The Institute of Directors July breakfast event focused on the social dimensions of Environmental, Social and Governance practices.
Building on last month’s June breakfast, which focused on the ‘E’, the Institute of Directors (IoD) brought together business and charity leaders to share insights on how the sectors can work together more effectively.
Wayne Bulpitt, the Chair of the Association of Guernsey Charities, shared some data from the association’s recent survey, along with his insights on the pressures faced by charities, such as cost of living changes, demographic shifts, and declining volunteer rates.
He said: “When it comes to ESG, we hear quite a lot about the environment, and those in financial services often discuss governance. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the social aspect has been as prominently mentioned, so we’re delighted that it is being addressed today’s IoD breakfast.
“At the AGC, we’ve been discussing the pressures charities in our community are facing for some time. For example, the cost of living increases, changing demographics, and volunteering patterns. Now, we have concrete evidence of these challenges.
“Our survey involving 145 charities provides credible insights into the state of about 600 total charities, including 100 sports groups and clubs. The results revealed that nearly half of our charities (49%) experienced changes in their service provision and anticipate further changes in the coming year. Additionally, 29% of charities faced funding shortfalls last year. Perhaps more concerning, 41% of charities experienced a decline in volunteers.
“Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes can play a crucial role. Only 1% of charities reported having effective CSR partnerships, and 28% felt their existing relationships with corporates could be improved.
“The biggest challenge, however, is the shortage of skilled volunteers. The regulatory requirements for charities, introduced to primarily benefit the finance industry, have created bureaucratic hurdles. Those of us in finance should step up to fill the gaps by offering our skills as company secretaries, bookkeepers, treasurers, advisors, and more. Employer-supported volunteering programmes, where employers provide time off for employees to volunteer, can make a real difference. Regular, skilled volunteering, such as an hour a week or a couple of hours a month, would be incredibly valuable.
“I am convinced that charities need our support more than ever and together we can ensure they continue to provide essential services for our community. Please ask yourself, where would Guernsey be #withoutus.”
The Chair of the IoD Guernsey Branch, Glen Tonks, added: “The dialogue and collaboration between businesses and charities is crucial for driving impactful social change. The IoD Guernsey recognises the pressing need to elevate the ‘S’ in ESG to the forefront of our agendas. By fostering stronger CSR partnerships and encouraging skilled volunteering within our business sector, we can address the challenges facing our charitable organisations to create a more resilient and compassionate community.”
