Thank you EmbarkCSR

CSR is for a everyone.....

On Friday 12th November 2021, I attended a fabulous launch event for EmbarkCSR

Not only was I there to attend & lend my support, but Chris & Stacey had asked if I would say a few words around CSR, who I am, where I work & why I do what I do.

Truly humbled to be asked, I didn’t hesitate & readily accepted.

I spoke after the very wonderful Dr Divya Jyoti from De Montfort University’s Castle Business School, who had spoken passionately about her hands on experience with CSR in India & here in Leicester.

Here are some of the key parts of my talk:-

I am Jon Woodcock & I am the Training Development Officer for VAL (Voluntary Action Leicestershire).

VAL are 56 years old & this is what we do every day:-

• Accredited volunteer centre for Leicester & Leicestershire
• Assist rural communities into employment, training or education through specialist & personalised support
• Provide support & guidance to Charities & Non-Profits, helping them to develop & grow. As well as help to shape & influence public policy – locally, regionally & nationally
• Help young individuals aged 15 to 24 years with specialist & mentor support to overcome barriers that prevents employment
• Assist family members who are unemployed to find support in finding work or training opportunities
• We help those with disabilities to be more independent, to learn, as well as look at new employment & education opportunities

Although we are talking about CSR on 12th November 2021, the term Corporate Social Responsibility was officially outlined by American economist Howard Bowen in his publication?Social Responsibilities of the Businessman in 1953, nearly 70 years (actually it’s been around since the Industrial Revolution in 1800’s, but not specifically classed as CSR).

Here is an idea:-

• If you are a Non-Profit please raise your left hand.
• If you are in Business please raise your right hand.
• Take a moment, please look around & take the opportunity to talk with one another…..(but let’s wait until I have finished speaking)
• Chatting to one another is the beginnings of CSR
• It all begins with talking

Talking with one another is one of the most fundamental basic principles in anything we do whether that is in Life, or in Business, Non Profit or Public Sector – communication is key & talking to each other is essential to good communication!!

If we don’t talk, how do we know who needs help or who can help???

It could just be the start of a beautiful relationship!!!!!

So to help, here are 3 Core Questions to ask yourselves about CSR:-

1.?????What do you want to get out of CSR

2.?????How is CSR going to benefit you

3.?????Why do you need to use CSR

Earlier this year I was present (virtually) at a CSR Summit, lots of discussions with lots of information.

But 2 things caught my attention:-

a.?????Lots of Businesses that want to do something through CSR but not sure what or which Charities or Non-Profits to talk with?

b.?????Lots of Charities & Non-Profits that need help, assistance, money, your expertise. However, they are not sure how to go about it & which businesses would be right for them?

As we are talking about CSR, here are some interesting facts:

• VAL have access to 6000+ Charities & Non-Profits in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.
• Leicester & Leicestershire is the largest economy in the East Midlands, with a GVA of ￡23 Billion
• Leicester & Leicestershire is mostly made up of some 42,000 SME Businesses,
• There are also some large influential companies - Sytner Group, Walkers, Barratt Developments, Next, Santander, Triumph, Samworth Brothers, etc, etc
• East Midlands International Airport also happens to be one of the largest?UK’s pure cargo airports, second only to Heathrow.
• Three world class Universities – University of Loughborough, De Montfort University & where we are today at University of Leicester – who contribute over 17,000 graduates into the workforce per annum

This, in part, puts into context how important Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland are, not just to our own economic & social growth, but to UK & International economies.

Take a moment & just imagine what could be accomplished when Charities & Non-profits have the opportunity to talk with all these fantastic SME’s & Corporate Businesses.

For those of you that know me, know that, I love this City & County (not just football & rugby)

I am passionate about our tomorrow!!

I truly believe we, in Leicester, have a unique camaraderie that isn’t found anywhere else…..

We were in lockdown for over 12 months with little or no funding from Government & yet we are still here, standing tall & proud of who we are, how we achieved what we did & why we are the best!!!!!

So…..

Let’s take that passion, drive, determination & use it positively for all our local communities

Let’s talk about the greater good & what we can accomplish

Let’s work together for what is ours

Let’s help Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

Let’s build greatness through Business into Non-Profit & right back into Business…..& keep doing it!

My name is Jon Woodcock

I have the honour, privilege & pleasure of helping charities, nonprofits & businesses be better at what, how & why they do what they do!!

If like me you want to help

Then I would very much like that opportunity to talk

Let’s see what we can all do

CSR…..

It’s not just for Business

It’s for all of us

Take care, stay safe & I look forward to talking with you very soon.