The GBC has the potential to be an extremely helpful ethical benchmark for consumers, clients, investors, current and potential employees, and suppliers. That’s why we are always keen to share good examples of where organisations are embedding the GBC components throughout their operations and communicating these to their stakeholders.
On this webpage, we’ll guide you through the effective steps you can take to maximise your accreditation, providing examples along the way. We have identified three key areas for accredited organisations to focus on:
Using the framework to embed your responsible business practices
Embedding the GBC framework into your organisation’s daily operations drives meaningful change, fosters responsible business practices and enhances your reputation. Each component, from paying the real living wage to committing to environmental responsibility, requires a genuine commitment to ethical behaviour. By fully integrating these standards, organisations demonstrate their dedication to improving societal and environmental outcomes. This comprehensive approach encourages a shift towards a more responsible and sustainable business environment, inspiring others to follow suit.
Examples of small organisations embedding the GBC framework
From adopting fair pay to prioritising wellbeing, you can see how our small organisations have embedded each component by reading our ‘Good Business Charter components in action‘ blog series.
Examples of large organisations embedding the GBC framework
- See how Schroders Personal Wealth has ensured responsible business practices are embedded in every part of their organisation, including setting up a Responsible Business Network group.
- See how the University of Northampton clearly communicate their dedication to responsible business practices on their website.
- By aligning standard disclosure requirements and financial performance with the 10 components, companies can produce impactful ESG or Responsible Business reports:
- You can find further examples of how large organisations have embedded each component into their organisation by visiting our individual component pages.
Share your best practices with fellow members of the GBC community!
Connect with other members of the GBC community by joining our Slack channel.
Attend our monthly virtual coffee morning where you can learn more about embedding the GBC framework and connect with other members of the GBC community.
A GBC requirement and the final stage of your accreditation, is to ensure you are communicating to those people you are supporting in the commitments you’ve made within the charter. Communicating your GBC accreditation to customers, suppliers and employees builds trust, enhances your reputation and drives business growth by attracting ethically-minded stakeholders. It sets clear expectations, fosters stronger partnerships and promotes a consistent, ethical corporate culture. Additionally, it holds your business accountable to high standards, encouraging industry-wide adoption of responsible practices.
Did you know...
- 86% of job seekers want to work for companies that value EDI (Monster’s global Future of Work Report, 2022)
- 76% of consumers are calling out for companies to take initiative to reduce their environmental footprint (‘The Changing Climate of Sustainability’, NielsonIQone)
- 91% of Gen Z’s want employers to prioritise mental health (Careermap, 2024)
So communicating your accreditation and responsible businesses practices is more important than ever!
Take the opportunity both at GBC renewal time and during Good Business Fortnight each year to celebrate your accreditation and what it means for your organisation. Organisations take the opportunity for a press release, blogs, stakeholder and internal comms, as well as social media.
Communicating to your employees
- Internal newsletters and intranets: Include announcements and updates about your GBC accreditation/reaccreditation in internal communications. Highlight the significance of each component and how it aligns with company values.
- Workshops and training sessions: Organise sessions to educate employees about the GBC standards and how they impact their roles and the company’s culture.
- Employee meetings: Regularly discuss the accreditation and its benefits during team meetings and company-wide gatherings.
- Employee inductions and handbook: Introduce the GBC and your ethical business practices during employee inductions and include them in your employee handbook.
- Events: Why not host a launch event for your employees, teaching them all about your commitment to ethical business and how they can get involved. Find out more about hosting an event and how we can support you by visiting our events page.
Communicating to your customers
- Website and social media: Display the GBC Accreditation Stamp prominently on your website and social media profiles. Create posts explaining what the accreditation means and how it benefits customers.
- Customer emails and newsletters: Send out a dedicated email to your customer base announcing your GBC accreditation/reaccreditation, detailing what it involves and why it matters.
- Blogs: Write a blog and publish it on your website to show your dedication to the GBC components.
- Events: Why not host an event for your customers, teaching them all about your commitment to ethical business and how they can get involved. Find out more about hosting an event and how we can support you by visiting our events page.
- New customers: For new customers, communicate your GBC accreditation within emails and tender documentation.
Communicating to your supply chain
- Supplier newsletters: Include information about your GBC accreditation in regular communications with suppliers, explaining how it aligns with your ethical sourcing policies.
- Supplier meetings and conferences: Discuss your GBC accreditation during supplier meetings and industry conferences, encouraging partners to understand and align with your standards. Watch our ethical sourcing workshop, which covers how to discuss responsible business practices with your supply chain.
- Supplier information and documentation: Include information on your GBC accreditation in information documents, showcasing your ethical practices.
Communicating to the public
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Showcase the logo with pride: Showcase your GBC accredited logo in your shop/office front, use digital or print off posters to promote that you are an ethical business, and print your certificate each year from the accreditation centre to show how many years you have been accredited and showcase the accreditation logo on your company vehicles.
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PR: Send out a press release to local and national journalists celebrating your GBC accreditation/reaccreditation and your commitment to responsible business practices.
Further resources
Below you will find our range of resources to support you in communicating your accreditation.
Promoting your Good Business Charter accreditation pack
Take part in Good Business Fortnight 2025!
By championing the Good Business Charter (GBC), you demonstrate your commitment to ethical business practices, significantly enhancing your reputation and building trust with customers, employees and suppliers. You also help set a higher standard within your industry, encouraging others to adopt responsible and sustainable practices. This not only differentiates your business from competitors but also contributes to creating a more ethical and transparent business environment, benefiting society as a whole.