Minister Murphy launches Corporate Social Responsibility policy (Northern Ireland Executive)

Minister Murphy launches Corporate Social Responsibility policy

Department for Regional Development (Northern Ireland Executive)
26 October 2009

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today pledged his Department's commitment to helping staff make a personal contribution to the community.

The Minister was speaking as he launched the policy on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which outlines initiatives in the areas of community engagement, environment sustainability, responsible procurement and the workplace.

The Minister said: “I am very keen to support Department for Regional Development (DRD) staff to make a personal contribution to the community. One of the ways we can achieve this is through involvement with Business in the Community, which allows us to participate in schemes such as Time to Read and Opportunity Now. DRD is also involved in other initiatives such as our engagement with graduates and undergraduates through my Bursaries scheme, internships and work placements. I also launched a Christmas card competition with two special needs schools to design the artwork for this years’ DRD cards.

"Sixteen members of staff have enrolled in Business in the Community’s Time to Read Initiative for the 2009-10 academic yea,r and each volunteer will dedicate one hour per week to read on a one-to one basis with two children from primary 5-7.

“I recently met two children from St Matthew’s primary school, Belfast, who are greatly enjoying participating in this initiative, which aims to help improve literacy skills in primary schools.

“We are committed to being a socially and environmentally responsible organisation and a good employer. The policy takes account of the wide spectrum of measures we will take now and in the future. I will be continuing to personally engage in my Department’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy going forward, to implement further new initiatives, and to drive through its implementation. CSR will have a very positive impact on our community.”

Welcoming the launch of the policy, Martin Howell of Business in the Community said: “We are delighted to see the Department for Regional Development setting such a positive example by formalising a policy on CSR. This will enable employees and other stakeholders to understand the Department’s commitment to operating responsibly and I hope it will encourage other Departments and public sector bodies to follow suit.

"Engagement in CSR initiatives brings tangible benefits to employers in terms of improved employee motivation, morale and pride and reduced costs through better environmental management. I know that DRD will put in place measures to record these improvements and demonstrate the benefits to others.”
Notes to editors:

1. Martin Howell is a Director with Business in the Community, responsible for public sector engagement and employee volunteering.

2. The DRD Corporate Social Responsibility policy document can found at www.drdni.gov.uk or by calling Strategic Planning Branch on 028 9054 0930.

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