Developing and Executing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy

INTRODUCTION

The expectations of stakeholders regarding how companies conduct their operations have reached unprecedented heights. In the past, organisations primarily focused on delivering financial returns to their shareholders. Today, communities, governments, and other stakeholders expect to witness social and economic benefits stemming from a company's activities, whether in extraction, distribution, processing, or other productive functions.

There are compelling reasons for companies to comprehend, scrutinise, and alleviate negative impacts from their operations, and they are now anticipated to generate significant positive outcomes for the community.

This immersive course, "Crafting and Executing a CSR Strategy," will guide participants in adopting innovative and more sustainable business practices to elevate the social responsibility of their organisations. The course places a strong emphasis on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can have a constructive and strategic impact on host communities and local stakeholders, employing tailor-made tools and techniques.

Participants in this course will cultivate expertise in the following areas:

• Identifying and assessing stakeholder expectations and requirements

• Applying the ISO 26000 definition of Social Responsibility

• Evaluating and managing sustainability risks

• Analysing the corporate impact on host communities

• Strategising for Stakeholder Engagement and Management

• Recognising unfavourable CSR practices in the supply chain

• Developing competencies for CSR projects

• Gauging positive CSR impacts

• Reporting and conveying CSR achievements

• Employing tools and methodologies from the SEAT toolbox

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

By the conclusion of this course, participants will have achieved the following:

• Gained a profound understanding of corporate social responsibility and its relevance to their organisation

• Acquired tools and methodologies to mitigate risks and enhance their organisation's impact on communities and environments

• Practiced strategies for conceptualising or enhancing CSR projects and programs within their own context

• Examined instances of exemplary and problematic business conduct across various industries, including resource extraction and infrastructure development

• Identified areas where business practices within their organisation may not align with emerging standards

• Constructed the foundational elements of an action plan to apply the lessons learned

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

"Crafting and Executing a CSR Strategy" is a stimulating and pragmatic course suitable for a diverse audience of executives and decision-makers engaged in operational and strategic roles, including:

• Professionals responsible for establishing or administering corporate responsibility or sustainability initiatives in sectors that impact communities, such as extractive industries.

• Individuals involved in strategising and managing infrastructure development, including road construction and maintenance, water projects, or environmental services management.

• Team members engaged in operational roles, encompassing community relations, human resources, supplier or public relations, and government affairs.

• Officials in state-owned enterprises or government ministries charged with meeting the needs of stakeholders in their communities.

TRAINING APPROACH

This intensive and highly interactive five-day course is designed to inspire participants to maintain an ongoing, practical interest in corporate social responsibility. The facilitator will employ a diverse range of methods, encompassing individual and group practical exercises, case studies, role-playing, quizzes, and discussion sessions, in addition to formal training. Each session will be enriched with CSR-related materials, incorporating case study examples spanning various industries.

Throughout the week, participants will collaboratively construct the foundation of a CSR plan, which can serve as the framework for their own CSR initiatives within their organisations.

TRAINING OUTLINE

Day 1 - Defining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• The Scope of CSR

• Measuring the Triple Bottom Line: Profit, People, Planet

• Utilising the ISO 26000 Definition of Social Responsibility

• Assessing Materiality to Focus CSR Planning

• Case Studies of Social Responsibility in Extractive Industries

Day 2 - CSR and Impacted Communities

• Understanding How Organisations Impact Host Communities

• Stakeholder Expectations of Organisations

• Assessing and Managing Sustainability Risks with Impacted Communities

• Developing Stakeholder Engagement and Management Plans

• Case Studies on Major Challenges: Relocating Communities, Mine Closure

Day 3 - Responsible Supply Chain Practices

• Sustainability Risks Associated with Suppliers and Vendors

• Combating Child Labor in the Supply Chain

• Controlling Contractor Abuses in Construction

• Developing a Sustainable Approach to Raw Material Sourcing

• Creating Economic Benefits through Local Procurement and Employment

Day 4 - CSR Project Management

• Developing Local Infrastructure

• Initiating Water Supply and Sanitation Services

• Supporting Community Health and Education

• Building Local Workforce Capacity

• Micro-Credit Support for New SMEs

• CSR Project Case Studies

Day 5 - Measuring Impact and Conveying Results

• How to Measure Success in CSR

• Key Performance Indicators for CSR Planning

• What to Report and Why

• International Measurement Systems: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), UN Global Compact

• Best Practice Case Study: Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox (SEAT)

Format: Onsite

Language(s): English

Duration: One Week

Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Al-Majd Pathways Centre (APC).