November 24th, 2017

Sodexo Ireland has been awarded the Business Working Responsibly Mark, by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) at its annual Sustainability Forum on Wed 15 November 2017 at Dublin Castle.
The Mark, which is operated by Business in the Community Ireland, is based on ISO 26000 and valid for three years. It is independently audited by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) and 29 companies in total now have the Mark in Ireland.

To receive the certification, companies are assessed on best in class corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, looks at leadership, policies, practices, performance, and impact in areas such as; employee engagement, innovation, environmental practices, supply chain management and engagement with the local community.
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Sodexo was one of eight companies to receive the Mark this year and is the only company in catering and facilities management sector to achieve it.  Margot Slattery, country president attended the Forum, along with 170 other business leaders from across Ireland.

Commenting on the news, Margot Slattery, country president, Sodexo Ireland, said “We’re delighted and proud to receive the Mark. It is a tangible expression of Sodexo’s dedication and commitment to responsible business and supporting the good work of our people.”

According to the BITCI, the eight companies which received the certification this year collectively employ almost 15,000 people in Ireland, and when it comes to community engagement, BITCI’s Business Impact Map reveals that their employees volunteered over 9,800 hours and fundraised over €165,000 for good causes in 2016. In addition, the companies provided cash donations to charities totalling €1.8 million last year.

Tina Roche, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland said, “The Mark is challenging to achieve so I congratulate the companies today on getting it. Employees, customers, suppliers and many other stakeholders want to know what companies are doing when it comes to environmental issues, work-life balance, social inclusion and much more. In addition, investors are increasingly asking about’ sustainability credentials when investing so the Mark is a great measurement and validation for any company.”

Sodexo Ireland is a leading provider of catering and facilities management services to clients in business and industry, education, financial services and healthcare. It employs approximately 3,700 people in 230 locations across Ireland and spent over €19 million on Irish food in 2016.

Representing the companies awarded the Business Working Responsibly Mark in 2017 by Business in the Community Ireland were l/r Stephen Wheeler, managing director SSE Ireland, Margot Slattery, country president, Sodexo Ireland; Valerie Hedin, external communications manager EirGrid; Feargal O’Rourke, managing partner PwC, Cathleen Doohan, human resources and corporate social responsibility director Fujitsu; Dee Forbes, director-general RTÉ; Niall Browne, ceo Dawn Meats and Dave Murphy, ceo, PM Group.