The John Lewis Partnership has retained it's platinum status in the Business in the Community (www.bitc.org.uk) Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index, as well as receiving five 'Big Ticks' in the organisation's annual Awards for Excellence.
The CR Index was developed in 2002 to help businesses address their key environmental and social risks and improve their impact in the community, environment, marketplace and workplace. While the Awards for Excellence, now in their twelfth year, identify and celebrate companies' corporate social responsibility business practices and programmes.
Gemma Lacey, the Partnership's General Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, explains that these highly valued awards 'recognise companies who demonstrate excellence in the way they organise and integrate their responsible business practice, and who can show a positive impact both on society and their business.'
She continues, 'In the CR Index we have been a Platinum company for the last four years and it is good to know that we have maintained our high score. But we are not complacent and we are always looking at ways to do better.'
John Lewis Newcastle's 'Attract and develop talent - Fit for the Future' programme received a Big Tick in the Talent Award category, while the following initiatives were reaccredited this year and also received a Big Tick:
John Lewis Newcastle's Vocational Placement Programme in the Education Award category
John Lewis Glasgow's Investing in Young People in the Education Award category
Waitrose Education in the Education Award category
Waitrose Regional Sourcing - in the Rural Action Award category