Engaging with charities and communities is a growing priority for East Midlands businesses, according to survey data set to be unveiled at a summit in Derby this week.
East Midlands Chamber’s Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) summit will take place at the University of Derby on Thursday 11th July, where the research conducted by Derby Business School and Loughborough Business School will be presented.
The summit is produced in partnership with the University of Derby, Ideagen, Futures Housing Group and Foundation Derbyshire and will be formed of inspirational talks, workshops and seminars to help businesses build strong relationships with community organisations and charities. Around 30 regional organisations will exhibit on the day.
The summit draws on two of East Midlands Chamber’s business goals – to be an ‘architect of change’ in the local business community and to champion responsible business in the region.
East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins is expected to urge businesses in the region to prioritise Corporate and Social Responsibility. He will say: “Healthy, positive communities are not just a nice-to-have. Supporting them thoughtfully and well is not just ticking a CSR box. It’s an essential part of a sound, thriving society and economy. Businesses that recognise this have an opportunity to really engage with consumers and staff, and to demonstrate the importance of prioritising things that are much wider reaching than just their own short-term profit. Those that don’t recognise or prioritise CSR risk getting left behind the growing number of businesses that make it a key focus.”
Speakers confirmed for this year include:
- Dr Nicola Lynch – Head of Business School, University of Derby
- Claire Knee – Global Community and Social Impact Lead, Ideagen
- Hafsa Mitha – Philanthropy Executive, Community Foundation Leicestershire and Rutland
- Kirsty Yates – Housing Operations Manager, Futures Housing Group
- Sophie Harding – Community Engagement Project Delivery Manager, Futures Housing Group
- Dr Barbara Tomasella – University of Derby
- Dr Elaine Conway – Loughborough University
- Stuart Dawkins – President, East Midlands Chamber
Highlights from the East Midlands Corporate and Social Responsibility Survey*
- Six out of 10 organisations in the East Midlands engage with CSR
- Larger firms have higher CSR engagement than smaller ones
- 9 out 10 large businesses in the East Midlands have CSR engagement
- 4 out of small businesses said they have CSR engagement
- Charitable activities are the most the most popular CSR activity for East Midlands businesses, followed by environmental activities
