip

38

INTEL_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM_V2.indd 38

programme which aimed to build on the range of biodiversity protection activities already in place, and to identify additional biodiversity protection measures, and increase biodiverse habitats on the site and in the community. We also developed a Biodiversity Plan which looked at the seconnd and third National Biodiversity Plan and the All Ireland Pollinator Plan.

EMPLOYEES AS AMBASSADORS Employees volunteered with local schools to help the pupils to learn how to plant, maintain and harvest their own food, while also exploring biodiversity and sustainability within the school gardens. We launched a biodiversity map of the site which brought to employees’ attention the various biodiversity habitats we have on site. As part of employee wellness we introduced Intel

Walking Trails around the campus to increase awareness of our work and encourage them to become ambassadors. One of the aims of our Environmental Management programme (EMP) is to engage our employees to support the biodiversity programme. We established a bird feeding regime, where we asked for employee ambassadors to take oweneship of a bird feeder and to refill it on a regular frequency.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Intel Ireland initiated the Pride of Place Competition, a programme which involved building partnerships with local organisations and Tidy Towns associations of Leixlip, Celbridge and Maynooth. Each year, organisations are invited to submit proposals for sustainable initiatives that would enhance the environment of their local community. Since the Pride of Place initiative began, Intel has donated over €120,000 to local associations that have used the grants to fund various projects that focus on sustainability and biodiversity. Some of examples of these projects include pollinatorfriendly gardens, ‘Big Belly’ composters and nature notice boards. | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:30


CSR PROFILE ENERGIA

A Growing

Culture of CSR Energia has shown a strong commitment to sustainability and having a positive impact on its local community. We speak to Gary Ryan, Managing Director, Energia Retail, about the energy provider’s approach to CSR. Q. Could you tell us about some of Energia’s CSR work and how it has developed in recent years?

A. Energia is proud to be one of the top renewable energy companies in Ireland, currently supplying 25 per cent of Ireland’s wind power through Energia. During the last year, Energia has distributed over €325,000 in grants from Community Benefit Funds to rural comunities across Ireland. As part of energy efficiency project funding, Energia has provided €516,000 towards SEAI’s Better Energy Communities programme. This programme focuses

on utilising government funds and contributions from energy companies to carry out energy efficiency retrofits in communities across Ireland. Works are carried out in three main categories: businesses and community groups, residential dwellings and homes suffering from energy poverty. Through the programme, over 7,000 households were provided with assistance by Energia.

Q. Could you give us some background on your Get Ireland Growing campaign, which has been nominated at this year’s CSR Awards?

staff responded to your CSR activity?

A. Our staff partners

Growing initiative has to date supported almost

are actively involved in selecting our various CSR partners, ensuring that they have the opportunity to contribute to the work of organisations that they both identify with, and have an affinity for. Over the past five years we have partnered with Down Syndrome Ireland, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Headway, MS, Alone and Guide Dogs, ultimately raising over €140,000 through staff events and fund drives. Earlier this summer we announced new partnerships with

| CSR AWARDS 2018

SOS NI and Inner City Homeless Dublin for 2018/19, reflecting the all-island CSR efforts of our team.

Q. What advice would you have to a company starting out in CSR?

A. Like any activity involving multiple internal and external stakeholders, it is important to underpin your CSR activities with a clear strategy. Any activity should ideally be planned and aligned under a common theme to ensure buy-in and sustainability. A clear strategy will help ensure maximum benefit to the CSR partner and also serve to meet the broader corporate objectives of your business.

Q. How have your

A. The Get Ireland

Karen O’ Donohoe, Head of Community Development, GIY and Amy O’Shaughnessy, Energia Sponsorship Manager pictured launching the Get Ireland Growing initiative

Energia_CSR Partner Profile Full Page_JM.indd 39

500 community food growing projects, positively impacting over 120,000 people. €340,000 has been awarded to groups over the last five years and this was distributed to projects right across the country. From 605 applications in 2017, 85 inspirational projects were selected to share €70,000 and in 2018, 747 groups applied for funding through Energia Get Ireland Growing. In 2018, the Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund was split across three categories: Sow, Grow and Harvest with awards ranging from €500 to €2,000. Together GIY and Energia supported over 85 community food growing groups in 2018.

Q. Why do you think it is important for businesses to embrace CSR practices? A. While it could be argued that CSR was traditionally a ‘nice to have’ for businesses, ad-hoc and essentially culture driven by senior management, today it has a valuable strategic role within the business environment. Strategic and consistent CSR activities add to the company culture, can increase employee engagement and satisfaction, help with recruitment, as well as benefiting the external reputation of a business.

39

14/09/2018 12:31


SPONSOR PROFILE BAM IRELAND

Putting CSR at the

Heart of Business Operating for over 60 years, BAM Ireland has helped to shape our national infrastructure by delivering innovative and landmark construction solutions. It also puts CSR at the heart of its business, focusing on enhancing lives and building a better world through the projects it delivers.

B

AM proudly puts CSR at the heart of all its business activities with a particular focus on enhancing lives and building a better world for all through the projects it delivers. The issues of resource use and tackling climate change are top of BAM’s agenda with significant results achieved over recent years. Most significantly BAM has achieved leadership status with the global Carbon Disclosure Project, earning a performance rating of A, which means it now ranks among the top companies in the world in reporting and tackling climate change. Operationally, BAM has reduced its CO2 emissions by 70 per cent since 2009 and is committed to sourcing 100 per cent of its timber sustainably from certified sources by 2020. It is also committed to achieving zero construction waste to landfill by 2025. This central environmental commitment is backed up by a very busy programme of charitable and community projects in Ireland and overseas under its ‘People Positive’ theme, which aims to enhance the lives of over one million people by 2020. These are busy times for BAM with several private projects representing significant highlights, including being appointed the main contractor for the new National Children’s Hospital in Dublin – the largest healthcare infrastructure project in the history of the State.BAM has also been awarded the National Children’s Hospital Satellite Centres at Tallaght and Blanchardstown. This followed on from BAM’s successful delivery of the enabling works for the

40

040 InBusiness CSR 2018_BAM_V2.indd 40

BAM brought to life the 9,000 sq m One Molesworth Street development in Dublin 2

hospital development, under an earlier contract. The company was also behind the much anticipated One Microsoft Place in Leopardstown, which opened its doors in February. This campus has set a new standard in workplace environments. BAM also brought to life the 9,000 sq m One Molesworth Street Development for Green REIT in Dublin 2, a key benchmark in environmental standards. In Cork, together with Clarendon Properties, BAM is progressing a major residential and commercial redevelopment of Horgan’s Quay. This new development will have a significant impact on the city’s skyline. What was once disused railway land along the River Lee will become a a160 million urban centre spanning eight buildings, providing

230 apartments, a 136-bed hotel and 400,000 sq ft of office space. Under construction on the river Lee, is one of Cork’s most significant projects, Navigation Square. This 310,000 sq m office site will provide the capacity for 3,000 jobs and become a landmark feature on Cork’s riverside. Another key development just a short walk from here is the seven-storey, glass-fronted ‘Grade A’ office space, One Albert Quay – dubbed ‘Ireland’s smartest building’. BAM Ireland has found from its own experience that when companies commit to a well-integrated and executed sustainability strategy, they reap significant rewards. BAM is delighted to sponsor the CSR awards for the seventh time in 2018 and extends sincere congratulations to all those shortlisted. | CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 11:56


SPONSOR PROFILE WATERFORD CRYSTAL

In the

Right Spirits To coincide with the recent gin revolution, Waterford Crystal has launched its new Gin Journey collection.

Waterford Crystal’s new Gin Journey collection

I

t’s no secret that Ireland has fallen head over heels in love with gin in recent times, and what better way to enjoy the drink of the moment than in a glass from Waterford’s brand new Gin Journeys Collection. Featuring six different crystal patterns, the collection is not only striking to look at and enjoyable to drink from, it is steeped in history and inspired by Co Waterford’s heritage in gin. Since the Victorian era, spices and botanicals have been transported along Waterford roads and rivers to distilleries and the great houses throughout Ireland. Today, the gin category is one of the most popular and widely distributed range of spirits, represented by products of various origins, styles, and flavour profiles that all revolve around juniper as a common ingredient. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the collection has been specifically created to enrich the aromas and infuse the flavours of the spirit’s botanicals, so that gin connoisseurs can enjoy an enhanced drinking experience. The collection features two new shapes from Waterford, designed for ultimate enjoyment; balloon glasses with a short stem, which are perfect for gins with a 39 per cent and above ABV due to their bowl-like shape trapping the aromas inside the glass and allowing the spirit more room to breathe. The collection also provides space for garnishes and ice and slim hi-balls, which are ideal for lower alcohol gins and cocktails. The crystalware itself has been | CSR AWARDS 2018

041 InBusiness CSR 2018_Waterford Crystal.indd 41

designed using three Short Stories barware patterns, which also launched this year. These include Olann, which boasts a dramatic diamond design inspired by the classic diamond stitch on Olann knitwear originating from the Aran Islands; Cluin, which showcases a masculine

square-cut design reminiscent of the bookshelves in Dublin’s 18th Century Gothic Marsh’s Library; and Aras, which draws inspiration from the architecture of ancient castles found on the rolling hills of the Irish landscape, with its dramatic yet classic vertical-cut design pattern. In addition, the collection includes the timeless design of Waterford’s signature pattern Lismore, which is renowned for its brilliance and clarity. The Waterford Gin Journeys collection has something for everyone – from dramatic designs to sleek, minimal pieces – offering a sophisticated way to enjoy and truly appreciate the flavour of the muchloved spirit. For further details visit www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com or call 051 317000.

41

14/09/2018 11:57


E EXC

ENCE IN CSR COMMUNICATION LL

CSR

AWARDS 2018 2018

ALDI Aldi Foróige Partnership Aldi Ireland partnered with youth organisation Foróige to support its mission of helping with the development of young people in villages, towns and cities across Ireland. As part of their partnership, Aldi became the sponsors of the Youth Citizenship Awards in 2015 to help Foróige build its profile and increase the level of participation in the awards. With Foróige’s network of over 600 youth clubs across 26 counties, and Aldi’s store network operating in every county in the Republic of Ireland, Aldi recognised the potential positive impact it could have on communities across Ireland by partnering with Foróige.

42

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 42

CARBERY FOOD DIAGEO INGREDIENTS IRELAND Carbery Connect Carbery Connect depicts the CSR communication activities employed by Carbery Food Ingredients. Central to those activities was the deployment and production of digital stories by its farmer suppliers, where farmers in the Carbery Greener Dairy Farms project chronicled their sustainable farming experiences through the digital story medium. Those stories have been circulated through social media but also through traditional media via the local newspaper. Carbery Connect has allowed staff to become much more involved in Carbery’s CSR activities and customers like the CSR direction the company is taking.

St James’s Gate – Conversations at the Gate In October 2017, Diageo announced plans to transform part of St James’s Gate into one of Ireland’s and Europe’s most dynamic and sustainable urban quarters. As part of Diageo’s commitment to sustainability, St James’s Gate – Conversations at the Gate is a programme designed to engage with as wide a range of local and national stakeholders as possible. The aim was to both share Diageo’s ambition and also to understand the views of as many people as possible about what a world-class urban quarter should be. In terms of media coverage of the project launch, the total PR value came to 4,200,649.41. Local community feedback has been incredibly positive.

LIDL IRELAND A Better Tomorrow Lidl hit the ground running in early 2017 with the internal and external launch of ‘A Better Tomorrow’. Since the launch, the company has regularly shared its progress on its growing communications channels to inform and engage stakeholders, asking them to join its journey to become a more sustainable business. CSR is not a department in Lidl – it is now embedded in the DNA of the business. Its vision for CSR is a shared one from senior management level right down to the grassroot teams in the business. Lidl is proud of what it has achieved so far and is dedicated to going even further over the coming years.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:05


EXCELLENCE IN CSR COMMUNICA ON TI

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

THE TAXBACK GROUP

TESCO IRELAND

GroupLife

Tesco’s ‘No Time for Waste Community Chill’ Campaign

The Taxback Group’s GroupLife programme seeks to provide its staff, clients, and communities with an inclusive, structured, and dedicated approach to Corporate Social Responsibility. Its staff-driven approach to community involvement and communication seeks to maximise the engagement, and impact of all the positive things it does. The message is clear – Corporate Social Responsibility is in everyone’s interest, so let’s get everyone involved.

Tesco’s ‘No Time for Waste Community Chill’ campaign provides funding for food-related causes to receive more surplus food donations from its 150 stores. The campaign aimed to overcome two of the fundamental obstacles to local causes taking more surplus food – storage and transport – with a 160,000 free equipment fund. One of Tesco’s three core values is ‘Every little help makes a big difference’ and its No Time for Waste Community Chill campaign brings that to life in a real and impactful way. For two weeks in September 2017, Tesco brought the issue of food waste to national prominence in media and with politicians while simultaneously communicating its CSR achievements honestly, openly and proudly.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 43

WILLIAM FRY William Fry Making a Difference In February 2017, William Fry relaunched its CSR programme under the brand ‘William Fry Making a Difference’. The main aim of the relaunch was to increase staff awareness of the firm’s CSR work and to increase staff engagement in these activities. It developed a strategic communications plan that included branding CSR at William Fry and using that brand and a multi-channel communications strategy to communicate to staff in a more consistent and recognisable way about its approach to CSR. It resulted in William Fry being able to significantly increase awareness among its staff of all its CSR activities as well as increasing its staff engagement and the impact of their efforts.

Entries claiming that ‘we do this because it is the right thing to do’ will not feature in the awards of the future.”

43

14/09/2018 12:05


E EXC

ENCE IN COMMUNITY LL

CSR

Partnership with Charity – LIC

AWARDS 2018 2018

APPLEGREEN PLC

The 2018 CSR Awards should help us look forward and determine where next to exemplars in best practice.”

44

| Large Indigenous Company : LIC

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 44

The Applegreen Charitable Fund – Innovating for the Future The Applegreen Charitable Fund was set up in December 2009 to ‘give back’ to the communities in which Applegreen operates throughout Ireland. The Charitable Fund is driven by employees from all areas of the business, from service stations to head office staff. In December 2017, the fund reached a milestone of raising 2 million making a crucial contribution to vital children and adult charity services nationwide. The Charitable Fund programme connects Applegreen staff with their customers, charity partners and community by exploring how they can work towards a better and innovative future. For Applegreen, corporate social responsibility is not just a programme or a donation, it’s the way it does business every day.

BANK OF IRELAND GROUP PLC Up the Hill for Jack & Jill Up the Hill for Jack & Jill is the annual flagship fundraiser for The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. Over the past number of years, the amounts raised from the campaign has fallen considerably since its peak. Bank of Ireland came on board in 2017 to help the charity to reshape the campaign and ensure its sustainability for years to come. In the four-month run-up to the campaign, Bank of Ireland’s marketing team provided its expertise and guidance in all aspects of the campaign, including creative design and a bespoke online registration process. The collaborative effort between the bank and Jack & Jill resulted in fundraising totalling over 80,000, which delivered 5,000 nursing hours for families around the country.

BORD GÁIS ENERGY Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy CR Partnership In 2015, Bord Gáis Energy entered a unique partnership with Focus Ireland to help prevent family homelessness in Ireland. The partnership to date has supported over 5,182 families in need and helped provide assistance for families at risk of, and experiencing, homelessness throughout the country. Everyone at Bord Gáis Energy is dedicated to the partnership, which is evident through a strong commitment to volunteering, ongoing fundraising, and support for initiatives such as ‘Shine a Light’, the Bord Gáis Energy staff Office to Office Cycle and the public awareness campaign ‘Helping Hands’. The successful partnership, which has recently been extended until 2021, has been instrumental in building awareness of the growing homelessness epidemic in Ireland.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:05


EXCELLENCE IN COMMU

CSR

TY NI

PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – LIC

AWARDS 2 2018 018

DELOITTE Deloitte Overseas Volunteer Placement with Nurture Africa Deloitte has an ambitious target to reach 50 million futures by 2030 through upskilling with an initiative called ‘WorldClass’. Deloitte Ireland has embraced this challenge by applying its core skills to empower people through education, skills development, and access to opportunities with its volunteering programme, including one of its key charity partnerships – Nurture Africa (NA). NA is an Irish-founded organisation based in Uganda whose goal is to support vulnerable children and their families mentally and physically, who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Deloitte have partnered with NA since 2013 and has evolved the partnership with innovative approaches to the overseas volunteer programme. Eighty-five Deloitte volunteers have participated to date, coaching and supporting NA and its partner organisations.

DIAGEO IRELAND Celebrating 200 Years of the Dublin Pub – Diageo and LVA ALONE Partnership To celebrate 200 years of the Dublin pub, Diageo helped the Licensed Vintner’s Association (LVA) by giving back to the community in partnership with ALONE, which helps older people age at home. Diageo’s master brewers created a new beer, Dublin Amber Ale, to celebrate 200 years of the Dublin pub in 2017, with 50 cent from each pint sold being given by publicans and Diageo to ALONE. An ambition was set to raise 1,000 for each of the 200 years of the Dublin Pub, to be used exclusively to increase the Befriending Network in Dublin, a national network of befriending services for adults hosted by ALONE, and to contribute towards the construction of homes in the capital for the elderly. Ultimately, over 300 pubs took part and over 225,000 was raised.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 45

EARTH’S EDGE

WILLIAM FRY

KPAP Equipment Lending Programme

William Fry Partnership with the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation

Earth’s Edge is Ireland’s only fully licensed adventure travel company. The Equipment Lending Programme was established to help porters who work on Africa’s highest mountain. At 5,896m, Kilimanjaro is a serious challenge for all climbers especially the porters who have the additional task of carrying heavy loads. Many of the porters are poorly clothed for mountaineering, where temperatures can dip to minus 30 degrees celsius. Through its work, Earth’s Edge identified a need to supply porters with mountaineering clothing and equipment and partnered with NGO Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). In February 2018, following an appeal, Earth’s Edge was able to send 13 duffel bags of good quality clothing and equipment to KPAP, which would be supplied to the porters.

William Fry and the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation have come together in a three-year strategic partnership that includes a corporate donation of 100,000 as well as pro bono support, skillsbased volunteering and fundraising. The charity was chosen with the support of William Fry staff and was launched in 2017 as part of the William Fry Making a Difference CSR programme. Some of the impacts that have already come out of the partnership include pro bono support through a GDPR for Charities workshop held by the William Fry technology team and the extremely successful Incognito art exhibit. Incognito saw more than 50 William Fry employees donate 168 volunteer hours over four days to help Jack & Jill raise more than 90,000.

LIC : Large Indigenous Company |

45

14/09/2018 12:05


E EXC

ENCE IN COMMUNITY LL

CSR

PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – MNC

AWARDS 2018 2018

46

BOOTS IRELAND

LINKEDIN IRELAND

Partnership with a Charity

LinkedIn for Good Jobcare partnership

Boots and the Irish Cancer Society are working in partnership with a vision that every person in Ireland will have access to the best possible cancer services and supports available when affected by cancer. The aim of the partnership is to support people living with cancer in Ireland and to increase awareness and promote prevention through the Boots Irish Cancer Society Information Pharmacist role while raising funds for the Night Nursing Service. This service provides dignity and comfort to patients through free end of life care in their own homes to families nationwide. Boots colleagues have raised 1.3 million to date and the company has trained 149 Boots Irish Cancer Society Information Pharmacists and 130 Boots Cancer Beauty Advisors.

In May 2017, LinkedIn Ireland launched a multiyear partnership with a Dublin based nonprofit, Jobcare. Jobcare is committed to working with people caught in the trap of unemployment. This partnership forms part of LinkedIn’s global social impact programme, LinkedIn for Good (LIFG). The mission of LIFG is to leverage core assets to ensure that the company is having a positive social impact on the communities that employees live and work in. As part of that effort, LIFG identifies high-potential non-profit partnerships around the world, connecting underserved communities to economic opportunity by providing them with the networks, skills and opportunities that they need to succeed.

| Multinational Company : MNC

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 46

MACE TECHNOLOGY IRELAND Mace and Barretstown Community Project Mace Technology Ireland partnered with local Barretstown Children’s Charity in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare in 2016. Barretstown offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness, serving over 30,000 campers since opening its doors in 1994 with varying degrees of illness and disabilities. Each day Barretstown provides wishes and dreams to families and campers in communities both locally and nationally. Mace commenced this initiative to help Barretstown Charity have its own wishes and dreams come true. Over 145,000 has been donated along with over 800 hours through Mace volunteer days undertaking maintenance, DIY and general landscaping works at the 500-acre Charity estate. Pro-bono upgrade works worth over 200,000 was also completed at Barretstown Castle.

MICROSOFT IRELAND Enable Ireland Retro Gaming for Eye Gaze The Microsoft HackAbility group was founded by seven Microsoft interns who focused on enabling people with disabilities to achieve and access more, with the help of Enable Ireland. For this Hack, they wanted to making retro gaming accessible for people with disabilities. The interns worked closely with two assistive technology service users from Enable Ireland, Lisa and James, who suffer from Cerebral Palsy and who both use the Microsoft Surface and Eye Gaze technology to do everyday things that wouldn’t normally be possible. The team’s aim was to enable Lisa and James to play XBOX retro games using Microsoft Eye Gaze technology. They invested over 750 hours in this project and made a huge difference in the lives of the people using the technology.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:05


EXCELLENCE IN COMMU

CSR

TY NI

PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY – MNC

AWARDS 2 2018 018

TRANSDEV DUBLIN LIGHT RAIL FillaLuas Homeless Shoebox Appeal In 2017, Transdev joined forces with Inner City Helping Homeless to tackle homelessness in Ireland. The project involved creating an event at a Luas platform in Dublin city centre where the homeless of Dublin can receive meals, haircuts, and entertainment whilst the public and local businesses can donate Christmas shoe-boxes as gifts for the homeless and participate in the festivities. The event is an excellent fit for Transdev’s CSR approach and contributes towards targets as outlined in the ‘Going the Extra Mile’ strategy. It engages over 25 members of staff in a local charity programme, contributes over 200 volunteer hours towards community based projects and showcases the leadership role Transdev takes in working with charities in collaborative activities.

TESCO IRELAND

VODAFONE IRELAND LTD

Tesco Ireland raising funds to save lives at Temple Street

Vodafone and Childline – Working Together to Keep Children Safe by Keeping them Connected

Temple Street is the charity partner of Tesco Ireland and the company is hugely proud to have smashed its target to raise 3 million in three years to fund life-saving equipment for the sick children of the hospital. Due to their collaborative success, driven by the passion of the 13,000 Tesco colleagues nationwide, the partnership is extending to five years with a 5m fundraising target. Through colleagueled fundraising initiatives, Tesco raises money to purchase life-saving medical equipment and raises awareness of the work that the hospital does. In the words of Temple Street CEO Denise Fitzgerald: “As a direct result of Tesco’s support over the past three years, we have seen transformative change in our hospital.”

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 47

Vodafone Foundation Ireland and ISPCC Childline commenced a five-year partnership in 2016, with a hugely ambitious plan: to transform ISPCC Childline’s services to children, with a shared vision of keeping children safe by keeping them connected. Now midway through the partnership, the impacts of that ambition are being felt – a new text service is now in place to replace an outdated service, and the online webchat service and website is being entirely redesigned and rebuilt. Through the partnership, Childline has been enabled by Vodafone to reach out to children all over Ireland through an innovative marketing campaign, which aims to normalise talking and promotes a culture of resilience for children.

The importance of CSR and its wide-ranging benefits is becoming more widely acknowledged among Ireland’s business community.”

MNC : Multinational Company |

47

14/09/2018 12:05


E EXC

ENCE IN COMMUNITY LL

CSR

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – LIC

AWARDS 2018 2018

A&L GOODBODY

As ever, the judges faced anincredibly difficult and timeconsuming task this year.”

48

| Large Indigenous Company : LIC

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 48

A&L Goodbody’s support of literacy in the community A&L Goodbody is committed to raising literacy levels among young people aged six to 14 years in their local community. It has worked to achieve this through its support of the Suas Literacy Support programme, which has delivered 22 paired reading programmes to over 200 children in the Dublin 1,3 and 8 areas. Through the support of the Writer in Residence programme, it funds a professional writer to further enhance pupils’ literacy skills and their partnership with Francis Street CBS school, delivering paired reading programmes and creating its first ever library. For the Suas Literacy Programme, general findings show that 70 per cent of young people involved in the project achieve improved literary levels.

ARTHUR COX

DELOITTE

Opening the Door between Corporates and Community – Restorative Conversations with Arthur Cox

IMPACT Day

Opening the door between corporates and community is the theme of the Restorative Conversations with Arthur Cox initiative. This ongoing project is in collaboration with the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) at the National College of Ireland and Belvedere Youth Club in the north inner city. The programme aims to break down barriers between the corporate environment and the young people from the inner city local communities. At the heart of restorative practice is a sincere simplicity, that all people are worthy and relational. The Restorative Conversations with Arthur Cox initiative aims to give young people, and Arthur Cox volunteers, practical experience of building relationships and dealing with misunderstanding and conflict.

Deloitte’s purpose is to make an impact that matters for its clients, people and the community. IMPACT Day is Deloitte’s flagship volunteering programme, core to the firm’s Corporate Responsibility strategy to make an impact that matters in the community. It is one of the longest standing initiatives, now in its tenth year. It not only serves the local community but also makes an impact on Deloitte’s people, providing them with volunteering opportunities and helping to support recruitment and retention goals, crucial to the firm’s operations. Since 2008, Deloitte has run 180 projects, with many returning partnerships and nearly 5,000 staff volunteers involved. The IMPACT Day team now leverage the Audit & Advisory services of Deloitte staff through skilled volunteering.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:06


EXCELLENCE IN COMMU

CSR

TY NI

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – LIC

AWARDS 2 2018 018

ENERGIA Energia Get Ireland Growing

GAS NETWORKS IRELAND Our Universe

The goal of the Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund is to boost community food growing projects throughout Ireland. Community groups need funding to keep operating their growing projects and the fund ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’, created by GIY (Grow It Yourself) in partnership with Energia, has awarded 70,000 (2017) and 75,000 (2018) to food growing projects nationwide. The teams behind 86 community projects across Ireland each received funds for their unique projects. Recipients included community groups, schools, NGOs, community gardens and allotment groups, GIY groups, hospitals, crèches, direct provision centres and men’s sheds from across the country. Energia employees joined in by taking part in a four-week growing challenge at their desks. GIY visited the office to launch the project and demonstrate the best planting methods. While results were varied, it was a great way to promote the partnership internally in Energia.

Our Universe is a classroomstyle science education programme that is delivered to over 5,000 6th class primary school students nationwide on an annual basis. The programme is based on the ‘learning by doing’ methodology and is delivered by over 300 business volunteers from organisations around the country. The programme had five 40-minute modules that took place over five weeks. The lessons featured in Our Universe cover energy, physics, chemistry and biology. Over 5,000 students from 162 schools participated in the programme throughout the 2016/17 school year, and was delivered by 233 volunteers from 80 different companies.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 49

LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND DIPLOMA CENTRE

LITTLE ISLAND INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

Public Legal Education Programme at the Law Society of Ireland

Little Island Industries Development Company

The Law Society of Ireland’s Public Legal Education project operates through a series of free initiatives for solicitors, trainees and the public. It aims to increase awareness of the law by teaching about the legal system, how law impacts society and how to exercise legal rights and responsibilities. It includes many programmes facilitated by the Diploma Centre team: street law schools; street law prisons; solicitors of the future; solicitors in the community. Law Society of Ireland trainees have consistently identified their street law experience as beneficial in developing their confidence. The project has been very well received with schools, who have contacted the Law Society of Ireland with a desire to participate.

Little Island Industries Development Company (LIIDC) is a unique partnership between many of the industries in Little Island who have pooled their skills and resources to the benefit of community groups within the Island area. It aims to provide monetary and advisory support in the areas of social, recreation and general development, which benefit the communities of Little Island and Glounthaune. In the last 27 years LIIDC has supported over 90 individual projects, which range across four main project categories: education, infrastructure, sports clubs and community associations and activities. Over those years not only has LIIDC contributed over 1 million to these good causes, it has facilitated the building of a strong relationship between the Industries operating in Little Island and the community living there.

LIC : Large Indigenous Company |

49

14/09/2018 12:06


E EXC

ENCE IN COMMUNITY LL

CSR

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – MNC

AWARDS 2018 2018

The shortlisted companies should be proud to have met such high standards with their projects.”

50

| Multinational Company : MNC

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 50

CANADA LIFE REINSURANCE

COCA-COLA IRELAND

Cycling WIthout Age – Sybil Hill Nursing Home

Coca-Cola Thank You Fund

Employees of Canada Life Reinsurance have provided the residents of Sybil Hill Nursing Home in Raheny with a novel way to enjoy their local area. The Canada Life Reinsurance team had approached the nursing home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor to discuss the introduction of ‘Cycling Without Age’. Sister Miriam and the nursing home nuns were delighted with the idea, and the first trishaw, a threewheeled cycle, was ordered by Canada Life Reinsurance. The company arranged to pilot the bike and bring the residents out for cycles. The interaction with the nursing home is part of Canada Life Reinsurance’s CSR programme, which aims to engage with the elderly in the community.

Since 2011, Coca-Cola has awarded 855,000 to 70 non-profit organisations across the island of Ireland. It has received over 4,000 entries and secured over 80 million media impressions through earned and paid media. Working with its partners in the youth space, Irish Youth Foundation and Youth Action Northern Ireland, the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has supported projects including community, social and education programmes aimed at youth, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and environmental leadership. In 2017, 100,000 was awarded to 14 community groups in Ireland and Northern Ireland to support innovative projects that help inspire young people.

LIDL IRELAND Lidl Community Works Lidl Community Works is the community pillar of Lidl’s CSR programme. The objective of the programme is to be a good neighbour by positively contributing to communities. In 2017, the scope of Lidl’s community activities was expanded with the launch of new initiatives such as ‘Lidl Feed It Back’; a food redistribution programme, ‘Charity of the Week’ and Autism Aware stores. Charity of the Week sees Lidl donate 1,000 every week for a whole year to local charities and groups across Ireland. Lidl continued to work closely with Barretstown, reaching a fundraising milestone of 2 million and the second year of the Ladies Gaelic Football partnership ‘Serious Starts Here’ focused on investing at local level and in the community.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:06


EXCELLENCE IN COMMU

CSR

TY NI

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME – MNC

AWARDS 2 2018 018

MICROSOFT IRELAND Special Olympics National Games Through the company’s Tech4Good programme, Microsoft is continuing to support Special Olympics Ireland with its digital transformation journey through software and device donations as well as financial donations. In the lead up to the Special Olympics Summer Games which took place in Ireland in June 2018, Microsoft employee volunteers in Ireland worked together with six members of Team Ireland in the Athlete Engagement programme to help them prepare for the Games, encourage them to achieve more and boost their confidence.

PAYPAL Opportunity Hack PayPal’s Opportunity Hack 2.0 is a local charity hackathon held in Dublin in collaboration with Fingal Dublin Chamber. The innovation charity event, which took place at the Castleknock Hotel, brought together 30 PayPal teammates to create and develop digital resources for five Irish charities over a 24-hour period. The volunteers were drawn from various disciplines within PayPal including coding, software development, customer support, risk and compliance. They were tasked with working with the charities to develop solutions for their most pressing digital needs. The team behind Chifundo, a charity dedicated to the education of some of the most underprivileged children in the villages of Zomba in Malawi, managed to claim the number one spot.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 51

TESCO IRELAND Tesco Community Fund – Donating 3m to 10,000 local causes Tesco stores are at the heart of hundreds of communities across Ireland and as a company, it already works closely with community groups, charities and organisations through partnerships with Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and FoodCloud. Three years ago, the company saw an opportunity to forge closer links with the communities around its stores and so Tesco Community Fund was born. Launched in July 2014, the fund has donated 3 million to a staggering 10,000 good community causes to date. 2017 was the most successful year of the fund with 5,483 causes in every corner of the country receiving support.

Every shortlisted company has already achieved CSR excellence through exceptional initiative.”

MNC : Multinational Company |

51

14/09/2018 12:06


E EXC

ENCE IN COMMUNITY LL

CSR

VOLUNTEERING – LIC

AWARDS 2018 2018

BANK OF IRELAND GROUP PLC The Great Bank of Ireland Backyard Blitz The Great Bank of Ireland Backyard Blitz was the largest ever bank volunteering project, which saw hundreds of volunteers swap their calculators for watering cans and their spreadsheets for spades to give their older neighbours a ‘dig out’ in the garden. The gardening bonanza matched up bank employees with local older people who needed a bit of help keeping their gardens maintained. In July 2017, over 300 Bank of Ireland colleagues, Age Action teams and gardening experts mobilised in Dublin, Cork and Galway to brighten up the gardens, and the lives, of hundreds of older people.

DELOITTE WorldClass Volunteering at Deloitte At Deloitte, volunteering is part of the ‘WorldClass’ initiative, which was recently launched by Deloitte’s Punit Renjen, Global CEO of Deloitte. WorldClass is Deloitte’s global commitment to prepare 50 million futures for a world of opportunity in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WorldClass supports the goals focused on inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning (SDG4) and sustained economic growth and decent work for all (SDG8). In Ireland, Deloitte’s goal is to contribute to this target of 50 million futures and it will deliver this through its already established volunteering programmes.

THREE Q PERMS & TEMPS Putting Our Skills To Work In Our Community Three Q PERMS & TEMPS’ strategic volunteering project ‘Putting Our Skills To Work In Our Community’ assists four categories of jobseekers – JobCare (unemployed and jobseekers), students, college graduates and hiring charities. The project is driven by the belief that a firm’s greatest asset is its people. Three Q knows that its team’s time and skills can be invaluable to those who are looking to get into the workforce, progress in their career or to support a charity looking to hire the best talent. As a recruitment agency, Three Q is invested in the people it works with and its CSR initiatives are further commitments to this goal.

WILLIAM FRY Incognito with the Support of William Fry William Fry chose Jack & Jill as its Community Charity Partner at the start of 2017, a partnership that will run over three years and include a corporate donation of 100,000 as well as pro bono support, skills based volunteering and fundraising. As part of the partnership, William Fry worked with Jack & Jill on ‘Incognito’, a unique and innovative fundraising campaign. The event ran over five days at the Solomon Gallery, Dublin, and was Ireland’s largest single gallery public art exhibition. Each of these original art pieces was sold to the public for 50. Over 1,000 Irish and international artists – including William Fry staff – contributed. The project raised over 90,000, which will provide 5,665 hours of nursing care to Jack & Jill children.

EARTH’S EDGE Explore, Experience, Evolve The Earth’s Edge Explore Experience Evolve volunteer programme was designed to utilise the unique skillset of its staff. Earth’s Edge partnered with Warrenmount Presentation, a disadvantaged girls school in Dublin 8, to take four groups of students to the Shankill Forest. The programme was designed to promote confidence, wellbeing and fitness amongst the students by offering introductory training in outdoor skills. As students were selected for the programme based on their attendance and good behaviour, it was a useful tool for teachers to motivate students. The students, teachers and Earth’s Edge staff are all very excited to take part in another outdoor adventure together!

52

| Large Indigenous Company : LIC

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 52

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:06


EXCELLENCE IN COMMU

CSR

TY NI

VOLUNTEERING – MNC

AWARDS 2 2018 018

ABBOTT Abbott’s commitment to strategic volunteering Abbott understands that STEM plays an increasingly important role in the future of our planet, particularly in developing healthcare solutions. By inspiring young people today, Abbott can help produce innovators of tomorrow. Inspiration makes fuller lives possible and Abbott works with a range of important stakeholders to help make such inspiration happen, leveraging employee’s time, skills and passion for volunteering. Volunteering is embedded in Abbott’s culture. The company is proud of the knowledge, skills and strengths of its employees and will ensure that these skills and expertise are utilised in the community to make positive impacts for years to come.

FUJITSU IRELAND Fujitsu Ireland Volunteering Programme The Fujitsu Ireland Volunteering programme has been an ongoing initiative for the past ten years. The company has three primary philanthropic relationships; its charity partner, the National Council of the Blind Ireland (NCBI), and its historical charity relationships, St. Joseph’s School Rush and St. Michael’s House for the intellectually disabled. NCBI and Fujitsu Ireland entered into a 24-month charity partnership in April 2016. One of the main objectives of this partnership was to reduce the extraordinarily high unemployment rates among working age people with sight loss through a number of activities including fundraising, advocacy and professional skills volunteering. Similar community enhancement goals are outlined in Fujitsu Ireland’s volunteering strategies for St. Joseph’s School Rush and St. Michael’s House.

MICROSOFT IRELAND Microsoft Cycling Challenge for LauraLynn Microsoft’s Cycle Challenge has seen Microsoft employees undertake four challenges to date, cycling 2,350 kilometres around the country to fundraise for LauraLynn, Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice. Two hundred Microsoft employees have volunteered their time as part of the challenges over the years, successfully fundraising 200,000 for the organisation. The money raised will support LauraLynn in its provision of palliative care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Over the years, Microsoft employees have become passionate about supporting the LauraLynn cause.

VMWARE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED VMware Cork Giving Network Through the Cork Giving Network, the entire VMware Cork workforce of over 1,000 people makes a long lasting positive impact by using 40 service learning hours to give back to the community and take part in VMware’s various initiatives such as Coder Dojo, Age Action, and Women Back to Work. By creating and cultivating relationships with many charities and non-profits in the Cork area, the Cork Giving Network organises recurring and ad-hoc volunteering opportunities. This in turn makes it easier for volunteers to put back more into the environment, society and the global economy than they take.

WORKDAY Workday: Giving & Doing Programme Workday’s Giving and Doing programme provides skills transfer and grant aid to worthy causes in the immediate community of its EMEA headquarters. Driven by its employees, the programme helps ensure that Workday lives as a responsible and participatory citizen in Smithfield, Dublin 7. Last year, individuals and teams participating in the Workday programme volunteered over 2,100 hours with local causes. This year, individual donations, with Workday matching them, generated 52,000 and team grants generated 30,000.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 53

MNC : Multinational Company |

53

14/09/2018 12:06


E EXC

ENCE IN ENVIRONMENT – LIC LL

CSR

AWARDS 2018 2018

54

AIB

DELOITTE

eir

AIB’s – First Green Hub

Deloitte’s Green Agenda Programme

fresh eir

Based on the outputs of the 2016 EPA Green Business waste audits, AIB decided to review current waste management processes and take action for change. One of the keys to the success of this initiative in AIB was staff engagement and empowerment, as a result of staff having to take ownership and action. The project focused initially on the to-go cup issue, which was generating significant waste. The project then evolved to include the segregation of waste and an awareness campaign with tangible results realised. AIB Burlington road saw a reduction of 46 per cent of general waste volumes and prevented generation of 5,200kg of waste contamination due to liquids being reduced by 95 per cent.

Deloitte’s journey to protect the environment began in 2008. Now in its 10th year, Deloitte’s Green Agenda programme continues to make a positive impact on the environment. Sustainability is embedded in Deloitte’s business strategy at a global and local level. In Ireland, this commitment is demonstrated throughout the firm. The Green Agenda addresses several environmental issues including climate change, air pollution, water consumption, waste production, biodiversity and resource consumption. The programme has allowed Deloitte to embed sustainability into the firm’s operations while promoting employee awareness of environmental issues at home and in the office. Green Champions in each department assist the dedicated environmental team in raising awareness and encouraging employee engagement.

| Large Indigenous Company : LIC

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 54

Eir is working to limit the impact its business makes on the environment. As one of Ireland’s major energy users, the company is committed to buying 100 per cent green electricity. However, ensuring a company of its size manages every element of its environmental impact – from recycling through to waste – requires a team effort and broad focus; and so, the fresh eir programme was born. Created and led by 14 graduate members of eir, the programme has been instrumental in creating a culture of care and consideration for our environment.

GAS NETWORKS IRELAND Biodiversity Programme Undoubtedly, Gas Networks Ireland’s (GNI) business activities affect the environment in which it operates, and the company recognises its responsibility to manage and minimise this impact on the environment and the community. GNI is committed to protecting Ireland’s biodiversity and with assets and activities all over the island of Ireland, the company identified a great opportunity to enhance biodiversity and create a network of pollinator-friendly habitats with the implementation of biodiversity management initiatives. In 2017, GNI kicked off a biodiversity improvement programme with the overall aim to enhance biodiversity across GNI activities and sites, and increase biodiversity awareness across the business, including awareness among GNI’s external stakeholders.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:06


EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENT – M

NC

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

ALDI

INTEL IRELAND

LIDL IRELAND

Aldi Ireland Origin Green Plan

Biodiversity at Intel

A Better Tomorrow

Aldi Ireland conducts its business in line with the fundamental principles of Corporate Responsibility (CR). These principles summarise Aldi Ireland’s commitments to people and planet. Aldi commenced its Origin Green journey in September 2017, with the objective to become a verified member by March 2018. Origin Green, the world’s first national food sustainability programme developed by Bord Bia, allowed Aldi Ireland to put in place a five-year plan, emphasising the business’s commitment to sustainability. Through this plan, Aldi Ireland identified and focused on areas in which environmental improvements across the business could be made.

Intel Ireland has a long history of supporting biodiversity and since first arriving at its campus in Leixlip in 1989 it has worked to enhance, restore and create biodiverse habitats. Intel has ensured continual improvement in this area by embedding biodiversity into its Environmental Management System (EMS). Intel Ireland works closely with its communities on biodiversity initiatives. This project aims to include biodiversity as a part of Intel Ireland’s EMS, by developing a series of projects to help improve biodiversity on site and in the local community. Intel Ireland used the BITC Biodiversity Framework to shape its approach to its existing work and to articulate a set of actions which would demonstrate its plans for leadership in biodiversity.

Lidl joined Bord Bia’s Origin Green Sustainable Development programme in 2017 to achieve thirdparty verification of its process and to demonstrate credible progress towards its sustainability targets. Lidl Ireland developed targets to be achieved by 2020, in areas such as waste emissions, energy, water, responsible sourcing of products, health and nutrition, and social sustainability. Major environmental achievements on the ‘A Better Tomorrow’ project in 2017 included: ISO50001 energy management accreditation, which was extended to all operations; zero waste to landfill for the first time; a battery recycling campaign; and a food redistribution programme, which saw Lidl donate over 149 tonnes of food to 263 charities nationwide.

BIOMARIN INTERNATIONAL LTD. Making BioMarin site and local area more environmentally friendly. The Ringaskiddy area is home to a huge amount of companies predominately involved with the pharmaceutical industry. With thousands of people commuting to the area every day, a large energy consumption and build-up of litter and waste is inevitable. However, these factors can be minimised and BioMarin is doing its part to ensure this. The past year at BioMarin has seen huge advancements in energy saving technologies as well as a massive push from staff in terms of volunteering and making a difference in the area.

HEINEKEN IRELAND Reducing CO2 emissions ‘Drop the C’ in HEINEKEN Ireland Heineken’s ambition is to ‘Brew a Better World’ across the entire value chain, from barley to bar. It focuses on six areas where Heineken and its stakeholders believe it can have the biggest impact. Reducing carbon emissions is one of the six areas. In 2017, HEINEKEN Ireland focused on reducing CO2 emissions across the value chain – from brewing its beer and fermenting its cider to looking at how they transport it, cool it, and deal with its waste. Under the banner ‘Drop the C’ Heineken Ireland reduced emissions from production by 6 per cent, in distribution by 9 per cent, purchased 100 per cent green fridges and achieved zero waste to landfill. | CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 55

MNC : Multinational Company |

55

14/09/2018 12:06


E EXC

ENCE IN MARKETPLACE LL

CSR

AWARDS 2018 2018

A&L GOODBODY

ABBOTT NUTRITION

A family renuification case – Serge and Giresse Kanymuhanga

Certificate in Abbott Management & Leadership Programme for Directors of Nursing

A&L Goodbody solicitors helped Serge and Giresse Kanyamuhanga to reunite with their father after being separated for five years. This case is one example of how A&L Goodbody is assisting refugees in partnership with the Irish Refugee’s Council’s (IRC) Independent Law Centre. Since A&L Goodbody’s partnership with the IRC commenced, 108 of its lawyers have assisted 34 refugee cases delivering 4,185 hours of legal work. In this case, there were six lawyers assisting Serge and Giresse, delivering 161 hours. Serge and Giresse Kanyamuhanga had escaped from a war-torn country and the project assisted them to claim asylum status to apply for family reunification. The project has also had a positive impact for the lawyers involved, having used their skillsets to help clients in a lifechanging way.

56

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 56

Abbott is in the business of life. It believes that good health is not just about treating an illness or managing a medical condition – It’s about supporting people’s health so that they can live their best lives. The Abbott Management & Leadership Programme for Directors of Nursing, endorsed by the IITD, aims to improve the standard of care delivered to nursing home residents through the development of professional management practices and leadership behaviours. This bespoke programme has been designed for Nursing homes with their needs and requirements and the health of nursing home residents at the forefront.

BANK OF IRELAND GROUP PLC Bank of Ireland Workbench Workbench is a unique concept that connects entrepreneurs, Bank of Ireland colleagues and the local community by offering a free dedicated space for co-working, product launches, and events that support innovation, the local community and new ideas. It has reinvented what people expect from a local bank branch. The first Workbench was opened in January 2015 in Grand Canal Square. It proved to be of enormous success with over 360 events and 13, 000 people using the space in the first year. Following this, an additional five Workbenches have opened across the country with two more in Dublin along with branches in Galway, Limerick and Cork.

EIRGRID EirGrid’s Six-Step Approach for Public Participation in Grid Development EirGrid has developed a new six-step approach for public participation in grid development that begins at the initial identification of a project need and carries on to project energisation and completion. The new approach enhances EirGrid’s previous engineering approach to grid development, and transforms it into a holistic collaboration, which includes environmental, economic and social considerations. It focusses from the outset on open and transparent consultation and engagement placing significant emphasis on the consideration of social impact. In particular, it promotes public understanding of a project, and public participation in decision-making throughout. This is tightly aligned to two elements of Eirgrid’s CSR strategy: to value and support positive relationships, and to do the best job in the right way.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:06


EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE

IC –L

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

ARTHUR COX

eir

FRIENDS FIRST

Arthur Cox working in partnership with Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities

eir Wellness: Live Life, Live Well

Friends in the Workplace

Arthur Cox is working in partnership with Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) School of Education to provide students with opportunities for work experience in the corporate environment. Arthur Cox agreed to offer an intern placement to one of the students with an intellectual disability who is in his second year on the programme. Arthur Cox recognised how the student’s confidence grew with every week of the eight-week placement and also how he became part of the team environment. At the end of the work experience period, the firm offered the student a three-month paid work contract, which commenced in June 2018.

Eir is committed to providing a workplace environment that is welcoming and engaging; a place where employees can reach their full potential. For eir, employee wellness is about much more than health checks, gym memberships and flu jabs. It is about the whole person, company culture and care for the individual. The pillars of its wellness programme encapsulate just that… Live Well…. Be Well… Think Well. The wellness programme not only improves employee health but promotes workplace camaraderie and emotional wellbeing. An overview of year one achievements include: 300 people managers and safety representatives attending the eir Health, Safety and Wellbeing conference; almost 1,000 employees participating in full health screenings in 12 months; 290 people signing up for the eir Challenge.

CSR is a philosophy that incorporates every aspect of Friends First’s business, from its actions as an employer to how it engages with customers, financial brokers and the wider community. ‘Performance Through People’ is one of Friends First’s four core values. It sees the overall wellbeing of its people as a critical component for the company to thrive, enjoy its work and help Friends First achieve its objectives. Its Health & Wellness initiative is a part of the Friends In The Workplace programme. The initiative has been evolving since 2014 and has been helping staff make healthier choices, manage their mental state, improve their financial health and navigate change in their lives.

SL CONTROLS LTD Live Well at SL / Think Well at SL Live Well at SL and Think Well at SL are SL Controls’ workplace wellbeing programmes. Live Well at SL is an initiative by the company to promote good physical health among employees and Think Well at SL encourages a more open approach to mental health issues. The Live Well at SL/Think Well at SL projects contribute to the low staff turnover at SL Controls through its direct association with talent development and wellness programmes for SL Controls employees. The projects also ensure feedback for all SL Controls’ employees, dealing with any of the concerns that they may have in a quick and timely manner.

WILLIAM FRY William Fry Making a Difference in the Workplace In early 2017, William Fry launched a health and wellbeing programme under the banner of ‘William Fry Making a Difference in the Workplace’. The programme focused on providing staff with supports and programmes aimed specifically at areas that it had identified in a firm-wide survey as being important to them. Year one of the programme incorporated a variety of offerings including medical screenings on site; VDU eye testing; healthy food options in the on-site canteen; fitness and nutrition talks; positive thinking and resilience seminars. Year two is well underway and has seen the creation of a staff-led Health & Wellbeing Committee.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 57

LIC : Large Indigenous Company |

57

14/09/2018 12:06


E EXC

ENCE IN WORKPLACE – MNC LL

CSR

AWARDS 2018 2018

ABBOTT Abbott: Inspiring our people to LiveLifeWell LiveLifeWell, Abbott’s integrated wellness programme, is a holistic programme that helps employees learn about their health risks and encourages them to make healthy choices. Abbott is deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of its employees and understands that by supporting employee health, it enables a sustainable business, reduction in lost time, increased productivity while improving health, job satisfaction and self-image for employees. Abbott’s mission is to help people fulfil their potential through good health, and that starts with its employees.

58

| Multinational Company : MNC

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 58

BOOTS IRELAND

HEINEKEN IRELAND

Boots & See Change: De-stigmatising Mental Health

Growing with our Communities – bringing communities together to create green urban growing spaces in partnership with GIY

In 2017, Boots Ireland partnered with See Change, an alliance of over 100 organisations through the National Stigma Reduction Partnership to bring about positive change in attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health difficulties. This activity was supported through a range of activities including a video from the Boots Ireland leadership team explaining the context behind the partnership as well as the results from an online Mental Health survey completed by employees. More than 250 managers, assistant managers and other employees received training about how to support colleagues and break down stigma around mental Health. An online e-learning Mental Health module was also created for all employees.

In 2017, HEINEKEN Ireland launched an initiative with Grow it Yourself (GIY) to create green urban growing spaces that have a positive social, environmental and economic impact on communities. The programme was ‘rooted’ among its employees with 200 volunteers helping to create three Star Community Gardens in Cork, Dublin and Waterford. The company supported ten groups with seed funding to bring urban growing to local communities. There were several positive outcomes in employee engagement from this project – 90 per cent of participants said it allowed them to get to know colleagues from other functions while 95 per cent said they were very satisfied with the Growing with our Communities Volunteering Day. 100 per cent said it made them proud to work for HEINEKEN.

IBM I like it here! IBM’s ‘I like it here!’ programme is about making the workplace a great place by driving employee engagement and fostering a sense of community. It’s about engaging, motivating, inspiring loyalty and making employees happy. The ‘I like it here!’ programme has contributed to the engagement and experience of IBM employees not only in their lives within the workplace but also in helping to improve the lives of others in our communities. IBM measures employee engagement and participation in the programme through monthly meetings with stream leaders and quarterly reporting to executive sponsors. Activities are also recorded and published internally using communication media supports, such as video and newsletter, communities and blogs.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:06


EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE – M

NC

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

LIDL IRELAND AND LIDL NORTHERN IRELAND

VEOLIA IRELAND Veolia’s well-being evolution

Work Safe. Live Well. Lidl’s Work Safe. Live Well. programme has focused on creating an environment where the safety and wellbeing of its colleagues is prioritised. This ranges from their personal safety at work right through to their overall sense of wellbeing. Since last year, a number of targeted initiatives have been launched to support this strategy including: the continuing provision of water bottles and free fruit; a new health and wellness site on its colleague app; and expansion of its benefits package. Guided by employee feedback and aligned with key business objectives, Lidl has committed to creating a culture of wellbeing for each of its 5,000 colleagues across 190 plus sites around Ireland. Outcomes have included a 57 per cent increase in the number of employees participating in Lidl’s Volunteer Day.

The physical, mental and financial wellbeing of its people is at the heart of Veolia’s values. This is evidenced by how the business has embedded this concept into its business objectives, and how it is managing its wellbeing programme through its active risk strategy at a management level. By investing in its people, Veolia is improving its employer brand, thus promoting a more positive employee experience. Veolia’s active risk strategy moves it from a compliance mindset to one where risk is managed as a natural part of all activities. Whilst there is a central focus on wellbeing, this manifests itself locally through initiatives such as working with local charities, promoting healthy eating and raising general awareness around mental, physical and financial health.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 59

WORKDAY Workday: Fostering a Great Place to Work Workday has fostered a great workplace to attract and retain talented people. This ranges from providing an innovative physical workplace to designing thoughtful employee engagement. In October 2015, Workday moved from a 5,000 sq ft facility that started out with 18 employees to a new headquarters of 85,000 sq ft in Smithfield, Dublin 7. Workday set out to create a great workplace by focusing on the physical workplace and employee engagement. Workday’s efforts to foster a great workplace and involve employees directly were rewarded by winning the ‘Great Place to Work’ category in the Best Large Workplace 2017 competition and coming second place in the ‘Great Place to Work’ category for the Best Large Workplace 2018 competition.

The quality of the projects shortlisted, as well as the numbers of applications received, point to a growing culture of CSR leadership.”

MNC : Multinational Company |

59

14/09/2018 12:06


E EXC

ENCE IN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION LL

CSR

AWARDS 2018 2018

AIB GROUP iMatter – no matter who I am, how I look, where I’m from, I make a difference In the last three years, AIB Group has been on a journey to engender a culture of diversity and inclusion based on achieving real change in leadership, policies and practices as part of a programme called iMatter. The programme is built on four aspects: raising awareness; improving talent pipelines; creating a more modern work environment that encourages diversity; and actions to ‘mind the gap’ integrating family absences such as maternity leave into standard career planning. The programme has included a range of best-in-class people policies, unconscious bias training for over 1,400 people leaders, the establishment of employee network groups; and the setting of ambitious gender targets for board, c-suite and senior management representation.

60

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 60

DIAGEO IRELAND

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR

Learning for Life Refugee & Asylum Seeker Training Programme

The Enterprise RentA-Car Diversity, Career and Family Focus Programme

Learning for Life Refugee and Asylum Seeker Training Programme The Diageo Learning for Life Refugee and Asylum Seekers Programme is a pilot project, providing education, training and employment opportunities in the hospitality sector for newly arrived migrants. Through training and education, cultural learning and mentorship, Diageo and its staff, in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Immigrant Council of Ireland, have worked with a group of participants based in the Mosney Centre to train them to work in the hospitality sector and integrate into Irish work and life. After an intense programme, the group will gain a City and Guilds certificate and take part in a work placement which will hopefully lead them to having the confidence to go out and gain work in Ireland.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has followed a simple philosophy for more than 50 years – put your customers and employees first and business success will inevitably follow. Workplace diversity and inclusion is central to this philosophy and Enterprise is fully committed to creating a diverse and culturally aware workforce that mirrors the makeup of the communities it serves. With this philosophy in mind, the management team at Enterprise RentA-Car identified specific gaps in the demographics of its employees and implemented important strategic initiatives to begin closing those gaps. As a result of its focus and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Enterprise Rent-A-Car was successful in increasing the presence and visibility of diverse groups, including female, LGBT and people with disabilities within the business.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:06


EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY & INCLU ON SI

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

ESB Managing Successful Parenting Transitions Programme Working towards a more gender balanced leadership is a key priority for ESB and the Managing Successful Parenting Transitions Programme supports this aim. ESB recognises that organisations are at risk of losing talent if parenting transitions are not managed effectively and there can be challenges for individuals reintegrating back into the workforce after a maternity leave absence. To that end, the Diversity and Inclusion team within ESB developed a bespoke coaching-based programme – Managing Successful Parenting Transitions – for employees going though maternity/adoption and for line managers/ HR business partners, new Dads and the ESB executive coaching panel. Developed in conjunction with Talking Talent, the series of workshops provides participants with the confidence, knowledge and tools to navigate this transition smoothly.

FUJITSU IRELAND

VODAFONE IRELAND

The Women’s Business Network at Fujitsu (WBN@F)

Inclusive Talent Acquisition and Development to create a sustainable diverse and inclusive workplace

Fujitsu Ireland launched its Women’s Business Network @ Fujitsu in November 2016. This initiative is aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion amongst its 350 strong workforce. The network aims to get both sexes discussing the issues of working in maledominated industries. It is their hope that this network will serve as a launch pad for our employees to build on their success to date and ultimately reach their full potential. A key objective for Fujitsu Ireland’s network is to be ‘the place where women come to succeed’ so that Fujitsu Ireland can support its members to relate, grow and thrive from our pre-arranged events. This influences all that Fujitsu Ireland does and has led Fujitsu Ireland to set up quarterly feedback sessions via online surveys.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 61

This programme sought to address the short and longterm need to build a diverse and inclusive workplace through talent acquisition and development. Vodafone Ireland took a systemic approach to building diversity and inclusion into talent practices through process, technology and development programmes. This initiative included limiting bias in talent acquisition practices, creating inclusive programmes for flexible working and returner programmes and investing in skills for younger generations. This has allowed Vodafone Ireland to take a sustainable approach in ensuring it continues to build a diverse and inclusive workplace, one that helps achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.

More and more we are seeing that successful businesses are those that are sustainable and responsible.”

61

14/09/2018 12:06


WORK P

NICATI

COMMU

MA R

TPLACE KE

SHIP ER

VOLU N

CE LA

CSR

T E RING E

VERSITY DI

NS O

8 018 2 201 AWARDS

O NMENT

ITY UN

PARTN

COMM

INCLU S

IR

N IO

er 20th Septemb Thursday 4 Clayton Hotel, Road, Dublin Burlington

EN V

CHARITY

14/09/2018

V7.indd

OFC InBusiness

CSR 2018_Cover_

11:33

1

WORK P

ICA COMMUN TI

MA R

TPLACE KE

SHIP ER

VOLU N

CE LA

NS O

T E RING E

VERSITY DI

CSR

20 2018 AWARDS

O NMENT

ITY UN

PARTN

COMM

INCLU S

IR

N IO

ember 20th Sept Thursday l, Clayton Hote in 4 n Road, Dubl Burlingto

EN V

CHARITY

14/09/2018

11:33

.indd 1

2018_Cover_V7

VERSITY DI WORK P

NICATI COMMU

MA R

TPLACE KE

SHIP ER

VOLU N

CE LA

NS O

T E RING E

ess CSR

OFC InBusin

CSR

8 201 2018 AWARDS

PARTN

N IO

IR

O NMENT

ITY UN

INCLU S

COMM

ber 20th Septem Thursday 4 Clayton Hotel, Road, Dublin Burlington

EN V

CHARITY

14/09/2018

OFC InBusiness

_V7.indd

CSR 2018_Cover

11:33

1

e

g r a l & m u i ed m , l l a m s n i Available ations ital public ne dig i l n o ’s a Issuu. i d n e o M w e e l i l v i v o Ash ailable t a v a w o n e r villemedi a m/ash

uu.co www.iss

062 InBusiness CSR 2018_ISSUU.indd 1

14/09/2018 12:29


EXCELLENCE IN CSR BY AN

SM

E

CSR

AWARDS 2 2018 018

CONNECTOR

EARTH’S EDGE

FITNESS FREAK

Drivers of Change

Guide Exchange Programme

Free Fruit For All in South Tipperary General Hospital

As a new brand in the Irish market, mytaxi wanted to build its relationships with drivers and the Irish people. Based on one simple insight – taxi drivers love to talk – Drivers of Change was created. By partnering with Aware, Ireland’s leading mental health organisation, drivers were educated through workshops, enabling them to have impactful conversations with vulnerable passengers and become drivers of change. Drivers were empowered to become a new medium and a resource to challenge loneliness, depression and give helpful advice in an informal setting. The campaign reached over 11 million people and increased searches for Aware services by 89 per cent.

| CSR AWARDS 2018

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 63

Earth’s Edge is Ireland’s only fully licensed adventure travel company. It runs expeditions in 40 countries around the world, so it has a community here in Ireland and throughout the world. The Guide Exchange Programme was set up to give back to its global community. Earth’s Edge reached out to its Irish guides asking for their input in selecting the international guide most deserving of the opportunity. The aim of the project was threefold: to reward its excellent local guides; to improve the quality of its service by sharing ideas; and to boost awareness of its great local guides. The programme was extremely well received by the company’s clients and the local guides.

Free Fruit For All – a healthy food initiative in South Tipperary General Hospital was set up in June 2016 by Fitness Freak owner Richard Kennedy. In three locations within the hospital – paediatrics, outpatients and the staff canteen – apples from a local apple farm are supplied weekly without charge or inconvenience. These apples are sponsored by different local businesses each week. Richard meets the sponsors and promotes the fact they have sponsored that week’s supply of apples on his own social media platforms. The apples are collected and dropped off at the hospital by local Transition Year students who distribute them to the various departments.

HIMALAYA YOGA VALLEY CENTRE CORK Yoga in the Park Cork Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre Cork has been running Yoga in the Park Cork for the last four years at Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork city. This is a donationbased yoga class open to all members of the community in aid of the Cork Simon Community. It is held every Saturday at 10am from the months of June to September in partnership with the Cork Simon Community and Cork City Council. The event has grown considerably over the years with up to 250 people now participating in the class each week. Over the last four years, the event has raised over 40,000 for the Cork Simon Community and has helped to promote a giving culture in Cork.

63

14/09/2018 12:06


E EXC

ENCE IN CSR BY AN SME LL

CSR

AWARDS 2018 2018

OPENAPP

Recycle IT

REPUBLIC OF WORK

Rare100

Residents Electrical Recycling Initiative

Birthday Week in Aid of Pieta House

Recycle IT is a not-for-profit, social enterprise offering a friendly and needs-driven community recycling collection and drop-off service in Dublin. Collection teams pick up electrical and electronic equipment from communities across Dublin on a daily basis. Recycle IT focuses on providing services in areas where electrical recycling may be difficult to achieve for a range of economic and social reasons. Collection services were offered to over 88,000 homes in Dublin during 2017 with over 450 tonnes of once loved and well-used electrical items collected for recycling. The organisation works to promote a message of reduce, reuse and recycle, and regularly shares information through events in schools, county council offices and community groups.

Staff and members at REPUBLIC OF WORK spent the week of April 9th to 13th celebrating their official first year in business and fundraising for mental health charity Pieta House through a wide variety of activities and free events. The company held a coffee morning each morning with its partners Nespresso and was supported by local food companies who donated food for the fundraising events. In addition, REPUBLIC OF WORK offered companies and individuals free co-working spaces throughout the week to experience the facilities first-hand. It also ran a raffle throughout the week in aid of Pieta House with many prizes donated by the local community.

Rare diseases affect an estimated 300 million people around the world and 30 million in Europe alone. Despite this, there is no cure for the majority of rare diseases and many go undiagnosed. Establishing patient registries is crucial in rare diseases, especially ultra-rare diseases for which expertise is only available in very few centres worldwide. No individual institution, and very often no single country, has sufficient numbers of patients to conduct a study or a clinical trial. With Rare100, OpenApp provides a free webenabled patient registry for patient organisations of a population of less than 100 patients. This enables organisations to gather data which will ultimately help improve the lives of people suffering with rare diseases.

TECHNICALLY WRITE IT Charity and Community Involvement Committee Technically Write (TWi) has partnered with Cork Simon and Pieta House to support their excellent work helping people who are experiencing homelessness and suicidal distress, through fundraising, volunteering, and raising awareness. TWi has donated 51,450 to Cork Simon’s Housing Support Project and in 2017 raised 2,400 to fund the Pieta House resilience programme in four schools. TWi employees have given several hundred hours to help support and improve the quality of life for those people who are experiencing a difficult time in their life. These partnerships have established a strong and positive, mutually beneficial relationship.

TICO MAIL WORKS Tico Mail Works Renewable Energy Electric Car To Work Scheme Tico Mail Works, which employs 38 people, uses only renewable energy. To reduce its carbon footprint Tico introduced a ‘renewable electric car to work’ scheme which facilitated the purchase of company-owned electric vehicles by staff. Over time and as it progresses, this initiative will reduce to zero the total carbon footprint of the company attributable to transport. This will enable the company to cooperate in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable Clean Energy), 9 (Innovation), 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption) and 13 (Climate Action).

64

042 InBusiness CSR 2018_Shortlisted Projects.indd 64

| CSR AWARDS 2018

14/09/2018 12:07


Pat McDonagh, Owner Supermac’s, Trócaire Supporter.

“ my business has helped children children go go to to

school and and provided provided

water to

vulnerable villages in in

zimbabwe “

Find out what your business can do by partnering with Trócaire: Please contact us on 00 353 1 629 3333 or visit trocaire.org Trócaire Head Office, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland Irish Charity No. CHY 5883

Trocaire Corporate A4 FINAL.indd 1 1 IBC InBusiness CSR Ad 2018_Trocaire.indd

05/09/2016 14/09/201809:51 11:40


Building the present, creating the future Delivering construction solutions, within budget and on time, for: ·FDI Hi-Tech Facilities ·Data Centres ·Healthcare Facilities ·Commercial Offices ·Biopharma ·Pharmaceutical ·Civic Buildings ·Education ·Fit-out ·Infrastructure ·PPP Investment And FM Services

www.bamireland.ie

Building in Ireland for 60 years; it’s in our DNA

244990_1C_BAM_JM_Chambers CSR.indd 1

14/09/2018 11:36


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.