Latest news
The Innovation Imperative: Taking CSR from Risk Management to Value Creation
Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (ACCSR) 5th Annual Conference The Innovation Imperative: Taking CSR from Risk Management to Value Creation took place on Wednesday the 15th of February in Melbourne.
This year’s conference explored the relationship between CSR and innovation. A great line up of speakers provided valuable insights of the ways companies (and other organisations) are using CSR approaches to innovate their practices and policies at several levels in their business.
Over 150 delegates took the opportunity to meet with their peers, to hear concrete examples of best practices in Australia and overseas as well as shared examples, dilemmas and ideas.
Please see the Conference report for further information
Business Gain Trust
8 February 2012
While faith in government continues to nosedive, public trust in the media and business worlds is on a high in Australia, bucking a trend of growing distrust around the globe.
In its annual trends report, JWT Intelligence anticipates a rise in corporate social responsibility programs that emphasise shared value between businesses and communities.
According to the report, “Rather than simply doling out cheques to good causes, some corporations are starting to shift their business models, integrating social issues into their core strategies.
“The aim is to create shared value, a concept that reflects the growing belief that generating a profit and achieving social progress are not mutually exclusive goals.”
Article in full (MarketingMag)
Australian Consumers Switch Brands to Support Charity
2 December 2011
New Australian research shows that companies whose brands, products and services support a charity will win favour with consumers, especially women. The research found that almost 1/4 of consumers have already switched from their usual product/service to another, in the last year, because of its support of a cause/charity.
The 2011 survey of 1200 consumers, conducted by Di Marzio Research was commissioned by corporate-cause partnership experts, Cavill + Co. The research also found that women are far more likely to switch than men, and the trend to switch has risen since the GFC in 2008.
Cavill + Co Director, Hailey Cavill says “We asked people to show their level of agreement with this statement: “In the last year I have switched from my usual product/service to another product/service because of its support of a cause of charity.” “The key finding was that 24 % of Australians have indeed switched brands in the past year because of that brand’s support for a cause or charity,” said Cavill.
The research data from Cavill + Co
News article in full (Pro Bono Australia)
Our portal launched with the assistance of Australian of the Year Simon McKeon
This Community Business Partnerships portal was launched at a Business Booster Breakfast held at the Karralyka Centre, where guest speaker Australian of the Year Simon McKeon encouraged businesses to invest in their community.
In his speech at the launch Simon provided high praise for the portal and informed the full house that he had criss-crossed the country extensively this year and talked to many organisations. He said he was not aware of anything like what has been produced. Simon’s support for the portal also includes a foreword he provided outlining the benefits that can come from investing in the local community.
Frank Dixon, CEO of Maroondah City Council, informed guests that Community Business Partnerships is an area that local government can increasingly play a role in – through identifying community needs, brokering partnerships and advocacy. Over the past twelve months, Council has brokered assistance for the 14 community organisations. This has been through advice with a series of guest speakers explaining how a partnership with a business can be mutually beneficial.
See article in Maroondah Leader 16 November - Australian of the Year backs Maroondah project
Judy Duff Melba Support Services, Clare Grundy Monkami,
Simon McKeon Australian of the Year, Lisa Lawler Irabina Childhood Autism Services
Rotary Community Service Awards
The 2012 Rotary Community Service Awards aim to recognise the great partnerships developing between businesses/organisations/corporations and community organisations that deliver services to those most in need... this is where business meets the community!
These awards are designed to acknowledge these wonderful relationships as well as your commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and supporting those less fortunate or in need. This event will provide community service agencies with greater exposure and will showcase some of the amazing work being done by them in the community.
Prizes are awarded to the community service partner whilst the nominated business partner will receive a plaque in recognition of their efforts and will be acknowledged on stage for their great contribution.
Nominations close Friday 30 March 2012
Nomination forms and further information are available from the community service awards web site