The Coventry Business Charter for Social Responsibility was launched on 5 November 2004 to provide a way of recognising businesses’ contribution to the local economy.
The basic concept is that businesses and other organisations pledge to undertake activities in support of the community and in return receive a charter or certificate that is valid for one year.
The idea of businesses working to benefit their local community is not new. What is new is the way that their efforts are now being harnessed in a much more co-ordinated way. Businesses choose how they would like to help – and the Charter team provides the link to those local projects and organisations that need assistance, ensuring that help is given where it is needed most.
The concept is based on an idea from Business In The Community (BITC). In Coventry, the Charter was then developed through subsequent discussions between BITC, the Coventry Partnership and the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
The Partnership was the ideal catalyst for the Charter as it brings together representatives of the private, public, voluntary and community sectors who share one aim – to improve the quality of life of people who live and work in Coventry.
The private sector has been actively involved in the Partnership since the beginning, through a number of businesses, including Jaguar, Peugeot and Powergen, and the Chamber of Commerce. The aim now is to encourage a much greater number of businesses of all sizes to join forces with the Partnership to make an even greater difference to Coventry.
For more information about the Charter, please select any of the links below:
If you are still in any doubt, take a look at the success of www.bettertogether.org.uk where Birmingham are also coming together to make a difference.