How can you make your CSR performance driver program more equitable?

1 Align your CSR goals with your core values

The first step to creating an equitable CSR program is to align your CSR goals with your core values and mission. This will help you identify the most relevant and meaningful social and environmental issues that you want to address, and the best ways to do so. Your CSR goals should also be aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a global framework for addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. By aligning your CSR goals with your core values and the SDGs, you will ensure that your CSR program is consistent, credible, and coherent.

2 Involve your stakeholders in your CSR decision-making

The second step to creating an equitable CSR program is to involve your stakeholders in your CSR decision-making process. Your stakeholders are the people who are affected by or have an interest in your business activities, such as your customers, employees, suppliers, communities, regulators, and investors. By engaging them in your CSR decision-making, you will gain valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and expectations. You will also build trust, loyalty, and collaboration with them. You can involve your stakeholders in your CSR decision-making by conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, or online platforms.

3 Measure and report your CSR performance and impact

The third step to creating an equitable CSR program is to measure and report your CSR performance and impact. This will help you track your progress, evaluate your outcomes, and communicate your results. Measuring and reporting your CSR performance and impact will also help you demonstrate your accountability, transparency, and credibility to your stakeholders. You can measure and report your CSR performance and impact by using indicators, standards, frameworks, or tools that are relevant, reliable, and comparable. For example, you can use the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the B Impact Assessment, or the Social Return on Investment (SROI) method.

4 Learn and improve your CSR practices

The fourth step to creating an equitable CSR program is to learn and improve your CSR practices. This will help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and adjust your strategies and actions accordingly. Learning and improving your CSR practices will also help you foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement in your organization. You can learn and improve your CSR practices by collecting feedback, conducting audits, benchmarking, or participating in networks or forums.

5 Celebrate and recognize your CSR achievements

The fifth step to creating an equitable CSR program is to celebrate and recognize your CSR achievements. This will help you motivate and reward your employees, customers, suppliers, and partners for their contributions and support. Celebrating and recognizing your CSR achievements will also help you raise awareness, inspire others, and showcase your leadership and reputation. You can celebrate and recognize your CSR achievements by organizing events, issuing certificates, publishing stories, or creating awards.

6 Collaborate and partner with other CSR actors

The sixth and final step to creating an equitable CSR program is to collaborate and partner with other CSR actors. This will help you leverage your resources, skills, and networks, and amplify your impact and reach. Collaborating and partnering with other CSR actors will also help you address complex and systemic challenges that require collective and coordinated action. You can collaborate and partner with other CSR actors by joining coalitions, alliances, platforms, or initiatives that share your vision and values.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?