Businesses urged to attend conference on changing face of CR

23rd September 2014

Northumbria University’s Dr Jenny Davidson will use a ground-breaking conference in the region to challenge businesses to work more strategically with charities to tackle tough social and environmental issues.

Her key-note presentation on changing trends in Corporate Responsibility (CR) will be delivered on 30 September, at Newcastle-based law firm Muckles LLP. The conference will be the first of its kind held in the region and is aimed at those in businesses responsible for corporate responsibility. As well as considering the impact of the ‘Social Value Act’ in 2013, which enshrined areas of CR into law, it will also look at ways in which private and public sector companies can support their local communities.

The conference is being organised by Newcastle-based SkillsBridge, which matches business volunteers with charities and social enterprises in need of expert guidance and advice.

In the past year alone, SkillsBridge has put more than 100 charities in touch with 60 business experts. They have provided them with around 2000 hours of free support, on issues ranging from human resources and book keeping to creating a business plan and planning a strategy for growth.

Dr Davidson, from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria, will kick off the event by looking at future trends for responsible businesses. She will be followed by Sally Young, from the Newcastle Council for Voluntary Service, on the state of the voluntary and community sector and the challenges ahead.

SkillsBridge Chief Executive Andrew White will present on the value of sharing skills, prior to a talk by Michelle Brannen, of Business in the Community, on the power of volunteering.

Amanda Tincknell from Cranfield Trust will give a short talk on the key management skills needed by non-profits, before leading into round table discussions on the future challenges and opportunities for businesses committed to developing their CR.

The conference begins at 9am on Tuesday, 30 September and is expected to draw to a close at around 12.30pm. It will be followed by the opportunity to network over lunch. Places can be booked by contacting Emma Walker on 0191 265 6111 or at emma@sortedpr.com.