Corporate social responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be defined as how the University addresses the social, environmental and economic impacts of our operations and so helps to meet our sustainable development goals. Specifically, we see Corporate Social Responsibility as the voluntary actions that we can take, over and above compliance with minimum legal requirements, to address both our own competitive interests and the interests of wider society.

A sub-group was formed in 2009 to ensure that the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility are embedded in the University strategy and are taken into account in key decisions. The sub-group will ensure that good CSR practice influences and informs and is seen as the norm for University operations.

Specifically, the sub-group aims to:

• Advance understanding of CSR within the University in terms of energy and environment, student relationships, relations with society at large, and human resource practices.
• Champion CSR projects and initiatives.
• Advise on the management of the University’s environmental, social and economic impacts and set aims, objectives and timescales to optimise them.
• Lead on reporting of CSR impacts, communicating progress on managing those impacts internally and to external stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate legislative and business risk from CSR impacts.
• Maintain lines of communication with, and influence, relevant committees including Health & Safety, Fairtrade Group and Equality & Diversity.