Recognition reflects Zurich's long-standing commitment to community involvement and CSR
LONDON 03 July, 2002 -- Zurich has been named as a finalist for the UK's most prestigious national awards for demonstrating the positive impact of business on society through one of its community programmes.
Zurich's INclusion Programme is among five finalists for the Neighbourhood Renewal Award in Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence 2002. The award winners will be announced at the Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner to be held on Thursday 11 July in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales.
Zurich has long been committed to doing business in a manner consistent with being a trusted financial solutions provider. Socially responsible principles are incorporated into every aspect of Zurich's business - the way we treat our customers, our relationship with our employees, and building bridges with the communities in which we live and work.
Zurich Cares, the community arm of Zurich that manages the Inclusion Programme, is one part of Zurich's commitment to corporate social responsibility and aims to support people who face disadvantage, poverty, or physical or mental distress and to help them move from dependence to independence through grant funding and employee volunteer programmes.
"Zurich recognises that businesses don't operate in isolation," said Sandy Leitch, CEO of Zurich in the UK. "We have a direct stake in the prosperity of the communities in which we operate and from where we draw our profits. This programme is about much more than funding. We support our Inclusion partners by focusing on the organisation's core costs and capacity building, using a combination of funding and transfer of business skills."
Zurich will now be able to use the BIG TICK Mark on communications related to the INclusion Programme. The Mark can only be used by companies who have reached a measurable standard of excellence and confirms its position as an 'Example of Best Practice' in the field of corporate responsibility.
Julia Cleverdon, CBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said, "The Awards for Excellence showcase leading edge developments in corporate responsibility. We are delighted to congratulate Zurich who have passed the rigorous assessment process and have demonstrated the positive role business can have in society. The BIG TICK will endorse and promote their achievement."
Zurich is also an active participant in Business in the Community's Impact on Society website which allows companies to report on their corporate social responsibility activities in a clear and consistent way. The 19 pilot companies in the Business Impact Review Group have agreed to share information about their impact on their communities - the environment, the workplace and the marketplace.
