Here's how you can maximize your time and productivity in CSR.

White selecting an issue for CSR action, it is important to understand that the most glaring issue is not necessarily the most urgent and important issue. Often, as you delve into the specifics of problem-statement, you come across deeper issues. Select a cause that falls within the mandate given by the stakeholders - government, shareholders, employees, local community. If you are doing this for the first time, select one that is likely to have maximum impact in a short time, with the resources at hand. While trying to figure this out, you will have to try out various methods of measuring and assessment, even before you actually select a cause. What is measured easily, is controlled relatively easily. Finally, stay on course!

Encourage your employees to join projects that excite them. For instance, if someone is passionate about the environment, let them lead a recycling program. This makes work more fulfilling and boosts productivity. It also shows that their contributions matter. Provide opportunities for employees to use their expertise. For example, if a team member is great at organizing, they could plan community events. This not only helps the company but also keeps your team engaged and happy. Regularly celebrate your team’s CSR achievements. This recognition can motivate them to stay engaged and continue contributing.

Engaging employees is critical and should not ignore other key stakeholders identified, they may be communities, customers, NGOs, Investors etc

Streamlining your company's CSR processes can make a big difference in how effective and productive your efforts are. The key is to look closely at what you're doing now and find ways to simplify or automate certain tasks. For example, you might be able to combine a few different reporting systems into one. Or use project management software to keep better track of all your initiatives. It also helps build a culture of continuous improvement within your CSR program. When processes are efficient and well-organized, it's easier for your team to spot opportunities for further optimization. The bottom line is, that taking the time to streamline your CSR processes can pay big dividends in terms of productivity, impact, and team morale.

Clear goals needs Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track the progress and performance to evaluate the IMPACT of CSR Initiatives and corroborated with a model like Logic Frame/Theory of Change.

Partnerships can be a powerful tool in amplifying your CSR efforts. By collaborating with like-minded organizations, non-profits, or community groups that share your vision and values, you can pool resources, share expertise, and expand your reach. For instance, consider partnering with a non-profit organization that aligns with your values and addresses important issues. This can help you achieve your CSR goals more effectively and efficiently. Strategic partnerships can lead to more impactful and sustainable outcomes. To get the most out of your partnerships, focus on building strong relationships with your partners. This can be achieved by regularly communicating and sharing goals, resources, and expertise.

Collaborating with external partners gives leverage in terms of shared expertise and resources and enhances the scale of CSR operations and its impact.

CSR involves managing a company’s impact on society and the environment, with a critical focus on reducing GHG emissions. Scope 3 emissions, which include all indirect emissions in a company’s value chain (such as supplier activities, business travel, product use...), present significant challenges due to their complexity. The lack of standardized measurement methods and the resource-intensive nature of tracking these emissions further complicate efforts. Controversies arise around accountability, and the potential for greenwashing, as well as evolving regulatory frameworks that create uncertainty. We still need a standardized method for a transparent accounting, as well as limiting double counting of emissions between companies.

First, establish clear goals and objectives for your CSR efforts. This will help you define what success looks like and what metrics to track. For example, if you're aiming to reduce carbon emissions, you might track the number of tons of CO2 reduced each quarter. Regularly reviewing your progress helps you stay focused and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that your resources are being used efficiently and that you're making tangible progress towards your goals. By monitoring your progress, you can also demonstrate the impact of your CSR activities to stakeholders, which can help build trust and support. To stay on top of your CSR progress, set aside time each quarter to review your metrics and goals.

Apart from M&E a proper feedback system with lessons learned to explore new approaches, technologies and practices pave a way to address challenges more effectively.

Periodic reviews of the CSR activities against the plan are necessary. Yet this is not as simple as that of a regular industrial project. The activities are generally quantifiable. The output and outcomes are often intangible. Subjectivity/biases in their measurements and comparison are often so subtle, that it requires a trained assessor to discern them. While carrying out monitoring reviews, one must adjust the original plan or the benchmark to the current reality. Comparison with other similar projects in that geography is helpful. A word of caution - no two problems are alike and no two solutions will be alike. Have the courage to chart your own course, if needed.

The impacts of a CSR project are generally felt long after the project has concluded. Yet, you must monitor, review, reflect on the findings and adapt your activities to achieve the final impact, here and now. To counter the uncertainty, it is advisable to create a framework at the planning stage (Logic Model, Theory of Change etc.), where the outputs, outcomes and impacts are detailed against each action. Reflect on the divergence of resources, efforts and activities, and their corresponding outputs, outcomes and impacts. Adjust the resources, people and action. Review changes in the environment, identify major risks and adaptation requirements. Stay focused. Avoid cumbersome processes and bulky organisation structures. Be lean and agile!

Transparency in communication, inside out and outside in, including regulatory compliance, laws and industry & ethical standards in all CSR activities is a must.

Reflecting on your CSR initiatives is crucial to staying ahead in the game. It's essential to take a step back and assess what's working and what's not. For instance, if you're running a community outreach program, you might reflect on the effectiveness of your outreach methods. Are you reaching the right audience? Are your messages resonating? By asking these questions, you can identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to better connect with your community. By staying open to feedback and willing to adapt, you can ensure that your CSR efforts remain relevant and effective.

As a former CSR and SD Project Manager at Montpellier Events, I've observed that while both Montpellier Events and the Qatar World Cup hold ISO 20121 certification, their ecological and social impacts are vastly different. ISO 20121 provides a framework for sustainable event management, emphasizing practices like energy efficiency and social responsibility. Montpellier Events exemplifies local commitment with initiatives like using 100% green electricity and prioritizing local partnerships. In contrast, the Qatar World Cup faces broader challenges, such as high carbon emissions and labor issues. This disparity underscores that ISO norms should be seen as frameworks for work, rather than definitive indicators of positive impact.

Impact Assessment by third party professionals like Social Impact Assessors or Social Auditors with data driven insights helps in making informed decisions and to adjust and navigate through CSR Strategic Decision making to demonstrate value to all stakeholders to maximize positive impact on society.

Linking CSR to marketing offers financial benefits by leveraging marketing budgets and teams to promote CSR activities. However, it risks conflicts of interest, as marketing's primary goal is to enhance the company's image, often prioritizing publicity over genuine environmental and social impact. This can lead to greenwashing, where superficial efforts mislead stakeholders and undermine trust. To ensure meaningful CSR, companies should grant CSR departments independence with dedicated budgets and authority to pursue substantial, long-term sustainability efforts. Balancing marketing resources with true CSR goals, or even splitting these branches when needed, is essential for credibility and substantial progress.