Leading in a good way

The Good Business Charter (GBC) is an accreditation scheme promoting responsible business practices across the UK. Launched in 2020, GBC has gained significant traction among companies keen to demonstrate their environmental and social credentials.

GBC offers a framework to demonstrate commitment to responsible business, and by addressing key areas such as employee welfare, sustainability and customer care, GBC provides a powerful scheme to enhance trust and accountability.

Ten principles

The GBC framework is based on ten principles that combine to reflect a company’s commitment to responsible business practices:

• Real Living Wage
• Fairer Hours and Contracts
• Employee Wellbeing
• Employee Representation
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Environmental Responsibility
• Pay Fair Tax
• Commitment to Customers
• Ethical Sourcing
• Prompt Payment to Suppliers

These principles enable organisations of all sizes and sectors to align their operations with socially responsible practices. There are currently well over 1,000 GBC accredited bodies, representing 123,000 employees across 24 sectors, covering PLCs, local authorities, charities and academia – including the University of Northampton (UON).

MP Liam Byrne said that ‘there was beauty in its simplicity’. Founder Julian Richer, of Richer Sounds, said:

“It matters how businesses treat people and planet. GBC helps you ensure you are meeting the benchmark that consumers and employees demand – in an easy-to- explain, accessible way. Show you care by accrediting and inspiring others to follow suit.”

GBC accreditation provides a wide range of potential benefits: including improved reputation; greater employee retention and engagement; sustainability alignment and compliance; and a competitive edge.

To support businesses in meeting accreditation requirements, the GBC is continually evolving its community to offer inspiration and support. One such initiative is the Good Business Fortnight, where GBC accredited organisations and partners, such as the University of Northampton, Aviva, TSB and TUC are coming together to not only support GBC accredited organisation, but also any other businesses wishing to improve their practices, around their key component areas, such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Environmental Responsibility.

Good Business Fortnight

Good Business Charter Fortnight, from February 3 to 14, celebrates GBC’s fifth anniversary. Over the course of two weeks, it shines the spotlight on organisations that have committed to the GBC principles, encouraging others to join and lead in a good way.

Accredited organisations will showcase how they uphold GBC’s values. Key elements of the fortnight include educational content such as webinars, articles, case studies, videos. On each of the ten working days of Good Business Fortnight, one of the ten principles is being highlighted.

Good Business Fortnight Environmental Responsibility Monday is February 10, when UON is being celebrated as the GBC’s Environmental Champion.

In a series of activities, including a special webinar in collaboration with the Institute of Directors, the focus will be on how the UON drives innovation and leadership in sustainability through not only its own initiatives but also as a regional catalyst supporting organisations in:

• Reducing Carbon Footprints: encouraging businesses to adopt renewable energy sources, reduce waste, and minimise their carbon impact.
• Sustainable Practices: promoting circular economy principles, such as reducing resource consumption, reusing materials and recycling waste.
• Engagement and Advocacy: inspiring employees, customers and supply chain partners to adopt sustainable practices.

Becky Bradshaw, UON’s COO, who will be co-presenting the webinar, said:

“We’ll be covering things like the Northants Sustainability Accord which UON set up, and which has led to the West Northants TANZ Carbon Calculator, a free resource which could end up saving businesses of all sizes tens of millions of pounds. But, demonstrating that we also lead by example, we’ll be showcasing the work we do, on and off campus, to be a responsible steward to our environment, our people and our community.”

The Good Business Charter offers a practical, low-cost way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to doing the right thing. By adhering to its ten principles, organisations not only improve their operations but also contribute to a broader societal shift toward fairness, sustainability and, most importantly of all, trust.

To find out more, contact Adrian Pryce on 07720 297402 or email Adrian.pryce@northampton.ac.uk