Corporate Social Responsibility

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee was established in November 2007 as one of the Chamber’s special focus committees providing support and assistance in areas relevant to its members. The Committee’s mission is to build a platform for learning, advocacy and technical assistance that enables every business to be an active partner in creating a socially and environmentally sustainable Trinidad and Tobago.

Corporate Social Responsibility is a commitment by companies to contribute to sustainable development through working with employees, their families, other organizations, communities, government, and the society at large, to improve the quality of life and the environment in ways that are both good for business and social development.

The Committee’s mandate is to serve the learning needs of its members, as well as to provide advocacy and technical assistance using practical, realistic and adapted approaches that enable these organizations and individuals to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness with which they undertake CSR activities. This approach encompasses working not only with members, but engaging other Chambers, civil society, public sector and international organizations.

Objectives:
•    Learning:
The CSR Committee provides members and other stakeholders with access to relevant CSR related course materials to assist in developing an understanding and appreciation of CSR, both conceptually and in practice. This enables members to better incorporate CSR into their organizations and foster more responsible business practices.

•    Advocacy
The CSR Committee provides a forum for advocacy with key stakeholders to facilitate an enabling environment that encourages private sector investment in CSR related activities.

•    Technical Assistance
The CSR Committee is working with its members through outreach forums, workshops and individual meetings to assist in the implementation of CSR activities and initiatives that are strategic in nature, in line with their core business practices and focused towards sustainable development.