Sustainability Report 2016
2 Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO In recent years the idea of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has moved from nice to have to today s absolutely must have. For us CSR encompasses the economic, environmental and social aspects of our activities and our interactions with members. As part of Cork Chamber s continued efforts to drive CSR participation in 2016 we proudly partnered with Cope Foundation on their Grand Job campaign. The aim of Grand Job is to support people with intellectual disabilities to find paid employment. We are extremely grateful to the Cork business community for responding so positively to the campaign and providing opportunities for twelve people to engage in meaningful employment and contribute to society, as we all wish to do. We are also delighted to have been one of the employers who engaged with the initiative and are currently experiencing first-hand the positive influence inclusion in the workplace brings. Most recently we have introduced an Employee Volunteer Programme. The intention of this programme is to create community engagement opportunities for our employees that are meaningful, purposeful and helps those in need. As we develop a formal CSR policy this sustainability report looks to highlight where we are now and help us to make a plan for the future. Conor Healy CEO, Cork Chamber STATEMENT OF INTENT Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of their workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large. Cork Chamber occupies a vital role in leading and developing business activity and growth in the Cork Region. Our promise Works for Your Business reflects the Chamber s member-centric approach in driving our members businesses forward and leading the successful growth of both the Chamber membership and our regional economy. We understand that our commitment to our members is our most vital product and through the authentic relationships we create we are building better, stronger and more sustainable communities in the places where we work, live and play. Responsibility and Accountability are issues we take very seriously here at Cork Chamber. We seek to lead by example. Organisations who take such a lead in CSR tend to be leaders in everything they do. Our promised positioning as the leading business organisation for the promotion and development of economic and commercial activity in the Region is held in high regard and to this end we aim to be a leader in CSR and to lead by example for our 1200 member companies and our team.
Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 3 WHAT WE DO Cork Chamber is the leading business organisation for the promotion and development of economic and commercial activity in the Cork Region, representing almost 1,200 companies employing in excess of 100,000 people. Cork Chamber is a dynamic and proactive organisation committed to supporting business, it is our objective to provide you with the necessary tools and resources to grow, promote and develop your business regionally, nationally and internationally. Our services cater for businesses of all sizes and across a variety of sectors, the Chamber has tailored and targeted packages to suit business needs, at all stages of an organisation s development from starting up to trading internationally. Providing networking events, training for business, export documentation, trade information, business promotion and other business support services as well as influencing decisions and lobbying on behalf of businesses, membership of Cork Chamber will provide excellent value for money and a measurable return on investment. The Chamber team consists of 17 employees who are always on hand to assist members when they need it. HOW WE DO IT Our Vision To create the best possible business environment for our members by being the most impactful and influential business organisation for the Cork region. Our Mission Our mission is to challenge and influence economic policy decision makers, and actively engage and connect members by developing, promoting and encouraging economic growth and commercial activity inclusive of all members needs and interests. Our Values proactive strategic inclusive relevant member centric diverse respect challenging agile passionate innovative sustainable leaders
4 Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 COMMUNITY to work and there is still a real lack of awareness of the valuable contribution that people with disabilities can make to any workplace. The success of the Grand Job campaign has started changing attitudes and we would like to continue to raise awareness among the business community of this hugely important issue. Support for not-for-profit and charitable organisations Our staff and organisation provide both monetary and other support to a wide range of charitable and not-for-profit organisations based in Cork and beyond. In the last 18 months alone, we have supported over 30 organisations through fundraising and donations. Our membership network includes over 40 charities and we are conscious of the role that we can play to support these organisations and raise awareness of their causes. To that end we offer a discounted rate to Charities whilst also offering them access to the full range of our services. Highlights from the last 18 months include: Grand Job Grand Job was launched in May 2015 and was Cope Foundation s first advocacy campaign promoting the equal participation of people with disabilities in the workforce. As part of Cork Chamber s continued efforts to drive CSR participation we immediately saw the opportunity to bring this initiative to the business community. The original aim of the campaign was to secure 10 job pledges within the year, a target which has been exceed with 12 people currently in employment and matching processes still in place. We in Cork Chamber currently employ one person as a result of this fantastic initiative. There is still a lot to be done on changing attitudes and promoting the rights of people with a disability Graffiti Removal Cork Chamber was approached by community organisation The Peoples Republic of Cork to promote their clean up our city initiative. A team of 12 from Cork Chamber partook in the removal of graffiti from Patrick Street in Cork City. Initiatives Our staff are supported to partake in volunteering initiatives, in the community and with charities as they offer us the opportunity to lead by example for our business network while also supporting the wider community. We have supported various initiatives either financially and/or by giving staff time to work on these projects. Initiatives that we have supported in the last 18 months include iwish, Purple Flag, Long Table Dinner, Heel Appeal, Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day, Pull Up Your Socks, Focus Ireland Sleep Out, Charity Hole @ Golf Classic, Charity Draw @ Annual Christmas Lunch, Grant Thornton Run, Job Shadow, Supported multiple charity flag days, 160 year of Cork Opera House, and Everyman 120 Years. Supporting the Next Generation Junior Chamber International Cork JCI Cork is a non-profit and voluntary organisation of young professionals in their 20 s and 30 s. Cork Chamber provides mentoring and guidance to the Board of Junior Chambers International along with getting involved and supporting the Friendly Business Awards and the Outstanding Young People of the Year Awards.
Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 5 Joe Gantly The late Joe Gantly made a significant contribution to industry and education in the Cork area. He served as Director of European Operations at Apple Computers, President of Cork Chamber, Chairman of the Cork Airport Authority and as a Governor of UCC. In order to commemorate his contribution to Cork s business community (and to UCC), Cork Chamber donates a sum annually to establish the Joe Gantly Prize in Engineering. The prize is awarded each year to the Best Student on the Work Placement module in the BE (Hons) programmes at UCC. UCC Commerce Society The UCC Commerce Society is completely run by students in UCC. They support the experience of Commerce students, and represent their interests within the UCC community and further afield, by providing opportunities for their professional and personal development. Cork Chamber offers complementary membership to the Commerce Society and also provides sponsorship and support to the Annual Commerce Conference. Rubicon/Ignite Rubicon & Ignite are incubation centres in UCC & CIT for higher education graduates of any discipline to create jobs and nurture entrepreneurship and accelerate business start-ups etc. Cork Chamber offers complimentary membership to individuals undertaking these programmes with access to the full suite of member benefits. Employment opportunities Every year, Cork Chamber offers work placements of varying lengths to students from local schools and colleges as well as international students.
6 Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 ENVIRONMENT Minimising environmental impact Cork Chamber of Commerce recognises that small steps can make a difference to the environment. Below are examples of simple initiatives we undertake aimed at minimising our environmental impact. We recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, ink cartridges and food waste. We reduce waste by having the default setting for printing to double-sided and issuing documents such as invoices via email where feasible. We are mindful of our water usage and have introduced measures to reduce the water used in our toilets and regularly check for leaks in our water supply. We use energy efficient light bulbs across the majority of our premises. We encourage our staff to use environmentally friendly transport to work options by providing the Cycle to Work Scheme and shower facilities on site. well as improving the public transport system. We are also proud to form part of an Energy Cork project steering group partnering with representatives from Energy Cork, Bus Éireann, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Gas Networks Ireland and University College Cork. This group is focussed on achieving a shift to a low carbon public transport service for the Cork city public bus fleet. Playing a role in environmental sustainability in the community As a business forum, Cork Chamber is conscious of the role it can play in promoting and supporting environmental sustainability of Cork City and environs. Hence we are involved in a number of initiatives dedicated to greening our local community. For example, we are a member of the Cork City Centre Movement Strategy, which is a strategic plan to improve the transport function of the city centre over a ten year period, with a focus on improving streets for pedestrians and cyclists as
Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 7 WORKPLACE throughout our organisation. These include white boards in our kitchen to share what s going on in a particular week including birthday celebrations; fortnightly staff meetings; and an online suggestions box where staff can make suggestions or express concerns anonymously. Staff development & Training We are cognisant of the importance of providing constructive feedback to our staff on their performance in order to support their development. Our annual Performance Reviews allow each team member the opportunity to reflect on his or her own performance, taking into account the feedback to work to continuously improve their contribution to the Chamber. Each role has clear competencies associated with it and staff complete Personal Development Plans annually. Through this we identify any necessary training or up-skilling requirements which are formalised into an individual training plan for all staff. Some of this training can be provided through BiznetCork Skillnet, the Cork Chamber Business School, which comprises an evolving portfolio of business skills training courses, to develop their skills and knowledge across a range of subject areas. We also support any staff member who wishes to pursue a qualification that is related to their role through time off and financial contributions to course fees. Health and Safety Employee Health and Safety is something we take seriously and two of our staff are trained in administering First Aid. Our Health and Safety Policy provides an outline of the expected behaviours and actions to safeguard staff. In compliance with our requirement to provide a safe place and safe system of work we undertake annual fire drills and staff are given ergonomic assessments upon joining. Employee Wellbeing We appreciate the importance of supporting our staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We recognise that each employee has individual needs and we are accommodating wherever possible to facilitate these needs with a flexible approach when time away from the office is required. Change Management Our relatively small size facilitates open, frequent communication between staff. We have a range of formal and informal channels to ensure robust two way communication
8 Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 MARKETPLACE Supply Chain In line with our overall mission we believe in supporting our local economy and therefore procure our goods and services where possible and practicable from local suppliers who are members of Cork Chamber. Customer Service At Cork Chamber, we work as one team, collaborating with each other, our members and stakeholders to realise our vision of being the largest and leading Chamber in the country. Adding value for our members, both big and small, is our lifeblood so with each interaction we stake our reputation, both professionally and personally, by responding in a can-do and supportive way. Data protection We are very cognisant of our responsibility to protect our members data. In addition, we exercise access controls for our CRM system. We operate in a dynamic environment where we treat each other professionally and with respect so we are not afraid to ask for help, celebrate our successes, learn from mistakes and enjoy ourselves on the journey. In pursuance of the commitment to the above value statement our Customer Service Policy has been put in place to set out the standards of service which are expected from all employees of Cork Chamber. We endeavour to give our members a voice by undertaking an annual survey of our members to get their views on our service offerings, events, training and other initiatives. Any feedback is reviewed and feeds into our business plans for the following year. We also have ten members who act as Ambassadors for Cork Chamber any member can approach these ambassadors confidentially to feed back any comments. The primary role of these individuals is to assist our members maximise their membership and make the best of the many networking opportunities that are on offer throughout the calendar year, as well as giving new Chamber members a helping hand to get started and build a strong network.
Cork Chamber of Commerce - Sustainability Report 2016 9 TESTIMONIALS CUH Charity As not-for-profit members of Cork Chamber, we benefit hugely from our membership linking us to over 1,000 plus corporate members throughout Cork city and county. Like all charities and nonprofits, we depend on the continued support of the corporate community to sustain and develop our work, which helps us to deliver expert patient care to a population of over 1.5 million in this region. Our mission is to fundraise for life-saving and lifechanging equipment, services and facilities and as a result of generous donations from Cork Chamber Christmas Lunch, you helped us to continue to improve patient care at Cork University Hospital and serve our patients which is at the heart of what we do. Your donation supported the refurbishment work in the Chemotherapy Day Unit at CUH, which when complete will allow hundreds more patients receive cancer treatments every year. Cope Foundation We found the support Cork Chamber gave us for our Grand Job employment campaign absolutely invaluable, both in the planning and running of the 12 month long campaign. Grand Job was Cope Foundation s first major advocacy campaign and the issue it centred on was so important to the lives of the people we support, we were eager for the campaign to thrive and be a success. Grand Job was a major success, with 13 people we support achieving paid employment by the end and many Cork employers and businesses more aware of the huge contribution people with disabilities can make to the workplace. This success would not have been possible without the team at Cork Chamber and their support, professional guidance and invaluable business links they provided us with. We very much look forward to working with Cork Chamber again in the future to improve the lives of the people we support. Irish Guide Dogs As a national charity who relies on fundraising to for 80% of our income it is critically important that we cultivate positive and lasting relationships with the business community. Cork Chamber has been an enormous support to us, offering opportunities for exposure to business and employers of all shapes and sizes. This has allowed us to build lasting partnerships with brands like EMC, Qualcom and many others, resulting in strong fundraising and volunteering activities that help us continue to deliver our vital services to the visually impaired community and to families of children with autism. Having the resource of Cork Chamber to help build corporate social partnerships has been a huge advantage in our strategic thinking in this space. I could not recommend highly enough charity members of the Chamber to utilise and exploit the opportunities available to them as members JCI Cork JCI Cork would not exist today without the support and expertise of the Cork Chamber. In 2015, we were on the brink of closing and with the dream of brining it back to life, we approached the Chamber. We received fantastic feedback, advice and support that set us on our path to rejuvenating the branch. In less that two years JCI Cork has earned a reputation as one of the best branches in Europe. We have team members from Cork Chamber who sit on project committees, they have shared expertise that has helped us to develop at a greater rate, coordinated events with us and are always a phone call away when we need help. Cork Chamber has brought JCI Cork to a new level of professionalism. Indirectly their help has pushed the boundaries not just in Cork but nationally and across Europe. We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Cork Chamber of Commerce who have made so much possible for JCI Cork. We could not have done it without you.
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS for SMEs About Us Responsible Business for SMEs is a new service from Business in the Community Ireland, Ireland s only network dedicated to responsible business. In existence since 2000, we are a national non-profit organisation founded by Tina Roche. Our patron is Michael D.Higgins, President of Ireland and our board, chaired by Kieran McGowan, comprises some of Ireland s leading business figures. We ask companies in Ireland to commit to the journey towards being more sustainable and responsible. We offer our members practical support to help them to integrate responsible business practices across their organisations. What We Do Initially working with larger corporates in Ireland, we now aim to work with small, medium and microenterprises (SMEs) as they represent over 99% of business in this country. In real numbers, they dominate daily life: we shop with them, work in them, use their services, and they include everyone from the local hairdresser to the IT company. They provide high quality and diverse jobs, play an important role in social cohesion and act as incubators of entrepreneurial culture. Together, the 230,000 SMEs in Ireland have a huge impact on the viability of Ireland s economy, the community in which it exists, and the environment on which it depends. Through Responsible Business for SMEs, we are inspiring and supporting Irish companies to use that impact to do better business by improving and reporting on their responsible and sustainable practices. www.responsiblebusiness.ie responsiblebusiness@bitc.ie