CSR is no longer a hype, but an ongoing development. More and more companies recognise the need to actively get involved in CSR and have a need to gain knowledge and share practical experience on this. Samenleving & Bedrijf (S&B) is the Dutch business network for large and multinational companies to put CSR into practice. S&B members employ at least 500 people. They are or want to become actively engaged in the implementation of CSR and are or want to become actively involved in the Dutch society with their core competencies.
MissionSamenleving & Bedrijf is the national network of major companies that are developing Corporate Social Responsibility together and that also wish to share this knowledge. The strategy of S&B is based on the following principles:
- To embed CSR in the business processes of our members
- To actively contribute to social issues in the Netherlands
- To inspire different target groups within the companies affiliated to S&B
- To influence the Dutch CSR agenda
Participants of Samenleving & Bedrijf: ABN AMRO, ABP, Athlon Car Lease Nederland, British American Tobacco, Coca-Cola Enterprises Nederland, Deloitte, Delta Lloyd Groep, Dura Vermeer, Essent, Fortis, F. Van Lanschot Bankiers, IBM, ING Bank, KPMG, KPN, Logica, Microsoft, Ordina, Oracle, PGGM, PNO Consultants, Randstad, Siemens en TNT Post.
Activities
In addition to servicing one national community investment programme focussing on the development and employment of women from ethnic minority groups, S&B organises several activities for its members focussing on four different target groups:
CSR Executive Master Classes: for functional decision-makers (direct reports to the Executive Board), in order to practically embed CSR in the business policy and to make functional decision-makers allies for the process of implementation and change.
CSR Managers Meetings: three (full day) meetings per year for CSR coordinators, to update on S&B developments, facilitate the exchange of professional knowledge, facilitate ‘seeing is believing’ and networking.
Meetings motto: ‘Sounding Boards and Networking’
Future Leaders Event: annual major event for high potentials (age 25-32) focussing on specific CSR themes, with case studies and workshops, debate, and party. More information about this event is available on www.futureleadersevent.nl.
Event motto: ‘Inspire, Have Fun, Debate and Do’
Business Leaders Meetings: annual meetings with CEOs, on specific CSR topics, as prelude to the annual meeting with members of the Dutch cabinet.
Meetings motto: ‘Exchanging ideas about CSR in a Safe Environment’
Food for Thought Event: annual meeting for Executive Board Members, with high level guest speakers, and debate on a specific CSR theme.
Event motto: ‘Reflection, Contemplation and Good Intentions’'