New Trend of CSR & Sustainability Reporting Seminar

The cutting-edge Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issues that is matter your business and how can you write sustainability report to enhance your sustainable business development is also essential. A seminar entitled “New Trend of CSR & Sustainability Reporting Seminar” was organized by SGS and co-organized by HKSQ and ASQ held on 9 Dec 2010.

It is pity that I haven’t joined the seminar. However, Dr. Albert Tsang (Past Chairman of HKSQ) and Peter Fung (Ex-co member of HKSQ) had joined the seminar and took some photos for sharing.




In the beginning, Dr. Albert Tsang introduced Hong Kong Society for Quality to all participants.




And then SGS representative introduced the speakers from SGS.




The first speaker was Ms. Nymph Kwok (Approved Social Report Assurance Auditor, SGS HK Ltd.) and her topic was “ISO 26001 Overview”.

Firstly, Ms. Kwok briefed why needs Corporate Social Responsibility.


The definitions of CSR were introduced below.
“A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis” (European Commission, 2001)

“A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their strategic decision-making processes, in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis” (European Academy or Business in Society, 2007)

Then the CSR status in Hong Kong was mentioned.


The framework of ISO 26000 was introduced.


Ms. Kwok briefed the seven principles and seven core subjects of social responsibility ISO 26000 as follows:
Seven Principles:
· Accountability
· Transparency
· Ethical behavior
· Respect for stakeholder interests
· Respect for international norms of behavior
· Respect for human rights
Seven Core Subjects:
· Organizational Governance
· Human Rights
· Labour Practices
· The Environment
· Fair Operating Practices
· Consumer Issues
· Community Involvement and Development

Finally, she concluded to integrate Social Responsibility into an organization and combined with other similar standard such as “SA 8000”.



The second speaker was Ms. Rhoda Lam (Project Manager of Global Products and Services Development, SGS HK Ltd.) and her presentation was “Introduction and Case Sharing on GRI and Sustainability Report Assurance”.


Ms. Lam showed that over 3700 reports issued globally in 2009 and the trend was increasing, especially in Asia and US due to mandatory reporting guidelines.


Then Ms. Lam introduced what is Sustainability Report Assurance.


Report assurance is:
· Independent verification of an organization’s CSR report;
· Provides credibility and transparency to published information;
· Give confidence to stakeholders by demonstrating commitment to CSR.

The GRI G3 guidelines structure was stated.


Case study (GDIH) was shared.


Some examples were demonstrated.




Q&A Session


Dr. Albert Tsang represented HKSQ to give a souvenir to Ms. Kwok and Ms. Lam.

Reference:
Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI): http://www.globalreporting.org/AboutGRI/