Get the latest delivered to your inbox
Privacy Policy

Now Reading

Europe Committee Reports on Corporate Social Responsibility

Europe Committee Reports on Corporate Social Responsibility

Published 03-28-03

Submitted by Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliaments Europe Committee today examined the implications for Scotland of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the so-called triple bottom line where organisations report on their social and environmental impact as well as their financial results.

Committee Convener Irene Oldfather said:

"The Committee wants to see more promotion of CSR, more evidence of good practice, and more transparency in the way both businesses and public sector employers operate. We have also called in the past for employers to consult staff properly when factories are considered for closure, and we continue to believe that EU rules on this kind of consultation should be incorporated into UK law.

"We recognise the view of the European Commission that there is currently no political or business consensus across the EU for legislation on CSR. Nevertheless, from the evidence we heard we believe there is a future role for legislation, preferably across the EU rather than on a piecemeal basis.

"The Committee believes it is important to set, implement and report on the principles of CSR in a way that gives business across Europe a level playing field. Any such legislation must be sensible, flexible and supported by the business community.

"We also accept that the public sector can lead by example. The Parliament and the Executive should therefore publish a financial, environmental and social report annually covering their triple bottom line, in accordance with the Parliaments governing principles of openness and transparency."

Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament

More from Scottish Parliament

Join today and get the latest delivered to your inbox