HR managers should use their skills as change management specialists to take a lead on CSR, argues a new CIPD report.
The report, Corporate Social Responsibility and HR’s Role, reveals that HR has lead responsibility for CSR in a fifth of organisations – up from 7% in 1995.
It claims that HR has a crucial role to play in embedding a responsible approach to business, as HR departments are responsible for many of the key systems and processes, including recruitment, training and communications, on which effective delivery of CSR initiatives depends.
“HR can give substance to company aspirations to be – and be seen to be – a good employer by championing policies on diversity, work-life balance, employee involvement and training and development,” said the report’s author, Mike Emmott.
“Successful practices of this kind not only build credibility and trust with customers and employees but have other positive effects such as improved recruitment and retention rates,” he added.
The report includes guidelines on how to set up a CSR programme and advice on how to draft a CSR code.
View a copy of the report here.
