Here we answer some Frequently Asked Questions about CSR:

While CSR is therefore about what business does towards our sustainable development goals, Government itself has a role to play in defining minimum standards as well stimulating and incentivising companies to raise their performance beyond those legal minima.

To achieve this we need to make CSR better understood and more widely practised. Government can help in a number of ways working with partners. It can support initiatives such as awards, encouraging skills development, sponsoring best practice guidance and encouraging transparency.

No. But the key is for CSR to be integrated into the way companies do business across their operations and not just as a philanthropic add on. We believe CSR can help company competitiveness. It can help in identifying new products/markets, improving reputation, making efficiency gains, and attracting and retaining high quality motivated employees. In this way, it is in companies’ own commercial interests.

CSR can provide a more holistic view of businesses and their activities so enabling them to manage risks and create new opportunities. There are excellent examples of CSR making a real difference - raising skills, improving resource efficiency and providing innovative products. Click here for more information on the case for CSR.

Is CSR really just for big business?

All companies will need to consider their impacts on the communities in which they operate and the environment. However, there is no “one size fits all” approach to CSR.

It is not a question of size – many small-medium sized enterprises (SME) are already actively involved in their local communities, in areas like training, employment and education - but they don’t necessarily define these activities as CSR.

There is increasing evidence that people value working for companies who are good corporate citizens. Taking part in CSR activities can boost employee motivation and morale as well as enhancing skills, bringing potential benefits to businesses of all sizes.

Government is supporting the work of the Small Business Consortium which aims to provide practical guidance on all areas of responsible business practice for the SME market

If my company wants to get involved where do I start?

It is very much up to each industry and company to consider the challenges and opportunities facing them and how they can best contribute to social and environmental objectives. For example, the issues relevant to an oil company will be different to those facing a high street retailer.

The resources signposted throughout this site provide advice on a range of issues that CSR embraces, as well as examples of good practice. Trade Associations may also be a source of advice on leading practice on issues relevant to your sector. 

Why doesn't Government regulate for CSR?

CSR is about the voluntary actions that businesses can take, over and above compliance with minimum legal requirements, to address both competitive interests and the interests of wider society.

Government has a responsibility to set the base level of minimum legal standards and a policy framework that uses the right measures - including fiscal and regulatory options where appropriate – to boost socially and environmentally responsible performance. But we need to strike the right balance. We need to avoid a “tick-box” approach and encourage and exploit the creativity and innovation that many companies bring to CSR. Where regulation is needed we need to make sure it is well designed and focused.

How does CSR differ from sustainability or responsible business practice or sustainable development or any of the other terms used? 

Different terms are used, for example CSR, corporate responsibility/citizenship or sustainability. The common factor is that we are talking about how a company operates, taking account of its social and environmental as well as economic and financial impacts. Regardless of the terminology, we want the substance of the approach and values of CSR to become part of mainstream business practice.