is benchmarking the missing link? mark warner environmental projects manager liesl truscott bitc...

Is Benchmarking the missing link?

Mark WarnerEnvironmental Projects Manager

Liesl TruscottBITC Associate / CSR Consultancy Ltd.

Workshop Overview

Benchmarking the HE Sector (project overview)

The Indices explained Project key findings & Participants feedback Bridging the Gap - how benchmarking can provide the missing link

“Universities that Count” - a public league table?

Funding for the Future - programme viability in the longer term

What else is out there? Open discussion

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Why benchmark the HE Sector? What was the pilot project for? Who was involved in it’s delivery? Who participated? Outcomes - confidential feedback reports for all participants and a final project report for the HE Sector

Next steps - recommendations to HEFCE for the continuation of the programme

INDEX FRAMEWORKS

Climate Change

Waste

Self-selected

Corporate Strategy (10%)

Integration(22.5%)

Management(22.5%)

Performanceand Impact (35%)

Community

Environment

Marketplace

Workplace

Assurance & Disclosure

(10%)

Social Impact

Env. Impact

Management(45%)

Performanceand Impact (45%)

Assurance & Disclosure

(10%)ENVIRONMENT INDEX

CR INDEX

PROJECT KEY FINDINGS

Y&H HEIs leading the way. HEI’s are beginning to manage and report on their environmental activities - but not yet in a systematic way.

The CR Index is a huge step for HEI’s - although there is a tradition of transparent governance, progress on sustainability agendas, and pockets of good practice eg workplace diversity.

PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK

All participants indicated that they benefited from taking part in the project and would like to continue benchmarking through the Index programme.

Almost all agreed participation helped raise the profile of the environment and CR at board level.

Almost all participants said they would allow more time and involve more colleagues ‘next time round’.

“The Index provides a holistic view of the institution and highlights how all departments interrelate and need to collaborate to improve environmental performance” Project participant.

BRIDGING THE GAP

Your top 3 Environment and/or CR issues (can be either risks or opportunities)

How the Index framework can help you systematically manage and communicate your impact.

Environment Index

Management•Leadership & Policy•Objectives & Targets•Employee Programme•Stakeholder Communications•EMS & Audit•Supplier Programme & Stewardship

Performance (climate change, waste, option)•Measurement and reporting•Scope and quality of information•Targets and Performance Improvement

CR IndexCorporate Strategy and Integration•Corporate Values, Principles, Risk Management Process•Advocacy, Leadership & Policy•Business Conduct•Performance Management and Remuneration•Strategic Decision Making•Training and Development•Public Reporting

Management, Performance and Impact•Community•Marketplace (Customers/consumers & Suppliers)•Workplace (OHS & Employee Issues)

“UNIVERSITIES THAT COUNT”… GOING PUBLIC? Should HEI’s be ‘ranked’ on their environmental and social performance?

Is it inevitable that they will? Should we be seen to be doing it voluntarily? Or should it be ‘done to us’?

How important will it be to be a ‘good’ university? Will it influence students? Employees? Funding?

Future leaders survey

54,240 young people (under 21) responded to this survey. 45% of these would choose a university on the basis of its CSR track record.

FUNDING FOR THE FUTURE

How can a Sector benchmarking programme eventually be financially self-sustaining?

Will HEI’s be willing to pay?What other funding arrangements are possible? Eg sponsorship

WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE?

Fear of duplication or not choosing the ‘best’ programme to invest time and money into.

What else is there?How can we ensure programmes are supportive, complementary, and collaborative?

ANYTHING ELSE…?

Questions and comments from you.

Workshop outcomes

“Universities that Count” - a public league table?

Funding for the Future - programme viability in the longer term

What else is out there? Further topic(s) of discussion