Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is emerging as an area of interest for large corporate organisations – not only in Ireland but also across the globe.

There continues to be a lot of misperceptions about CSR and where it fits into the broader corporate communications mix. At Q4 Public Relations, we believe that CSR has a role to play in managing a company’s overall reputation with all its key stakeholders:

• Employees
• The community
• Shareholders
• Public policy makers and
• The media

Also, companies have a responsibility to invest in the communities within which they operate and to minimise their impact on the environment. Through investing in a strategic CSR programme, organisations can ensure their responsibilities are being met. And they can do so in a sustainable manner.

In many cases, companies are already acting responsibly, either through charitable donations, environmental recycling schemes, sponsorships and management of staff well being. A strategic CSR programme will allow companies to:

• Capture the value of what they are already doing
• Look at some proactive programme elements which will result in true engagement with the community and
• Allow such a programme to credibly demonstrate the responsible role that it is taking

By developing such programmes, companies will be able to manage their corporate citizenship effectively, whether their contribution is made through financial donations, products or services contributions or the provision of expert resources. Leading companies develop CSR programmes to enhance their relationships with the local community, local and national government, their employees, the non-profit sector and the media.

Although relatively new in Ireland, Q4 Public Relations, through our work with a number of multinational organisations, has been involved in the development and management of community affairs initiatives for over seven years.

We have a proven track record of delivering results – both for the organisation involved and for a variety of non-profit organisations. We can help you understand this new area, tailor a programme that will help support your overall business objectives and allow you to demonstrate effective corporate citizenship. Ultimately, we can help you make a real impact on the community where you operate.