Please direct enquiries to Ms Kiri Stinson, Mayor’s Office, on telephone number 5581 5284 or by email at kstinson@goldcoast.qld.gov.au . Nominations should be sent to the Mayor’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award Selection Panel - Mayor’s Office, Gold Coast City Council  PO Box 5042  GCMC  Q  9729 or emailed via mayor@goldcoast.qld.gov.au . 

Please note that nominations close Tuesday 30 September 2008.

I recently announced a new award to be presented on an annual basis to a Gold Coast business that demonstrates corporate social responsibility in its day to day operations.

The new award will be known as the Mayor’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award.

We will be looking at the every day practices of businesses in assisting not-for-profit local community organisations, particularly their mentoring assistance and provision of staff time.

The first winner of this award will be announced at the gala event organised by the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards in November. The winning business will receive $5000 to be passed on to their community partner.

While businesses will be able to nominate themselves, community groups are also encouraged to nominate a local business.

This initiative is a passion of mine and one that I am proud to say, is being supported by key businesses on the Gold Coast.

The following information outlines the concept of the Mayor’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award, providing a definition of corporate social responsibility and indicating how a local business can be considered for this innovative award.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Corporate social responsibility, as defined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, is the continuing commitment by entities to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families, as well as the local community and society at large.

Corporate social responsibility involves a commitment to enable mutually beneficial collaboration between business and community. In addition, it can implement effective and long term solutions to community issues and build greater social cohesion. This is often termed as the community business partnership.

Alternatively, it involves a commitment to avoiding harm to the environment and community through the actions of the entity, and a responsibility to repair damage caused, to protect the rights of individuals and to give back to the community.

How to enter the Mayor’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award

An organisation which demonstrates a high standard of commitment in the way they organise and integrate their responsible business practices will receive this award.

In no more than half a page please provide the name of the community business partnership (if it has one) and a brief description of its work and key achievements.

This description should provide the judges with a good overview of the partnership and its work. Submissions should provide evidence of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy that integrates responsible business practice into mainstream operations resulting in positive impact in the workplace, the marketplace and/or the community.

Selection Criteria

1.  Describe how the partnership provides a genuine benefit to each partner.

This may include staff morale or commitment, improved reputation, community advantage, wider networking and/or other benefits.

2.  Describe how the partnership generates positive and long-term outcomes for the community.

For example, provides job opportunities, enhances the environment and/or other outcomes.

3.  Describe the variety of contributions made by each partner.

This may consist of staff involvement, skill sharing, training, mentoring, workplace giving programs, staff volunteering, improved contact with the local community and/or other contributions.

Please find enclosed a copy of information regarding the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards. These awards are the Gold Coast’s most prestigious and comprehensive business awards program and offer recognition to the wider Gold Coast business community. The Mayor’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award will be presented by myself on the Gala night in November.

Would you please direct enquiries to Ms Kiri Stinson, Mayor’s Office, on telephone number 5581 5284 or by email at kstinson@goldcoast.qld.gov.au . Nominations should be sent to the Mayor’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award Selection Panel - Mayor’s Office, Gold Coast City Council  PO Box 5042  GCMC  Q  9729 or emailed via mayor@goldcoast.qld.gov.au . 

Please note that nominations close Tuesday 30 September 2008.

I look forward to advancing the notion of corporate social responsibility in our community.

Best wishes

RON CLARKE MBE

MAYOR