FM Corporate Social Responsibilty
June 25th 2009 Facilities management is doing well in its social responsibility activity, according to the seventh Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index run by Business in the Community.
Eight companies offering FM services have been included in the index, making FM one of the most heavily represented sectors. Only accountancy/consultancy, with ten companies in the list, was more heavily represented than FM. General retailers also had eight representatives.
The index, published in full in The Financial Times, identifies businesses which have a positive impact on the community, environment, marketplace and workplace. The CR Index, which places successful companies in bands running from platinum plus down to bronze, is put together by a panel of more than 100 independent experts.
Carillion was awarded platinum status. Serco Group was placed in the gold band. Amey, Mitie Group, Rentokil Initial and Sodexo were all included in the silver band. Aramark and BAM Construct UK placed in the bronze band. Carillion, Serco and Rentokil have participated in the Index every year since its launch in 2002.
“It’s a good news story for the industry, but not a surprising one," comments Ian Fielder, chief executive of the British Institute of Facilities Management, who welcomed the recognition that the industry was receiving. "Companies in the sector recognised quite a while ago that it makes sense to invest in these areas and also that they have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens.”
Fielder attributed the industry’s advanced position partly to its status as a customer service industry, “Unlike product-based sectors there is a focus on relationships and dealing with people.” Fielder doesn’t accept that the recession will inevitably set the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) cause back. “I think people do CSR because it makes perfect sense. Companies recycling more waste, using energy better, setting up strong community liaison programs save themselves money.”
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