Responsible Business Accreditation Scheme Attracts Organisations Great and Small
The Good Business Foundation is thrilled to announce the recent accreditation of FTSE100 insurance company Aviva to its Good Business Charter which recognises responsible business behaviour across 10 components.
Aviva becomes the first insurance company to make this commitment to care for its employees, suppliers, customers, the environment and pay its fair share of tax. In doing so, it brings the accreditation membership to over 400 organisations in just 14 months.
Aviva’s Chief Innovation Officer, Ben Luckett stated that: “Aviva aims to be the UK’s leading insurer and so we have a responsibility to make sure we can demonstrate our positive contribution to our customers, colleagues, and communities. Trusted, independent ethical accreditations, such as the Good Business Charter, are one of the important ways we can do this.”
The Good Business Charter is a wide-ranging accreditation scheme to recognise responsible business behaviour and was launched in February 2020, counting prestigious organisations TSB, Brompton Bicycles, Deloitte, Capita and St. James’s Place among their members. They are assessed on their commitments to real living wage, a fair approach to zero hours contracts, employee well-being, employee representation and robust measures in relation to diversity and inclusion. Members also commit to pay their fair tax, be intentional about minimising environmental impact, pay suppliers promptly, ensure ethical sourcing and address customer feedback.
Jenny Herrera, CEO of The Good Business Foundation which runs the Good Business Charter said: “Being a responsible business means demonstrating behaviours across a number of important areas, and we want to highlight organisations leading the way in their sectors, to encourage others to step up.”
In January 2021 the Good Business Foundation launched in collaboration with Federation of Small Businesses a streamlined version of its wide-ranging accreditation which remains robust in terms of its criteria but makes it less onerous for organisations with 50 employees or less. Small businesses have flocked to show their support to the principles of the GBC, with membership tripling in the past quarter.
Simon Fox, Chair of the Trustees of the Good Business Foundation explained: “The GBC has been designed to work for organisations of all sizes and sectors. To see so many small businesses commit to our principles alongside giants like Aviva is evidence this does work for all. The same can be said for the public and third sector where small charities have joined alongside the University of York, Oxfam and Amnesty”
The Good Business Foundation has support and trustee representation from both the CBI and TUC who are keen to drive the accreditation forwards.
Lord Bilimoria, President of the CBI said:
“We’re delighted to see the Good Business Charter go from strength to strength. Even in these difficult times, businesses across the country have been stepping up to support their employees, customers and communities. Aviva’s accreditation is a fantastic testament to the scheme’s success and I would encourage firms of all sizes to take a close look at the Charter. Whether they are at the start of their journey – or much further along – it can help businesses to become the best they can be while building a fairer, more inclusive country.”
Notes to editors
About GBC
The Good Business Charter is a simple accreditation which organisations in the UK can sign-up to in recognition of responsible business practices. It measures behaviour over 10 components covering care for employees, suppliers, customers and the environment all whilst paying taxes according to the spirit of the law. Our aim is to inspire as many businesses as possible to change their behaviour, where required, in order to sign up, which should in turn encourage wider good business practice.
See more at www.goodbusinesscharter.com or follow us @GBCharterUK.
Jenny Herrera: 07703 453862 jherrera@goodbusinesscharter.com