Overview

This course consists of two modules on corporate social responsibility (CSR) & responsible business conduct (RBC). CSR or RBC, refers to the responsibility of companies to prioritize the well-being of people, the planet, and society. It involves integrating social, environmental, and human rights concerns into business operations and stakeholder interactions. Once optional, CSR is now seen as essential, offering competitive advantages to companies.

Module 1 offers a high-level overview of CSR, covering its evolution, rising importance, and advancements in sustainability reporting.

Module 2 provides a high-level overview of CSR/RBC, discusses international frameworks that can be a starting point for organizations that want to implement a CSR/RBC strategy, and explains why such a strategy is particularly important for financial institutions.

Objective

On completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Define corporate social responsibility (CSR)
- List the reasons for the growing prominence of CSR
- Describe how a company can benefit from having a CSR regime
- Recognize the importance of sustainability reporting
- Recognize why it is important for an organization to adopt a CSR/RBC strategy
- Compare CSR/RBC frameworks developed by international organizations:
o The UN Global Compact
o ISO 26000: 2010, Guidance on Social Responsibility
o The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct
- Recognize why CSR is particularly important for the financial sector

Content

Module 1: CSR & RBC – An Introduction
Topic 1: CSR/RBC
Topic 2: CSR Today
Topic 3: Sustainability Reporting

Module 2: CSR & RBC in Practice
Topic 1: Another Look at CSR
Topic 2: UN
Topic 3: ISO
Topic 4: OECD
Topic 5: CSR & the Financial Sector