The Materials Processing Institute has signed up to the Good Business Charter (GBC) which recognises responsible business practices.
The Teesside-based research centre is committed to being assessed across ten key standards, including employee well-being, staff representation, diversity and inclusion, environmental responsibility and paying the real living wage.
Available to all companies, charities and public sector organisations, the GBC works through a simple online self-certification process. At a time when people care more about who they work for and who they buy from, it offers straightforward accreditation recognising those organisations seeking to raise the bar when it comes to values and standards.
The GBC has the support of both the CBI and TUC, which both have trustee representation on its board. Other partners include the Living Wage Foundation and the Prompt Payment Code.
Simon Fox, Chairman of the GBC board, said: “The Good Business Charter brings together 10 standards, most of which already exist, but in separate places. We have brought them together to give a coherent overall position for businesses to aspire to. We believe that the GBC has enormous potential to change business practice for good. We hope that because of its simplicity and cost effectiveness, it will quickly gain support.”
Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “As the national centre for innovation in the steel and metals sector, the Institute is leading the way in the decarbonisation of the steel, metals and foundation industries.
“As well as setting new standards for industry, the Institute is firmly committed to meeting and exceeding its own high standards as an organisation, prioritising a range of important issues from caring for its employees, suppliers, and stakeholders, to being environmentally responsible.
“The Institute hopes that by signing up to the GBC it will inspire others to follow suit.”
Last year the Institute signed up to Race to Zero, an international campaign led by the United Nations Champions for Climate Action, and it is an accredited Living Wage employer.