BSA commits to new Corporate Responsibility Charter

22 April 2009

The BSA has published this week its Corporate Responsibility Charter 2009 – ‘People, Marketplace, Environment, Community: The principles and commitments of BSA member companies’.

This Charter updates the ‘BSA CSR Code of Practice’ originally published in 2004. As with its predecessor this is a statement of BSA Corporate Responsibility Values which has been drawn up by BSA members in conjunction with BSA Strategic Partners, and has been formally approved by the BSA Council.

It reflects the shared views and commitments of all concerned. As signatories of this document, BSA member companies have made clear their commitment to further the corporate responsibility agenda in order to invest in people, the market, the environment and the community. The BSA will take responsibility for revising and updating this Charter annually.

BSA members are involved across the full range of public service provision – including health, education, food, waste management, defence, and housing. They are also specialist providers of services such as building maintenance, engineering, communications and catering in the private sector. Members will also be involved with the staging of the Olympics.

Mark Fox, BSA Chief Executive, said: “BSA members take corporate responsibility extremely seriously and are leaders in the field. The publication today of the BSA Corporate Responsibility Charter reflects the priority the industry puts on this issue.”

The Charter states:

Corporate Responsibilitv: The Vision
A well integrated corporate responsibility strategy provides many benefits for both businesses and the communities around them. Responsible business can help companies to innovate and develop new products and services, access new markets, enhance skills and minimise risk. Sustainability initiatives contribute to long-term value, something which in the current economic climate is essential.

Principles and Commitments of BSA Member Companies:

Principle: Promoting Excellence in our People
People development is identified as one of the key areas in which responsible business practice can make a difference. Investment in training and skills enables business to build a workforce able to compete in a highly competitive global market.

BSA members therefore pledge to:
..unlock the potential in all our employees and fully utilise their talents
.. invest in work-based and national training schemes seek continual improvements in health and safety performance

Principle: To ensure a competitiveleffective Marketplace
Being a responsible business in the marketplace involves achieving success by meeting social needs, treating customers and suppliers fairly and with respect, and not irresponsibly exploiting market position.

BSA members will therefore:
..apply consistently high standards of corporate governance and business ethics
to our organisations and supply chain
..commit to providing long-term investment and creating sustainable value for
shareholders.

Principle: To ensure the Environment is safeguarded
The challenges posed by climate change and environmental sustainability are among the most difficult issues facing society. Including the environment in the corporate responsibility agenda ensures the business contribution to the UK's sustainable development goals.

BSA members will therefore strive to:
..accurately measure, report and continue to minimise, our impact on the environment source materials and procure services in a sustainable manner
..consistently work on developing new products and services to address environmental challenges.

Principle: To seek proactive involvement in the Community
This principle recognises that how a company recruits, purchases and invests can create opportunities to build thriving communities as well as stronger businesses. BSA members employ many people from the local community, creating more jobs as their business grows.

BSA members will endeavour to:
..work in partnership with communities to create opportunities for local people invest time, resources and expertise into the communities we work within BSA members will strive to continue to improve their involvement in these four areas with the help of key stakeholders, the Government and suppliers.