WHO WE ARE
The Jersey Good Business Charter
The Jersey Good Business Charter is an initiative that highlights, celebrates and encourages the contribution of businesses in Jersey to building a better community and a better world.
THE CHARTER
The Jersey Good Business Charter is an initiative that highlights, celebrates and encourages the contribution of businesses in Jersey to building a better community and a better world.
The Charter is a standard of excellent business practice for companies with a presence in the island of Jersey. We operate independent of government and as a not-for-profit entity, drawing expertise on an honorary basis from the business community.
The Charter is governed by a Board, who are advised by a Council, and supported by an Executive Director.
The Charter Mark is then awarded by our Board to those Associate Member businesses that can demonstrate against a series of standards that they are serious about business ethics and corporate social responsibility, focusing on the impact of business on its people, supply chain, community, future generations and the planet.
WHY
To celebrate and challenge
To celebrate those Jersey businesses who are doing great work and making an impact for the common good
To challenge all Jersey businesses to progress their activities towards greater impact, greater measurement and more holistic thinking
Also
To broaden and deepen the conversation in the Jersey business community about business ethics and the role of business for the common good
To create a community of mutual support and encouragement for those who are serious about taking their journey of ethical business to the next level
The Charter was built with reference to international standards such as ISO 26000 and the UN SD framework. The Charter is principally tailored to Jersey’s SME sector, which has smaller businesses, serving local customers and clients. The Charter includes priorities such as sustainability, wellbeing and diversity & inclusion – but takes a more holistic view of the ethical imperative to make a net contribution to the common good.
LEVELS
Standard – be a part of the movement for good business.
Bronze – resolved credible intention…
Silver – significant measurable outcomes…
Gold – exemplary business-wide outcomes…
CRITERIA
Indication of Standard – be a part of the movement for good business
Standard – be a part of the movement for good business
Principles and Indicative Criteria for Jersey Good Businesses
The Standard level of Charter membership is non-assessed at the point of application. Prospective members make a self-assessment, which may be audited.
In the self-assessment applicants may answer:
“Yes, we do this”;
“Yes, we are aiming to start doing this”;
“No, we have no intention of doing this”;
Charter membership, at standard level, is awarded on the basis of 12 or more “yes’s” out of 15 possible.
Principles
SUPPLIERS – Fair Treatment of Suppliers: Demonstrating fairness in dealings with local suppliers and business partners.
Principles
- Decent terms of business
- Decent supplier selection
- Decent supplier communications
- Decent partnering
CUSTOMERS – Quality Products and Services: Providing high-quality products and services while prioritizing consumer/client satisfaction.
Principles
- Good products
- Good service
- Effective sales and marketing
- Efficient dispute resolution
PEOPLE – Employee Well-being: Ensuring fair treatment and rewarding employees adequately.
Principles
- Fair reward
- Fair treatment
- Fair inclusion
- Transparent communications
ENVIRONMENT – Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing the impact on the planet through sustainable practices.
Principles
- Lower carbon emissions
- Reduced energy consumption
- Decreased paper usage
- Reduced travel footprint
COMMUNITY – Corporate Citizenship: Engaging positively with local communities and contributing to their welfare.
Principles
- Local philanthropic initiatives
- Community involvement
- Participation in local politics
- Contributing to the local economy
Indicative Criteria
Suppliers
1. Are you mindful of the needs of small business suppliers and do you operate a prompt payment policy?
2. Do you provide local suppliers with testimonials and referencing?
3. Do you help local suppliers to tackle problems in their business?
Customers
1. Do you deliver high quality services that meet human needs? OR Are your services well delivered by well trained and happy providers?
2. Do you employ an ethical and honest approach to identifying, communicating, presenting, and persuading prospective customers?
3. Do you have good complaint handling and resolution procedures?
People
1. Are you working toward being a living wage employer?
2. Do you routinely recruit people on zero hours contracts in your workforce?
3. Do you have published discipline / grievance and health and safety policies?
Environment
1. Do you monitor and aim to reduce energy use?
2. Do you have plans in place to minimise use of paper and other consumables?
3. Do you have plans for increased recycling in the workplace and of things you produce?
Community
1. Does your engagement with third sector bodies go beyond occasional donations?
2. Do you give time and resources to community initiatives and projects?
3. Do you factor in local impact into your economic decision-making?
THE BOARD
The Board brings together four of the most senior and well-qualified people in the Jersey business sector to ensure the good governance and high standards of the Jersey Good Business Charter.
Board members’ responsibilities include;
Ultimate responsibility for the Jersey Good Business Charter.
Directors of the Company Limited by Guarantee.
Decide which charities/causes to distribute surplus funds to.
Oversee the Executive Director.
Approve budgets and amend the standards.
Serve without remuneration.
Chair of the Board
Heather-Anne Hubbell
Chair of the Board
A former barrister & solicitor, risk manager and banker, Heather-Anne is an experienced entrepreneur who works with local and global clients. She provides governance training to registered directors and is the founder of a Jersey based FinTech.
THE COUNCIL
The Council is a group of highly experienced and respected and members of the Jersey business community.
The Council’s responsibilities include;
Deciding on applications for Charter Mark status.
Suggesting amendments.
Proposing future Board members.
Serving without remuneration.