CSR Awards 2017 Shortlist Announced
Chambers Ireland have officially announced the shortlist for the 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. With fifty companies shortlisted across the fourteen categories, this year’s CSR Awards displays a diverse range of projects from all industries and sectors, from SMEs to MNCs, across every region of Ireland.
Allan Shine, CEO of County Kildare Chamber said this morning (17th July) . “We are particularly delighted to see that so many of our members are shortlisted:
Bank of Ireland
Intel
KBC
Bord na Mona.
Announcing the shortlist, Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to announce this year’s shortlist which highlights the depth of commitment to CSR from across the Irish business community. Each year the role of CSR in the Irish business community in Ireland grows in strength and we have witnessed this through the applications which we receive to the Awards increasing in terms of quality and social impact. CSR practices are becoming mainstream in an increasing number of companies across Ireland. This has a positive impact not just for the beneficiaries, the community, the environment but also positively impacts on the businesses involved. Government has played an important role in promoting such activity through a continued commitment to CSR, which included the recent launch of the second National Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility, “Towards Responsible Business.” We are immensely proud to play a role in the recognition of CSR best practice through the showcasing of excellent projects in the annual CSR Awards. I would like to wish all shortlisted applicants the best of luck.”
The Chambers Ireland CSR Awards are partnered with Business in the Community Ireland, sponsored by BAM Contractors and run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Mr Michael Ring T.D. said, “The principles of Corporate Social Responsibility fit very well with my own Department’s objectives of promoting and supporting the sustainable and inclusive development of communities.” The Minister emphasised and acknowledged the tremendous role that CSR has to play in Ireland today, in all aspect of everyday life from the small group to the largest of communities. Young and old alike benefit as a result of philanthropic funding and other CSR activities. The business sector to its great credit regularly steps up to the plate to improve the lives of their employees and to enhance the civic environment in which they operate. They are about community building which is one sure way that as a society we will all progress and prosper together.
“CSR” the Minister said “enables companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interactions with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis”. The CSR Awards programme run by Chambers Ireland pays tribute to the pivotal work currently being carried out by Irish and multinational companies, to enhance the civic environment in which they operate. Minister Ring concluded in saying that his Department is committed in its support of these CSR awards which he feels demonstrates in a simple but practical way, how Government continues to assist with the development of CSR.
Ronan Murphy, Chairperson of Business in the Community Ireland commented, “Business in the Community Ireland, as the primary network for corporate social responsibility and sustainability, congratulates all the shortlisted companies. In an era where transparency and accountability are key to employees, customers, investor and other key stakeholders, we continue to witness companies and CEOs under the microscope when it comes to acceptable behaviours and ethics. Being able to effectively communicate good corporate practices and sustainability impact is crucial to business success. These awards provide a great platform to recognise this and, accordingly, I wish all the shortlisted companies the very best for the awards.”
Theo Cullinane, Chief Executive at BAM Ireland, said: “One of the pleasing things about having sponsored this event for a number of years has been watching it grow, as more and more companies become aware of the importance of CSR. At BAM, CSR is a core tenet of our business. We are, first and foremost, a construction business, and, when you build something, it is with a view that it will last. You often hear people talking about projects being future-proof, and the CSR initiatives that we celebrate with these awards are about making that future brighter and more sustainable.”
Awards will be presented across fourteen categories including Excellence in Community (sub-divided into Partnership with Charity, Community Programme and Volunteering), Supporting Youth Employment, Environment, Marketplace, Workplace, Communication, and CSR by an SME. One company will also be presented with the Outstanding Achievement in CSR Award at the ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4 on Thursday 7th September.