London - The published results will be explored and celebrated at a senior business leaders reception at Lancaster House on 15 March and will then be the focus of a one-day conference on Wednesday 17 March. This will take place at the Millennium Conference Centre, Kensington, London and will look at common trends and threads, explore the key issues identified by companies from a sector and impact perspective and identify current good practice.

Journalists wishing to attend the conference, please contact Claire de la Motte on 0207 566 8794 or e-mail ClaireDelamotte@bitc.org.uk

139 mainly FTSE companies have participated this year, and are using the Index to assess and compare how they integrate responsible practices throughout their organisation in four key impact areas - environment, marketplace, workplace and community.

David Varney, Chairman of Business in the Community commented: "I am delighted that this year has seen an increase in the number of companies completing the Index. This is a huge endorsement of the value of the Index demonstrating how it is now a key management tool for companies wanting to assess and compare how they integrate responsible business practices through their organisations. It assists companies to identify gaps in performance and to establish where future improvements in corporate responsibility can be achieved"

About The Sunday Times Supplement.
The 16 page Sunday Times supplement will be called "Companies that Count" and will provide a platform to create a more mature and considered debate about what responsible business means. It will act as a baseline against which future performance can be compared and will highlight good practice and recognise the companies who have taken part.

The results will be presented in table format with companies listed in rank order from one to a hundred. There will also be a list of sectors which are participating in the Index, with the lead company in each sector being highlighted. Alongside the lead company, there will be a non ranked list of all the participating companies in that sector - from the top 100 and those
outside. The supplement will case study a variety of companies from across ranking and sector leaders and from new entrants to the Index within the unranked companies.

NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Sponsors of the CR Index are Aviva, HBOS and the Department of Trade and Industry.
2. Companies invited to participate in the Corporate Responsibility Index are FTSE 350, Dow Jones Sustainability Index sector leaders and national members of Business in the Community - a total of more than 500 companies.
3. Business in the Community is a unique movement in the UK of over 700 member companies, with a further 1600 participating in our programs and
campaigns. We operate through a network of 98 local business-led partnerships, as well as working with 45 global partners. Our purpose is to inspire, challenge, engage and support business in continually improving its positive impact on society.
4. Membership of Business in the Community is a commitment to action and to the continual improvement of a company's impact on society. Our members commit to:

• Integrate, manage and measure responsible business practice throughout their business
  
• Impact through collaborative action to tackle disadvantage
  
• Inspire, innovate and lead by sharing learning and experience

Dates that Count
17th March - The Corporate Responsibility Index Conference, London
http://www.bitc.org.uk/events/events_calendar/cothatcount.html
6th July - The Annual Conference, London
http://www.bitc.org.uk/events/events_calendar/conf2004.html
6th July - The Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, London
http://www.bitc.org.uk/events/events_calendar/gala_dinner.html

For more information on any of the above, contact Claire de la Motte on 020 7566 8794, Email clairedelamotte@bitc.org.uk

Business in the Community

Business in the Community

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