A few years ago we came across an organisation that was working to establish a system/process that would allow businesses of all shapes and sizes to be open and upfront about their social, environmental and ethical (SEE) policies and practices, would allow customers to review these and comment, and which would therefore lead to some form of labelling scheme whereby organisations could sign up to the process, shout about their open-ness, and be challenged by others.
Give It isn't a charity but is a not-for-profit business. Those of us that run it don't make any money from it (although in time we'd like to grow enough to the point where we'd actually be able to/need to employ people) - it's actually cost us quite a bit over the years!
Being a not-for-profit business, however, can actually be an odd place to be - we're governed by the same rules that govern for-profit businesses (company law) and follow additional company rules that we've established ourselves (in our legally required Memorandum and Articles of Association, if you're interested) that actually make us not-for-profit (no profits for distribution, no selling of business for profit etc). But that's such a small part of the story that, we believe, sets us apart from many other businesses (and alongside some others); the principles around how we operate the business, how we want to grow, how we don't want to behave, how we aim to treat people...
That's why we were so interested in what Michael Solomon at SEE What You Are Buying Into was putting together. It's not about being a business that's either a saint or a sinner - it's about being open about how you operate and allowing anybody to challenge that. Since we started working with Michael and the team (including the wonderful Dr Clare Hall) we've used their challenges to improve both our actual practices and our thinking about how we can improve further our SEE behaviour as a business. Although I suspect we're the smallest organisation listed on there at the moment, and so the potential impact we can have on the momentum of this movement might be limited for the time being, we're proud to be on there right from the start.
Given the irresponsible behaviour of numerous businesses over recent years we think it's time for change and believe this is a great way for organisations to help customers make better informed choices by being more transparent and accountable.
Do you agree?
- Then take a look and challenge us on how we run Give It.
- Nominate a business that you think should be listed (it could be because you think they are already open and honest and need to be recognised for it, or because you're not convinced they are and would like them to be).
- Look out for the SEE What You Are Buying Into logo - behind it will be a business looking to be open, transparent and willing to engage.
Andy
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