Promoting a European Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility - BT Response to EU Green Paper
15 January 2002, 16:06 CET
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly high on companies' agendas and is rarely out of the media and political spotlights. But what does it mean? In essence, CSR is about the role companies can play in establishing sustainable growth, ensuring social cohesion and promoting quality of employment. A tall order perhaps, but one which has benefits for community and business alike.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There are six main points to the BT response. One theme ties them together: that the most appropriate role for the EU is to spread best practice and promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an integral part of successful business.
- Provide clarity on where (and how) the proposed EU Framework for CSR fits in relation to other EU strategies and activities, such as on Sustainable Development or the 6th Environment Action Programme
- Apply clear principles in defining the EU's role, by identifying which component parts of CSR are most appropriately located at the national, European or global levels.
- Encourage Best Practice in CSR by replicating the UK Pensions Disclosure Act across Europe.
- Do not establish a new EU Code of Conduct.
- Give a clear statement of support to the Global Reporting Initiative as the most appropriate means for measuring performance against economic, social and environmental criteria.
- Set out an "EU Declaration on Corporate Social Responsibility".
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