Quadrant, a tailor-made CSR action plan for each company
Quadrant is a CSR learning network organized by the Belgian Chambers of Commerce which aims at
integrating sustainability within companies and organisations. During one year, approximately 100
managers from Belgian SMEs meet once a month in small groups to learn about and work with CSR. The
strength of Quadrant is that it offers companies a complete learning programme (5 half day sessions) on
sustainability.
After an introduction to the conceptual framework and a self-evaluation, a sustainability analysis follows in
which each company reflects on the social impacts of its core business and looks for solutions that can have
a positive effect on people, the environment and the community. The result is an action plan which is
discussed with other managers who participate in the learning network.
At the end of the programme, participants know what sustainability means for their business, they have
had the chance to experiment and they have determined an action plan. Unique to this approach is that it’s
based on the core activities of a specific company.
What does Quadrant offer?
→ An action-oriented approach to apply CSR in companies and organisations;
→ A learning programme in limited groups (10 - 15 entrepreneurs) of 5 ½ day sessions focusing on the
following themes:
1.
CSR framework;
2.
Sustainability analysis;
3.
Stakeholder consultation;
4.
CSR action plan / Roadmap;
5.
CSR reporting and communication
→ Individual counselling (1/2 day)
→ National award ceremony / closing event with all the learning networks
CSR, a continuing story
CSR is a process. Participating in Quadrant is a start, not the finishing point. Through the Quadrant platform
website and the Quadrant community, we offer participants the opportunity to continue developing their
CSR actions:
• Quadrant participants stay in contact and are informed of each other’s evolution.
• They can exchange experiences, ask questions and give advice and stay informed of interesting
developments, initiatives and events on CSR.
More than 300 Quadrant participants and chambers of commerce are connected and share information
through this platform.
The Belgian Chambers of Commerce, partner for sustainable development
The Belgian Chambers of Commerce place sustainability high on their agenda and want to be a driving force
to encourage and support companies to do business in a sustainable manner.
Setting an example for companies, the chambers also strive for their own sustainable operation and
strategy. This led to the signing of a Corporate Social Responsibility Charter by all Belgian chambers in
2009.
The Belgian chambers cooperate with other private and public CSR actors to communicate the importance
of sustainability and CSR across all available channels, both at Belgian and European level.
By sharing experiences, the organisations that assist companies around CSR enrich each other. In 2010 the
Federation organised a European CSR Academy, a training course on the role that chambers of commerce
can play in stimulating and assisting companies to get involved with sustainable development.
The Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce is the coordinating body of 15 Chambers of Commerce
in Belgium.
Contact: Mrs Veerle Geeraerts, Project & International Affairs Manager
Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce - www.belgianchambers.be
e-mail: vgeeraerts @ belgianchambers.be - tel: 32-2-209 05 50