Ireland can become an international Centre for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility
Awards to recognise excellence in CSR launched today
Chambers Ireland today (10/3/16) announced that applications for the 2016 CSR Awards are now open. The Awards recognise the positive work done by the business community for the benefit of their employees, the local community and the environment. This unique competition offers the business community in Ireland a chance to promote their Corporate Social Responsibility activities and gain recognition for best practice.
Speaking at the launch, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said, “These Awards recognise best practice in Corporate Social Responsibility in Ireland, now in their thirteenth year, it is clear to see the rapidly growing importance of CSR to Irish businesses strategy. This presents an opportunity for Ireland to differentiate itself from international competitors by promoting ourselves as a nation focused on responsible business. It is by working together to develop and promote Corporate Social Responsibility through groups such as the National Stakeholder Forum, that Irish businesses can show leadership internationally in responsible business practices. Ireland can become an international centre of CSR excellence and attract investment from the many international companies and funds that have CSR as a core business activity.”
Kieran McGowan, Chairperson Business in the Community Ireland said, “The Sustainable Development Goals launched last year demand a new role and commitment from business. Companies in Ireland need to understand how the goals relate to them and to showcase what they are achieving and what impacts are being made. Awards can help communicate these impacts to stakeholders so we encourage companies of all sizes and from all sectors to enter.”
Theo Cullinane, BAM Ireland Chief Executive said “BAM is proud to once again promote responsible business in Ireland through our sponsorship of the CSR Awards this year. Sustainability is not only a key value for BAM; it is at the very heart of our strategic plans for growth and development. It is incredibly heartening to see an increasing number of Irish businesses share this view. I’d like to wish all entrants and everybody in Chambers Ireland and Business in the Community the very best of luck for this year’s awards.”
Award categories include: Excellence in Environment, Community (divided into Charity, Volunteering and Community Programme), Workplace, Marketplace, Supporting Youth Employment, CSR Communication, Best SME and the overall Outstanding Achievement in CSR Award.
The launch of the thirteenth annual CSR Awards took place in Ulster Bank Head Office, George’s Quay, Dublin. Ulster Bank were the winners of the 2015 outstanding achievement in CSR Award. The awards are run in association with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, partnered by Business in the Community Ireland and kindly sponsored by BAM Ireland. The applications are now open and information and application forms can be found at www.csrawards.ie. The closing date for nominations is Thursday 21st April 2016.
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For further information contact Susan McDermott, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4331, 086 6081605 or email susan.mcdermott@www.chambers.ie
Notes to Editor:
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About Chambers Ireland
Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s largest business organisation with a network of Chambers of Commerce in every major town and region in the country. We facilitate the growth and development of the Irish Chamber Network and enable the Chambers in the network to effectively promote the long term development of their locality on behalf of their members as well as working towards creating a better environment for business by lobbying the Government and other stakeholders on key policy issues.
About BAM Ireland
Established in 1958, BAM Group Ireland (formerly known as Ascon), whose affiliates include BAM Civil, BAM Building, BAM PPP and BAM Rail, is a registered Irish company managed by Irish professionals. The company employs over 2,000 people directly and indirectly. Its principal activities are building contracting and civil engineering in the public, private and PPP sectors. Other activities include rail infrastructure, facility management and property development.
About Business in the Community Ireland
Business in the Community Ireland is a unique movement of companies committed to responsible business practices. Their purpose is to inspire, challenge and support business in continually improving its positive impact on society in the community, environment, marketplace and workplace.
About The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government’s mission is to promote sustainable development and improve quality of life through protection of the environment, infrastructure provision, balanced regional development and good local government.
Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally.