Transcript Is Benchmarking the Missing Link? Mark Warner & Liesl

Is Benchmarking the
missing link?
Mark Warner
Environmental Projects Manager
Liesl Truscott
BITC Associate / CSR Consultancy Ltd.
Workshop Overview
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Benchmarking the HE Sector (project overview)
The Indices explained
Project key findings & Participants feedback
Bridging the Gap - how benchmarking can
provide the missing link
“Universities that Count” - a public league
table?
Funding for the Future - programme viability in
the longer term
What else is out there?
Open discussion
PROJECT OVERVIEW
 Why benchmark the HE Sector?
 What was the pilot project for?
 Who was involved in it’s delivery?
 Who participated?
 Outcomes - confidential feedback reports
for all participants and a final project
report for the HE Sector
 Next steps - recommendations to HEFCE
for the continuation of the programme
INDEX FRAMEWORKS
ENVIRONMENT INDEX
Management
(45%)
Performance
and Impact (45%)
Assurance &
Disclosure
(10%)
Climate Change
Waste
CR INDEX
Corporate
Strategy (10%)
Self-selected
Integration
(22.5%)
Management
(22.5%)
Performance
and Impact (35%)
Community
Social Impact
Environment
Env. Impact
Marketplace
Workplace
Assurance &
Disclosure
(10%)
PROJECT KEY FINDINGS
 Y&H HEIs leading the way.
 HEI’s are beginning to manage and
report on their environmental activities
- but not yet in a systematic way.
 The CR Index is a huge step for HEI’s although there is a tradition of
transparent governance, progress on
sustainability agendas, and pockets of
good practice eg workplace diversity.
PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK
 All participants indicated that they benefited from
taking part in the project and would like to continue
benchmarking through the Index programme.
 Almost all agreed participation helped raise the
profile of the environment and CR at board level.
 Almost all participants said they would allow more
time and involve more colleagues ‘next time
round’.
 “The Index provides a holistic view of the
institution and highlights how all departments
interrelate and need to collaborate to improve
environmental performance” Project participant.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Your top 3 Environment and/or CR
issues (can be either risks or
opportunities)
How the Index framework can help
you systematically manage and
communicate your impact.
Environment Index
Management
•Leadership & Policy
•Objectives & Targets
•Employee Programme
•Stakeholder Communications
•EMS & Audit
•Supplier Programme & Stewardship
Performance (climate change, waste, option)
•Measurement and reporting
•Scope and quality of information
•Targets and Performance Improvement
CR Index
Corporate Strategy and Integration
•Corporate Values, Principles, Risk Management Process
•Advocacy, Leadership & Policy
•Business Conduct
•Performance Management and Remuneration
•Strategic Decision Making
•Training and Development
•Public Reporting
Management, Performance and Impact
•Community
•Marketplace (Customers/consumers & Suppliers)
•Workplace (OHS & Employee Issues)
“UNIVERSITIES THAT
COUNT”… GOING PUBLIC?
 Should HEI’s be ‘ranked’ on their
environmental and social performance?
 Is it inevitable that they will? Should we
be seen to be doing it voluntarily? Or
should it be ‘done to us’?
 How important will it be to be a ‘good’
university? Will it influence students?
Employees? Funding?
Future leaders survey
 54,240 young
people (under 21)
responded to this
survey. 45% of
these would
choose a
university on the
basis of its CSR
track record.
FUNDING FOR THE FUTURE
How can a Sector benchmarking
programme eventually be
financially self-sustaining?
Will HEI’s be willing to pay?
What other funding arrangements
are possible? Eg sponsorship
WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE?
Fear of duplication or not choosing
the ‘best’ programme to invest
time and money into.
What else is there?
How can we ensure programmes
are supportive, complementary,
and collaborative?
ANYTHING ELSE…?
Questions and comments from
you.
Workshop outcomes
 “Universities that Count” - a public
league table?
 Funding for the Future - programme
viability in the longer term
 What else is out there?
 Further topic(s) of discussion