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  1. Workshop: Practical Approach to Global Ethics, CSR & Sustainability (GECSRS)

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    with support from:

    29-30 , November 2017 

    Globethics HQ, Geneva, Switzerland

    Facilitators:   

    Dr. Michael Hopkins (MH), Managing Director & Partner MHCi/CSRFi, Director, CSR/Sustainability DBA Geneva Business School enquiries@csrfi.com

    Ms. Nadia Balgobin (NB), Senior Associate Globethics.net, balgobin@globethics.net

    Obiora Ike (OI), CEO, Globethics

    Venue:               Globethics.net, 150 route de Ferney, 1211 Geneva 2, Room II & III, First floor

    Time:                 November 29 and 30, 9h00 – 17h30

     Registration:  To register, please send an email to balgobin@globethics.net 

    Globethics.net together with the CSR Finance Institute is organising this workshop which will examine Global Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility-CSR and Sustainability (GGECSRS) from the perspective of business and societal goals with a specific emphasis placed on a corporation or institution’s stakeholders but also how GECSRS can translate into the responsibility of other institutional settings. The workshop also focuses on how GECSRS can be integrated into a corporation’s strategic planning. Other areas covered include the relationship of GECSRS and corporate ethics, CSR and big issues such as the UN’s SDGSs and various environmental and societal issues.

    Facilitators

    Michael Hopkins, Managing Director & Partner MHCI, enquiries@csrfi.com

    Nadia Balgobin, Senior Associate Globethics.net, balgobin@globethics.net

    Dates: 29 – 30 November 2017

    Venue: Ecumenical Center, 150 route de Ferney, 1218 Le Grand Saconnex – Rooms II & III, First floor

    Agenda:

    Wednesday 29 November 2017, 9:00 – 17:30

    • Introduction to CSR, Ethics and Sustainability – Michael Hopkins and Nadia Balgobin
    • Stakeholder Analysis, Business Case – Michael Hopkins
    • Ethical Leadership – Nadia Balgobin
    • Ethics in Processes and Procedures – Michael Hopkins and Nadia Balgobin

    Thursday 30 November 2017, 9:00 – 17:30

    • Challenges of Development and SDGS – Michael Hopkins
    • Sustainability Management and Strategy – Nadia Balgobin
    • Measurement and Reporting – Michael Hopkins
    • GECSRS Strategy –  Michael Hopkins and Nadia Balgobin
    • Closing – Obiora Ike

    Registration: To register, please send an email to balgobin@globethics.net

    Registration Fees and Payment:
    • Business: CHF 790.-
    • International Organisation: CHF 590.-
    • NGO: CHF 390.-
    • Student/Sole trader: CHF 290.-

    Payment is to be made by 25 November to the Globethics.net Foundation account at UBS Switzerland AG using the IBAN no. CH310024024070303801L with reference to “GECSRS WORKSHOP OCT 2017”.

    Objectives

    • To understand Ethics, Ethics, Sustainable management & strategies
    • To understand stakeholders needs
    • To identify key stakeholders
    • To rethink organisations business model to integrate multifaceted nature of GECSRS
    • To provide practical tools to implement GECSRS

    This workshop is targeted for Participants who are interested in the topics of GECSRS and working in a company, NGO or public institution.

    Target group

    People with experience who wish to change fields of activity, company Board Directors, NGO leaders, Senior Govt officials, Senior Company Operations Officers, PR, HR, Ethics and Compliance, Marketing, Purchasing & Supply chains, applying SDGs, etc. across all institutions and organisations.

    Learning Outcomes

    Global Outcomes
    • Explain the link between Ethics, CSR and sustainable management
    • Describe GECSRS with other concepts such as shared value, citizenship, ESG examples
    • How to communicate GECSRS in your organisation
    • Analyse stakeholders priority and needs
    • Undertake appropriate GECSRS strategy
    • Know about the latest innovations in GECSRS field – reporting, measurement, social impact, business case- certification
    Workshop Specific Outcomes
    • Communication and social media
    • Ethical reasoning
    • Analytical skills
    • Multiculturalism and diversity

    These categories are AACSB Learning Standards with the purpose to ensure quality standards as well as allow testing skills (Comprehensive Exam) relevant to these standards.

    Required Texbooks
    Dr. Michael Hopkins: ‘CSR and Sustainability – From the Margins to the Mainstream: A text book (Greenleaf/Taylor & Francis, UK, Jan 2016). Free to participants.

    Nadia Balgobin, The Value of Values in Business, Globethics.net Focus series, 2011, free online

    Class Material
    • Hand-outs of articles to read in advance of the discussion
    • Case studies, videos or other hand-outs will be provided as necessary
    • Company reports from their websites
    Workshop approach
    • Reading materials with article lectures
    • Audio or video material for case studies
    • Frequent interactive group workshops and class presentations
    Certification
    Based upon class performance and a short 20 questions exam at the end of the two days, those qualifying will be awarded a certificate by CSRFi and GLOBETHICS.
    This workshop is organised with the support of:

    UNITAR logo  Geneva Business School logo

     

    _______________________________________________________________________________

  2. Getting CSR/Sustainability Right

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    CSRFi and Beyond Profit

    Poster by CSRFi and Beyond Profit

    CSRFi and Beyond Profit Kenya Ltd have joined together to offer an exciting look into one of the fastest growing management fields.  Ethical Corporation’s recent worldwide survey has shown that 85% of respondents regard CSR/Sustainability as becoming an increasingly important part of business strategy.

    This short interactive discussion will introduce a number of topics that eventually we shall present in longer workshops.

    What will you learn?

    • What CSR/Sustainability is not: Debunking the Understanding of CSR/Sustainability
    • Costly Mistakes to Avoid with CSR/Sustainability
    • The emerging issues in CSR/Sustainability especially the link to the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
    • Application of CSR/Sustainability to Public Institutions and NGOs – The Hopkins CSR-Model

    This training is therefore ideal for people who are passionate about Making A Difference (M.A.D) and from:

    • A large company with an established CSR/Sustainability department
    • A company without a CSR/Sustainability but the function is managed informally
    • Business owners who want to incorporate CSR/Sustainability
    • SMEs who wish to enter the field
    • Public institutions who have just started about implementing CSR in their office
    • NGOs who may wish to catch up with the private sector

    Why should you attend?

    • Meet, interact and network with likeminded individual
    • Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and get it right
    • Get a road map and action plan to make CSR a success
    • Acquaint yourself with the current trends and emerging issues in CSR/Sustainability

    Join us at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi at 0830am until 1100am on May 6th next for an interactive discussion accompanied by breakfast.

    Payment details

    KES5000 Corporate sponsor (or $US50)   KES ($US28) for an individual

    Credit Card – Click ‘Conference Fee’ below

    Individual Fee kindly click below:[stripe name=”Kenya CSR Breakfast” description=”Individual Fee” amount=”2800″ currency= “USD” payment_button_label = “Individual Conference Fee” image_url=”http://csrfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mhci.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-717″>”]

    Company/Institutional Fee kindly click below:[stripe name=”Kenya CSR Breakfast” description=”Company Fee” amount=”5000″ currency= “USD” payment_button_label = “Company/Institution Conference Fee” image_url=”http://csrfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mhci.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-717″>”]

    Paypal payments are also accepted – see Left Hand Side.

    Pay by MPESA

    Business Number:       488 488

    A/C Number:               10014 20891

  3. International Conference on CSR/Sustainability: Practical Solutions

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     New Picture (8) New Picture (9)MHCilogo

    International Workshop  on CSR/Sustainability

    THEME                                  : CSR/SUSTAINABILITY – PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

    VENUE                                   : HOLIDAY INN, Mauritius

    DATE                                      : 11 – 12 MAY 2016 (May 13 Optional special session)

    Michael and Maga in Mauritius

    Event Hosts Michael and Maga

    The Association of Airline Ambassadors ( AAA) together with MHC International Ltd and the World Airlines Clubs Association (WACA) will lead the CSR/Sustainability Workshop in Mauritius.

    The objective of this workshop is to bring together people involved in Sustainability and/or CSR to discuss practical solutions to how best to implement programmes throughout their company.

    The workshop will be organised around a plenary and breakout sessions to delve into key issues chosen by participants. The aim will be to come up with practical solutions so that when attendees return to their work-places they will know exactly what to do in terms of CSR/Sustainability on the first day of the working week.

    Prof. Dr. Michael Hopkins and Judge Mervyn King SC will be the main moderators of the interactive workshop along with event host Maga Ramasamy, where public and private heads of departments, CSR professionals, company secretaries and NGOs will participate.

    Conference Themes:

    The breakout sessions could cover the following themes dependent on participant wishes:

    • Government and CSR/Sustainability;
    • Sustainable Travellism ( Travel and Tourism);
    • Practical approaches in CSR;
    • Social Development Goals – SDGs;
    • Innovative CSR Projects and Branding;
    • Sustainability Reporting – ISO 26000, GRI, IIRC, OECD, B-Corp etc;
    • Hopkins-CSR-Model of certification and application to NGOs and Public sector as well as Private Sector;
    • CSR in India led by Harsha Mukeherjee (CSR in India Book just published)

    Programme

    Day 1 (11 March 2016)

    08 30 – 09 30        –  Registration

    09 30 – 10 30         –  Opening Ceremony

                                       –    Official Opening of the Workshop – Minister of Corporate Governance.

                                       –    Key note speech  by  Prof. Michael Hopkins, Founder of MHC International

                                       –    Special address by Judge Mervyn King

     10 30 – 11 00          –   Tea break

    11 00 – 12 30           –   Practical Approaches in CSR By Prof Michael Hopkins

     12 30 – 13 15           –  Buffet LUNCH

     13 15 – 14 00           –  Corporate Governance  & Integrated Reporting  By Judge Mervyn King

     15 00 – 15 30         –   CSR the basis to drive The United Nation’s  Social Development Goals  (SDGs) By Prof. Michael Hopkins and choice of Breakout sessions

     14 45 – 15 00          –    Tea Break

     15 00 – 16 30         –     Breakout session I

     Day 2 (12 May 2016)

     09 15 -10 00            –    Review of Breakout session I by Moderators (5 mins each)

    10 00 – 10 45           –     Practical Sustainability/Integrated Reporting Using Participant Examples- Guidance given By Judge Mervyn King

     10 45 – 11 00        –         Tea break

     11 00 – 12 30        –         Innovative CSR projects and Branding and Hopkins-CSR-Model of certification – By Prof Michael Hopkins and Maga Ramasamy (the case of Air Mauritius)

     12 30 – 13 15        –           LUNCH

    13 15 –  14 30        –           Breakout Session II

    14 30 – 15 30        –           Moderators report on Session II and Wrap-up of Workshop

    Followed by Certificate presentation and launching of Books by Michael Hopkins and Harsha Mukherjee

    Day 3 (13 May 2016)

    The Government of Mauritius will present its CSR programme and include NGOs who have received company CSR donations. All participants invited.

     

    Registration

    Attendance Fee will be $447 for companies and institutions and $347 for individuals. Transfers to the hotel from the airport, and all meals will be included in the conference price. Discounts will be offered for accommodation and air transport of 20% using Air Mauritius as the main carrier.

    Payment details

    Credit Card – Click ‘Conference Fee’ below

    Individual Fee kindly click below:[stripe name=”Mauritius CSR Conference” description=”Individual Fee” amount=”34700″ currency= “USD” payment_button_label = “Individual Conference Fee” image_url=”http://csrfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mhci.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-717″>”]

    Company/Institutional Fee kindly click below:[stripe name=”Mauritius CSR Conference” description=”Company Fee” amount=”44700″ currency= “USD” payment_button_label = “Company/Institution Conference Fee” image_url=”http://csrfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mhci.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-717″>”]

    Paypal payments are also accepted – see Left Hand Side.

    Payment can also be made by bank transfer or bank draft to :

    Association Airline Ambassadors
    Medcor
    2nd Floor, Air Mauritius Centre
    John Kennedy Street
    Port Louis
    Mauritius

    Contact

    Any queries kindly contact us on:
    enquiries @csrfi.com

    You may wish to contact us for any arrangement for hotel accommodation.

  4. Online Practical Guide to CSR and Sustainability

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    online female                     online male

    In conjunction with:

    mhcilogo

    Based upon:

     

    csr-book-cover-page

    Objective

    The objective of this wholly online e-course is to introduce the participant to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development today, operationalising the term and ensuring a cohesive definition of CSR and its applications to corporate sustainability. The learning materials and tools available through the courses allow participants to acquire the relevant introductory knowledge that will help them and their organizations to better address social responsibility concerns. The course is updated frequently to ensure latest information included e.g. much more on GRI and materiality than before.  The latest update on Jan 1st 2016 includes the possibility of interactive sessions with other users – nearly 1000 satisfied users up to now (including especially adapted versions used by The World Bank and the United Nations).

    Check out this this introductory 9 minute video from the courses’s author  Much more in the course …. of course!

    Dukascopy Emp3

    Aim of the course

    The course aims to address the needs of professionals in private companies, NGOs, International Organisations and Governments who are currently involved in CSR and Sustainable Development (CSR for short as our definition shows), or would like to be involved in CSR, and wish to make the concept of CSR applicable in their institution.

    We also felt the need for this self-paced course because there are so many definitions of CSR buzzing around that we thought it would be useful to provide a guide to them and, also, to suggest a definition we think most appropriate.

    The main author of this course, Prof. Michael Hopkins, has been involved in CSR since the early 1990s and has developed, and steadily, modified a definition of CSR that many people now use. He uses his definition as the basis for his face-to-face courses around the world and his work with companies and Governments (www.mhcinternational.com), in his global CSR and Finance Training Institute (www.csrfi.com), and with George Mason University (GMU) in the USA (som.gmu.edu) where Michael is Adjunct Professor and the Founder and Director of their CSR courses. Michael is also CEO of MHC International Ltd (MHCi) and CEO of CSRFI.

    Timing and Structure

    The course is aimed at CSR/Sustainability Executives in business, but is also useful for non-profits, small and medium sized business (SMEs) and international civil servants from the UN.  Most examples are taken from business.  Nonetheless, there is a section on SMEs and also one on NGOs. The UN and its work on CSR are also highlighted in detail during the course. For instance, the course shows how the UN Global Compact fits into the CSR approach as well as how UN agencies such as ILO and UNIDO have played a role.

    The course will require approximately 10-12 hours of time over the course of two weeks (although it can be done much quicker by avoiding the reference texts and some have finished earlier versions of the course in five hours!). It will require reading a number of articles as well as watching videos and presentation of case studies.

    By the end of this 10-12 hour course, the student will be able to find out what CSR and Sustainability are all about; to explain alternative definitions of CSR and their strengths and limitations; and to understand why there is a need for CSR.

    There is an end-of-course quiz intended to help the student self-assess his/her level of comprehension. A requirement is to get at least 80% of the questions within two tries at which point, should the student pass, he/she will automatically be awarded a certificate of completion from George Mason University’s School of Management.

    By the end of the online course, participants will be able to meet the following learning objectives:

    • To define and summarise the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability:
    • To review alternative definitions of CSR and their strengths and limitations;
    • To assess comparative needs for CSR; and
    • To distinguish between the applications of CSR in various practical situations.

    The ten question multiple-choice exam is presented at the end of the course to test your knowledge and award a George Mason University of Washington DC, USA Completion Certificate if you are successful (80% correct). You have two tries!

    Content and Structure

    The course consists of the following main modules:

    1. Introduction & History of CSR
    2. CSR Definitions including materiality and what is the relation to Susainability
    3. Why CSR and Where is CSR Today?
    4. The United Nations and EU’s Treatment of CSR
    5. 1950s advertisements
    6. Should CSR be compulsory?
    7. The three big elephants in the CSR room: i, ISO 26000, ii. Integrated Reporting, iii Global Reporting Initiative
    8. Is CSR philanthropy?
    9. Practical examples of CSR (Cadbury, NEC, Wal-Mart, Novo Nordisk)
    10. Applying definitions in practice
    11. Communicating your CSR/Sustainability
    12. Testing Understanding via an end of course quiz

    Methodology

    This e-Learning course provides participants with (a) main reading materials; (b) additional reading materials; (c) bibliography of references; (d) glossary of terms; (e) external links to internet resources; (f) discussion forum; (g) one end-of-course quiz to test understanding and provide final grading.

    The course invites participants to read a number of articles, to watch videos, to reflect on their social and economic environment, and to go through case studies analysis that are provided throughout the course.

    By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the need for CSR/Sustainability and be able to explain alternative definitions, their strengths and limitations.

    The is an end-of-course quiz is intended to help participants self-assess their level of comprehension.

    Targeted Audience

    The course aims to address the needs of professionals in private companies, NGOs, International Organisations and Governments who are currently involved in CSR/Sustainability, or would like to be involved in CSR, and wish to apply and embed the concept of CSR in their institution.

    Citations from readers and users:

    The course has been used successfully by the World Bank,  the United Nations (UNITAR), the University of Geneva as part of their CSR/Sustainability programmes.  It has also been used by nearly 1000 people around the world and is upated regularly to take account of comments and suggestions (latest update Jan 1st 2015).  Contact us for any questions or more information on enquiries@mhcinternational.com .

    intel main-logoIntel says:

    “I really like it and I think there is a real need for such a course.  Excellent layout and content, and the right balance between theory and practice.  Congratulations! Dr. Thomas Osburg, Head, Corporate Responsibility, Intel Europe

    “You have done a great job.  The programme is well designed, it addresses a clear need, and it is highly successful.  The success owes a great deal to you.  Finally, I am happy to contribute to your future ventures should you set-up another one.” Prof. Abby Ghobadian, Dean of Research, Henley Management College

    “I like your online course, I think it is a good introduction to CSR and it is quite practical to navigate through. I like the fact that you have a quiz at the end” Rania, UNICEF.

    “I find it very informative and efficient in terms of return on effort. The introductory video is very good. It sets the tone of the course almost like in a “face-to-face” environment. I like the way to travel through the course, forwards and backwards. It is convenient. The idea of the forum is excellent as it promotes participation. Congratulations for the excellent course. I wish you plenty of the success with it.” Marc. Former Director, International Schools Geneva and Senior Executive Nestle, Switzerland.

    Payment:

    You may pay by any credit card (see next) or via Paypal (see Left Hand Column).

    Individual Fee ($US147) kindly click below:[stripe name=”E-Online Course” description=”Fee” amount=”14700″ currency= “USD” payment_button_label = “Online Fee” image_url=”http://csrfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mhci.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-717″>”]

    Student Fee ($US97)  kindly click below:[stripe name=”E-Online Course” description=”Student Fee” amount=”9700″ currency= “USD” payment_button_label = “Online Fee for Students” image_url=”http://csrfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mhci.jpg” rel=”attachment wp-att-717″>”]

    Payment Guarantee

    Of course, it is always slightly worrying when you pay online, but please don’t worry..and see our refund policy below.  You can buy online using the ‘BUY NOW’ buttons below or via your own Paypal account.  On satisfactory completion of payment, we shall send you the course logon instructions.

    Refund Policy of MHC International Ltd that owns CSRFI

    Along with Paypal with whom we work closely we have agreed the following:

    1. Privacy Policy – We do not store credit card details nor do we share customer financial details with any 3rd parties.

    2. Delivery Policy – After payment received we shall e-mail you the username and password for the e-online course within 72 hours.

    3. Refund / Cancelation Policy – You may cancel at any time before starting the course i.e. entering the username and password, and we shall then cancel your username and password.

    4. Pricing list – the online course is priced at $US147.00 with a student rate (proof required) of $US97.00

    5. Contact us – best way to contact us is via e-mail on enquiries@mhcinternational.com.  Our postal address is CSRFI/MHC International Ltd, 24 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4YX, UK.

    6. Our full business/trading name: CSRFI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the social enterprise MHC International Ltd (MHCI) which is registered at UK Company House under the registration number: 02263853

    7. Monies received are transferred to our account held by HSBC in London and are fully declared, annually, by our London accountants to the UK tax authority (HMRC).

     

  5. Geneva Training for Business on CSR & Sustainability

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     csrfi-compact

    Business Executive Diploma

    in

    Corporate Social Responsibility

     and

    Sustainability

    developed by

     Professor Michael Hopkins

    IMG_0542

    Geneva Exhibition July 2014 CSRFI inspired

    CSR FINANCE INSTITUTE ( www.csrfi.com )

    Background

    CSR and Sustainability are seen as a whole system in the workings of a company – what we call a 360 degrees approach using a multi-stakeholder model – the ‘Hopkins CSR Model’.  To elaborate each of the dimensions ten highly inter-related courses are offered as a package or taken individually.  The Diploma consists of ten 2.5 days modules plus a project or short thesis. All the below is based upon the course delivered successfuly over 6 years at the University of Geneva which has now been absorbed into their MBA program.  Companies or institutions, in discussion with CSRFI and an MOU, may choose a shorter version for a 2/3 workshop that provides a ‘taster’ for the Diploma.  The course is also accompanied by Michael Hopkins’ Text Book on CSR and Sustainability that will appear in September 2015 with the publisher Greenleaf, UK.  The introductory part can also be followed in the CSR and Sustainability Online Course also developed by Michael Hopkins and can be found on this website.

    I.             Introduction: The Director – the Vision – the Courses

    Professor Michael Hopkins, has been globally renowned as a CSR expert for over 20 years and was ranked among the top 100 thought leaders across the world in 2013[1]. Well ahead of his time, Michael identified the pivotal roles in business of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), corporate sustainability and sustainable finance in the economy and their growing significance worldwide. He is one of the leading academics in his field and has to date authored thirteen academically renowned books of which two on CSR and sustainability.

    Initially coming from the corporate sector (IBM and ITT), Michael also worked at the United Nations (ILO, UNDP, WFP) and the World Bank. His academic career path spans QeH Oxford, Geneva, Middlesex, Brunel, and George Mason Universities (the latter three as full Professor). As a PhD economist he has a strong focus on measurement, employment issues and executive education, especially in emerging markets. His 13th book, “Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability – From the Margins to the Mainstream: A Text Book”, will be published in Nov, 2015 by Greenleaf, UK.

    Dukascopy Emp3

    What is CSR? Michael on Dukascopy Biz Channel

    Michael is CEO and Founder of the CSR and Finance Institute (CSRFI – www.csrfi.com), an internationally recognized CSR, sustainability and sustainable finance education program. Certified by the George Mason University in Washington DC (www.gmu.edu), where Michael is Adjunct Professor, CSRFI designs training course workshops for high-level executives around the world. He has developed several e-online coursesclose cooperation with the World Bank and, more recently, with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR – www.unitar.org), a worldwide international organization that promotes UN research and sustainable development training.

    CSRFI provides outstanding executive CSR, sustainability and sustainable finance training to business professionals in various economic sectors and disciplines. The training course content is based both Michael’s long standing academic work and his consulting with business.  His training has a strong focus on a wide array of practical case studies and recent research and information. For the workshops Michael will be joined by members of his team of experts drawn from academia as well as the cororate sector and all have a wide variety of in-depth experience in the different subject matters and corporate environments.

    II.           CSR AND SUSTAINABILITY COURSE MODULES

    CSRFI offers a complete set of 10 CSR, sustainability and sustainable finance training modules for professionals who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding in these domains. The course modules are aimed at executives in management, legal departments, accounting, finance, etc. with the objective to further hone as well as develop their knowledge and skills in this area.

    Each of CSRFI’s carefully selected expert trainers has extensive professional experience with leading companies in their dedicated specialized area of CSR, finance, or other required field of expertise.

    The teaching is highly interactive with a minimum of lecturing and a maximum of interactive discussion with many case studies from real life situations.  The expert faculty are joined by industry leaders with vast experience  and great willingness to expose their ideas. Previous speakers included executives from Nestle, Shell, Intel, WEF, WBSCD, Novartis, Unilever, Pictet, Lombard-Odier, IBM, SGS, UBS, WWF, BSCI, SA8000 etc, as well as the United Nations (ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNITAR, World Bank etc.).

    Each two and a half day module or business seminar may be conducted on a Thursday evening, all day Friday and all day Saturday thereby taking into consideration the schedule of busy executives.

    According to companies’ specific needs, CSRFI can also offer tailor made workshops covering a range of topics from the various 10 modules listed next in section “III. The Workshops in Brief”.

    III.          The Workshops in Brief

    Initial Preparation

    Each registrant will be offered the chance to take the e-online course prepared by Dr. Michael Hopkins, as preparation for the various modules.  This will be included in the total package for those who take all modules or a small charge for those who take only one or more modules on an a la carte basis.

    Part One        Theoretical Dimensions

    Modules

    1.CSR Definition and Impact Measurement: This course module presents and discusses the main theories of CSR and Sustainability based upon both recent and historical literature, followed by an in-depth investigation into the challenges and techniques available to measure the economic, environmental, social impact of corporate CSR policies. The aim is to start with the academic yet move quickly into how the concepts are used in business and other institutions.  Why this module for business executives? The discussion focuses on why the concepts are useful for business and how they link to the business case and materiality.

    2.Business Ethics: Participants will gain an understanding of business ethics concepts and the managerial tools available to develop responsible businesses that can drive value and create competitive advantages. Ethical dilemmas will be discussed using real-life case studies followed by a presentation of what are the best ethical guidelines and how are they being used in practice. Why this module? The ethics of business and how to avoid unethical pitfalls leading to rapid reputation loss are of huge concern to business these days especially after the collapse of so many financial companies from ethical challenges.

    Part Two       Business in Society

    Modules

    3. Introduction to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Other Certification: The GRI has emerged as the pre-eminent CSR/Sustainability Reporting methodology.  Professor Hopkins leads a consortium to certify trainers in the latest GRI standards and will share this experience with participants. The course module will also cover other standards and whether or how, GRI links to them. An example is the Integrated Reporting approach that includes financial reporting. Why this module?  Does business really need to report on its CSR and Sustainability and, if so, how best to do that succinctly while ensuring being in line with the best industry wide practices.

    4.Stakeholder Engagement and Practice: This module will introduce participants to the concept of stakeholder theory, as well as working through difficulties and practical approaches to stakeholder selection and engagement. Areas covered also include transparency, effective communication and reporting. Why this module?  The tricky area of ensuring key stakeholder feedback while being as efficient as possible in doing so needs to be mastered so as to reduce corporate time in carrying out such activities.

    5.Human Rights and Social Finance: The course module works progressively from a consideration of what human rights are through to internationally recognized labor standards and the perspectives of investors.  The emphasis is on how companies working internationally, including in some of the most challenging national and local environments can adopt best practice to adhere to international law and regulatory constrains whilst marketing their operations to investors in a value-enhancing way. Why this module?  Many companies wish to enhance their social image especially in human rights but also need to know what, or even whether, there is a business case in doing so.

    Part Three    Sustainable Development

    Modules

    6.Socially Responsible, Sustainable Investments: This module looks at the rapidly moving world of socially responsible investment (SRI): what it means, how it is defined and measured, who does it and how successfully. Why this module?  SRI forms one of the largest sets of private investment, so can one do well by doing good in investment?

    7.CSR, Sustainability, and International Development: The course module focuses upon CSR in international development and its practical implications. It presents a methodology that allows corporations to judge how successful their interventions in areas such as Corporate Social Investment (CSI) have been.  It also links to some of the main development theories that have been driving the global agenda in recent years, and hold a session on CSR/Sustainability and how they are used in SMEs.  Why this module?  Most large companies working in emerging market economies wish to help the recipient country and, of course, hope that there is a business case and something we shall examine with case studies in this module.

    8.Supply and Value Chains: Corporations understand that their consumers require some knowledge of who their suppliers are as well as the CSR of these suppliers. This module will examine the main supply chain standards and also introduce participants to some of the main standard setting bodies such as BSCI, Fairtrade, FLA, FSC, SA8000, etc. It will explain the context and significance of the ISO 26000 framework, how it fits with other standards and guidelines, such as GRI, the UN Global Compact, OECD Multinational Guidelines, ILO Principles and SA8000. Practical examples of how companies have implemented the standard will be provided.  Why this module?  Increasingly companies want to ensure they are minimizing risk through proper control and understanding of their supply chains.  This module will focus on the advantages as well as some of the pitfalls.

    9.International Best Practices in Corporate Greening: This executive-level seminar is designed to give senior executives a strategic overview of the current state of green strategies and examines how greening initiatives have been applied in different industries and countries. Why this module?  It begins by demonstrating not only are corporate greening practices  practices better for the environment, but they also make good business sense as the module will show.

    Part Four                       Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility

    Modules

    10.CSR, Strategy and Communication: How does one embark on developing and embedding a strategic CSR program that a) responds to the expectations of internal and external stakeholders and b) is reflected in a corporate strategy for sustainability that is seen as credible rather than simply a PR exercise? Why this module? The course module is geared towards participants interested in how to best communicate the good that their company has done to the wider world. The module ends with a recap of the whole course with a final focus on a worked out and tested CSR/Sustainability 15 point strategy that can be implemented in your company.

    IV.         Contact Details

    For further information on the content and organisation of the seminars, please contact us on enquiries@csrfi.com .

    V.         Pricing

    Each module lasts two and a half days and may be taken individually.  The charge for each module is CHF1997.00 in Switzerland (but less elsewhere) or if signed for all ten modules the charge will be CHF11.997.00  An Early Bird rate of one month before the announced start of the course will attract a 20% discount. Participants from the same company will received an additional 10% reduction for each module or total package.

    VI.        Certification

    The modules are based on the courses given worldwide by the CSR and Financial Institute (CSRFI) and have been used in original forms by a variety of Universities at graduate level in business and commerce sections.  CSRFI will offer a certificate of completion for individual modules and a diploma for completion of all ten modules.

    VII.        Networking and Interactions

    Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of our courses is learning and interaction with other busy executives. We encourage this both through our wide network of former graduates and, especially, through our monthly CSR Meetups now being held in ten locations and others in the pipeline…see http://csrfi.com/csr-meetups where we now number around two thousand top professionals.

     


  6. CSR, Sustainability and International Development.

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    CSR, Sustainability and International Development for the Mediterranean Basin Countries (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan)

    13 and 14 October 2014, Lisbon, Portugal.

    FotografiaReflex (126)

    Lisbon

    Course Summary
    The course will focus upon Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in international
    development and its practical implications.

    Michael Hopkins by the Mediterranean

    Michael Hopkins by the Mediterranean

    Starting from a discussion on what is CSR and Sustainability all about, we shall start with a clear and useful definition to help you understand the maze of terms that are being used as well as how they link to other concepts such as those defined by ISO26000, the EU, the UN Global Compact etc. The course draws upon both the course leader’s book on CSR and International Development and his recent textbook CSR:A Text Book (Springer, Germany, 2014), as well as Dr. Hopkins’ vast experience in working with companies, Governments and the United Nations in over 120 countries around the world.

    The course will cover CSR strategy and how it links to practical conditions in emerging market economies with examples taken from large companies as well as small. The course will include company representatives and experts associated with leading companies in the Mediterranean Basin. Delegates will leave the course with a clear idea of how to implement CSR and Sustainable Development in projects and programmes from community development, to employment creating programmes to their own chosen projects.

    Course Methodology
    This course will teach you all the available techniques and how to practically apply them through the extensive use of case studies. The course is highly interactive with delegates learning from each other as much as from the instructor. A choice of case studies will be offered and delegates can choose the ones most appropriate to their own needs and requirements – for instance working wth a case study that understands how communities can be involved to reduce risk using the experience of the BP Baku-
    Tiblisi- Ceyhan pipeline or seeing how sustainable development can be promoted in
    case studies of BAT in Bangladesh, South Africa and/or Sri Lanka.

  7. GRI Certified Training Programmes

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    Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 training in Africa 2015

    MHCi through its subsidiary CSRFI leads the consortium to run GRI G4 Certified courses in sub-Saharan Africa.  We are currently developing our programme for 2015 and shall hold training sessions in Nairobi, Mauritius, Accra, Lagos, Dakar with sessions under negotiation to be held in Gabarone, Luanda, Lusaka, Dar-es-Salaam and Maputo.  Contact us for more details on any of the locations at enquiries@csrfi.com .

    As an introduction to what CSRFI and its partners will offer, check out this video discussion of 6 minutes between Enrique Torres and Michael Hopkins on what you can expect from our GRI G4 two-day (or other arrangement) trainings.

    enrique torres on GRI reporting

    Coming Up: Mauritius over 12-13 February 2015, Nairobi 13-14 March, Accra 13-14 March 2015

    We shall follow the below programme in both cases, and in Mauritius will be led by GRI certified trainers Dr. Michael Hopkins and Maga Ramasamy (Head of CSR/Sustainability, Air Mauritius) – see recent 90 sec. video of Maga on GRI and application to Air Mauritius etc.  You may pay now for this course and take advantage of our Early Bird offer (see ‘BUY NOW’ left side panel)

    MagaRamamsamy interviewed by Michael Hopkins on GRI reporting

    Both above videos courtesy of Michiel van der Zeeuw, Amsterdam.

    Contact us for more details on enquiries@csrfi.com

    Michael and Maga in Mauritius

    Michael and Maga in Mauritius Nov 2014

    Course in Nairobi successfully completed in October 2014 – led by former GRI Senior Manager Learning Services, Enrique Torres

    IMG_0812

     

    IMG_0819

    Participants at Nairobi course and Head of Safaricom  Sustainability Reporting, the brilliant (really!) Karen Basiye, pictured immediately above

    GRI G4 Certified Training Courses in sub-Saharan Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cameroun, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. See:

    MHCi logo blue

    The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most widely used framework for

    sustainability reporting. It helps companies to implement corporate social responsibility into their daily business and to report transparently on the social, economic and environmental performance of their organisation. GRI launched the G4 Guidelines in May2014 and is the focus of this workshop.  Participants will be trained on how to use the G4 Guidelines for their sustainability reporting.

    May 2014
    Typical workshop May 2014

    Our Typical Programme

    Day 1

    08.30: Welcome

    09.00:  PART I – INTRODUCTION

    – Sustainability Reporting and GRI
    – GRI G4 Guidelines
    – Introduction to the GRI reporting process

    11.30:  PART II – PREPARE: Plan your reporting process

    – Imagine your GRI Sustainability Report
    – Develop an action plan
    – How to start the process
    – Group exercise

    13:00: Lunch break

    14.00: PART III – CONNECT: Engage with your stakeholders

    – Why engage with your stakeholders?
    – Identify stakeholders
    – Prioritise stakeholders
    – Dialogue with stakeholders
    – Group exercise

    16.00: PART IV – DEFINE: Defining your material aspects and boundaries

    – Introduction to defining material aspects
    – Identification of relevant topics

    17.00: Q&A session

    17.30: End of first day

    Day 2

    08.30: Opening Coffee Break and Review of the first day

    09.30: PART IV – DEFINE: Defining your material aspects and boundaries (cont.)

    – Priorisation
    – Validation
    – Group exercise

    11.30: PART V – MONITOR: Build your report

    – Check internal systems
    – Discuss and set performance targets

    13:00: Lunch break

    14.00: PART VI – REPORT: Communicate

    – Write and finalise the report
    – Communicate
    – Prepare for the next cycle
    – Report evaluation exercise

    17.00: Closing

    – Closing remarks
    – Information on feedback form and certificate

    17.30: End of workshop

    Workshop Overall Trainers: Michael Hopkins and MagaRamasamy

    A word on payment

    There is an ability to pay shown on the LHS with the ‘Buy Now’ button.  Unfortunately it does not always work to accept credit cards in all countries and in some countries you will have to open a Paypal account – in fact Paypal assures us you put in exactly the same information as for a credit card.  If you would like to avoid that we can simply send you an invoice and you pay by bank transfer (kindly contact us via enquiries@csrfi.com).  We apologise for the inconvenience and are working on an alternative.  Let me assure you that as a UK Public Limited and Registered Company we always honour our commitments, we would anyway but we are also obliged to by UK Law..

    Further Details:

    Paypal has asked us to display the following information so we may accept credit cards:

    1. Privacy Policy – We do not store credit card details nor do we share customer financial details with any 3rd parties.

    2. Refund / Cancelation Policy – You may cancel up to 14 days before the start of the course and we shall offer a full refund.  Should you fall ill or other medical emergency we shall refund up to the last minute but would need to see a medical certificate.

    3. Contact us – best way to contact us is via e-mail on enquiries@csrfi.com.  Our postal address is CSRFI/MHC International Ltd, 24 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4YX, UK.

    4. Our full business trading name is CSRFI which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the social enterprise MHC International Ltd (MHCI) and which is registered at UK Company House under the registration number: 02263853

  8. Online Practical Guide to CSR/Sustainability (W19)

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    online maleonline female

    The objective of this wholly online e-course is to introduce the participant to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development today, operationalising the term and ensuring a cohesive definition of CSR and its applications to corporate sustainability. The learning materials and tools available through the courses allow participants to acquire the relevant introductory knowledge that will help them and their organizations to better address social responsibility concerns. The course is updated frequently to ensure latest information included e.g. much more on GRI than before.

    Check out this this introductory 9 minute video from the courses’s author  Much more in the course …. of course!

    Note: Payment.  It is always a worry when you pay online, but please don’t worry.  You can buy online using the ‘BUY NOW’ button on the LHS using any major credit card or even your own Paypal account (you don’t need a Paypal account to pay online if you dont wish to, although you may have to in some countries).  We shall immediately send you the course logon instructions.  We have also added a test payment of only $US1, so that you may check out our system and we shall send you an e-mail noting your payment.  We hope that will encourage you to use our online services.

    By the end of this course, participants will be able to meet the following learning objectives:

    • To define and summarise the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability:
    • To review alternative definitions of CSR and their strengths and limitations;
    • To assess comparative needs for CSR; and
    • To distinguish between the applications of CSR in various practical situations.
    • A ten question multiple-choice exam is presented at the end of the course to test your knowledge and award a George Mason University of Washington DC, USA Completion Certificate if you are successful. You have two tries!

     

    “Excellent layout and content, and the right balance between theory and practice.  Congratulations!” Dr. Thomas Osburg, Head, Corporate Responsibility, Intel Europe

    Others have written:

    Especial thanks: you make a great course which connects Society and economic development, I think it is very useful, and thank you for your patience to help me. [Zhang Yi Xuan, Chinese Industrialist’s daughter]

    Thank you very much for a great CSR program.  Overall I am happy I signed up for the program and have learned a lot.  [Margaretha Barcha, Swedish international consultant]

    Thank you again for a great last module and for everything. [Tiani Jimenez, Mexican Ashoka employee]

    Thanks again for a challenging and inspiring course on CSR. [Linda Johnson, airports consultant]

  9. CSR, Sustainability and New Opportunities for Greece (AT1)

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    Course Summary

    The course will focus upon CSR and its practical implications with special reference to Greece and its recent financial issues. Starting from a discussion on what is CSR and Sustainability all about, we shall start with a clear and useful definition to help you understand the maze of terms that are being used as well as how they link to other concepts such as those defined by ISO26000, the EU, the UN Global Compact etc. The course draws upon Dr. Hopkins’ vast experience in working with companies, Governments and the United Nations in over 120 countries around the world. The course will cover CSR strategy and how it links to practical conditions with examples taken from large companies as well as small. We shall examine the business case for CSR/Sustainability i.e. how Greek companies can make money by doing good. Delegates will leave the course with a clear idea of how to implement CSR and Sustainable Development in projects and programmes from community development, to employment creating programmes to their own chosen projects.

    Course Methodology

    This course will teach you available techniques and how to practically apply them through the use of case studies. The course is highly interactive with delegates learning from each other as much as from the instructor. A choice of case studies will be offered and delegates can choose the ones most appropriate to their own needs and requirements.  To do this, delegates will be invited to use our online CSR assessment tool CRITICS and apply this tool before the workshop either to their own company or a company of their choice.  They will use existing materials, websites, corporate (social) responsibility or sustainability reports etc and obtain a score on how responsible the company is on a scale of 0 to 1.  Results will be discussed in the workshop and compared with other companies or institutions in Greece  as well as other companies across the world taken from CSRFI’s data base.

    Who Should Attend

    This course is designed for delegates who are seeking to improve their CSR and sustainable development skills in Greece and elsewehere:

    • Corporate executives working on CSR in different cultural contexts
    • NGO leaders who are implementing development projects around the world and seek to know how to increase their sustainability
    • Government civil servants who wish to further their knowledge of CSR and sustainability in implementing development projects and programmes
    • Directors and business development executives from corporates, equity sponsors and consultancies wishing to reduce risk in their projects and programmes in emerging markets
    • SRI finance managers looking for projects to invest in
    • Accountants and Lawyers who wish to evaluate emerging market projects and programmes
    • Professionals looking to change their focus to be more involved in promoting development while understanding how these can be profitable for companies, NGOs and Governments
  10. CSR, Sustainability and International Development (G1)

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    Course Summary

    The course will focus upon CSR in international development and its practical implications. Starting from a discussion on what is CSR and Sustainability all about, we shall start with a clear and useful definition to help you understand the maze of terms that are being used as well as how they link to other concepts such as those defined by ISO26000, the EU, the UN Global Compact etc. The course draws upon both the course leader’s book on CSR and International Development and copies will be given to registered delegates, as well as Dr. Hopkins’ vast experience in working with companies, Governments and the United Nations in over 120 countries around the world. The course will cover CSR strategy and how it links to practical conditions in emerging market economies with examples taken from large companies as well as small. Delegates will leave the course with a clear idea of how to implement CSR and Sustainable Development in projects and programmes from community development, to employment creating programmes to their own chosen projects.

    Course Methodology

    This course will teach you all the available techniques and how to practically apply them through the extensive use of case studies. The course is highly interactive with delegates learning from each other as much as from the instructor. A choice of case studies will be offered and delegates can choose the ones most appropriate to their own needs and requirements – for instance working wth a case study that understands how communities can be involved to reduce risk using the experience of the BP Baku-Tiblisi- Ceyhan pipeline or seeing how sustainable development can be promoted in case studies of BAT in Bangladesh, South Africa and/or Sri Lanka.

    Who Should Attend

    This course is designed for delegates who are seeking to improve their CSR and sustainable development skills in emerging markets:

    • Corporate executives working on CSR in different cultural contexts
    • NGO leaders who are implementing development projects around the world and seek to know how to increase their sustainability
    • Government civil servants who wish to further their knowledge of CSR and sustainability in implementing development projects and programmes
    • Directors and business development executives from corporates, equity sponsors and consultancies wishing to reduce risk in their projects and programmes in emerging markets
    • SRI finance managers looking for projects to invest in
    • Accountants and Lawyers who wish to evaluate emerging market projects and programmes
    • Professionals looking to change their focus to be more involved in promoting development while understanding how these can be profitable for companies, NGOs and Governments