Good Business Charter & The University of Northampton
Leading in a good way
T e Good Business Charter (GBC) is an accreditation scheme promoting responsible business practices across the UK. Launched in 2020, GBC has gained signifi cant traction among companies keen to demonstrate their environmental and social credentials. GBC offers a framework to demonstrate commitment
to responsible business, and by addressing key areas such as employee welfare, sustainability and customer care, GBC provides a powerful scheme to enhance trust and accountability.
Ten principles The GBC framework is based on ten principles that combine to refl ect a company’s commitment to responsible business practices: ■ Real Living Wage ■ Fairer Hours and Contracts ■ Employee Wellbeing ■ Employee Representation ■ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion ■ Environmental Responsibility ■ Pay Fair Tax ■ Commitment to Customers ■ Ethical Sourcing ■ Prompt Payment to Suppliers
T ese principles enable organisations of all sizes and
sectors to align their operations with socially responsible practices. T ere are currently well over 1,000 GBC accredited bodies, representing 123,000 employees across 24 sectors, covering PLCs, local authorities, charities and academia - including the University of Northampton (UON). MP Liam Byrne said that ‘there was beauty in its
simplicity’. Founder Julian Richer, of Richer Sounds, said: “It matters how businesses treat people and planet. GBC helps you ensure you are meeting the benchmark that consumers and employees demand – in an easy-to- explain, accessible way. Show you care by accrediting and inspiring others to follow suit.” GBC accreditation provides a wide range of potential
benefi ts: including improved reputation; greater employee retention and engagement; sustainability alignment and compliance; and a competitive edge. To support businesses in meeting accreditation
requirements, the GBC is continually evolving its community to off er inspiration and support. One such iniative is the Good Business Fortnight, where GBC accredited organisations and partners, such as the University of Northampton, Aviva, TSB and TUC are coming together to not only support GBC accredited
ALL THINGS BUSINESS | 56
Adrian Pryce DL
Associate Professor Strategy & Society CSBP
University of Northampton
Chair National
Sustainability Group
Institute of Directors
organisation, but also any other businesses wishing to improve their practices, around their key component areas, such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Environmental Responsibility.
Good Business Fortnight Good Business Charter Fortnight, from February 3 to 14, celebrates GBC’s fi fth anniversary. Over the course of two weeks, it shines the spotlight on organisations that have committed to the GBC principles, encouraging others to join and lead in a good way. Accredited organisations will showcase how they uphold GBC’s values. Key elements of the fortnight include educational content such as webinars, articles, case studies, videos. On each of the ten working days of Good Business Fortnight, one of the ten principles is being highlighted. Good Business Fortnight Environmental Responsibility
Monday is February 10, when UON is being celebrated as the GBC’s Environmental Champion. In a series of activities, including a special webinar in
collaboration with the Institute of Directors, the focus will be on how the UON drives innovation and leadership in sustainability through not only its own initiatives but also as a regional catalyst supporting organisations in: ■ Reducing Carbon Footprints: encouraging businesses to adopt renewable energy sources, reduce waste, and minimise their carbon impact.
■ Sustainable Practices: promoting circular economy principles, such as reducing resource consumption, reusing materials and recycling waste.
■ Engagement and Advocacy: inspiring employees, customers and supply chain partners to adopt sustainable practices.
Becky Bradshaw, UON’s COO, who will be co-presenting
the webinar, said: “We’ll be covering things like the Northants Sustainability Accord which UON set up, and which has led to the West Northants TANZ Carbon Calculator, a free resource which could end up saving businesses of all sizes tens of millions of pounds. But, demonstrating that we also lead by example, we’ll be showcasing the work we do, on and off campus, to be a responsible steward to our environment, our people and our community.” T e Good Business Charter off ers a practical, low-cost
way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to doing the right thing. By adhering to its ten principles, organisations not only improve their operations but also contribute to a broader societal shift toward fairness, sustainability and, most importantly of all, trust.
To fi nd out more, contact Adrian Pryce on 07720 297402 or email
Adrian.pryce@
northampton.ac.uk
Scan the QR code to fi nd out more about the Good Business Charter
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
