Ireland
Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI)
Profile
Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) was established in 2000 and is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in advice and guidance to leading companies in Ireland on corporate responsibility and corporate community involvement.
It is a business driven network, with significant social initiatives; its membership is drawn from Ireland's most progressive companies. With a core membership of over 45 of the Ireland's leading companies, BITCI also works with hundreds of companies nationwide through its social inclusion programmes.
Mission
BITCI has a very simple mission: to use its store of knowledge, networks and expertise to inspire, engage, support and challenge companies to make a positive impact on the workplace, marketplace, community and environment.
BITCI works to harness the power of Irish businesses to maximise its positive impact on all its stakeholders. Recognising the importance of CSR for long-term company sustainability, BITCI members strive for business excellence in all areas that impact on its stakeholders. To achieve this, they engage in ongoing open dialogue with all stakeholders, and continuously work to improve business practices through evaluation, learning and sharing best practice.
Activities
Advisory Services on CSR - One to One service and Peer Learning
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Through a process of systematic and comprehensive impact measurement, companies are guided to undertake a gap analysis and determine targets for improvement in the areas of workplace, marketplace, community and environment. With regard to community involvement, companies are advised on the development of a community involvement programme combining not only cash and in-kind donations, but also staff volunteering and skills transfer. As diversity becomes an increasingly important issue for Irish business, BITCI has developed a series of seminars and workshops for member companies that help staff understand the opportunities and added value of a diverse workforce.
Programmes on social inclusion: Education and Employability
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Over 500 companies nationwide participate in our programmes aimed at tackling social exclusion in the areas of employability and education. The Schools' Business Partnership links business with those schools who have a high risk of student dropout, through projects that include mentoring and skills transfer for students and school principals. The Linkage Programme works in conjunction with the Irish Probation & Welfare Service to source training and employment opportunities to former offenders, while the Ready for Work programme offers work placements and development opportunities for homeless people that are seeking to enter the workforce.
Members
47 members (view members)
Chairperson
Mr. Kieran MCGOWAN, Chairman, CRH plc; Former CEO, IDA
Contact
Chief Executive: Ms. Tina ROCHE
e-mail: info@bitc.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 874 7232
Fax: +353 (0)1 874 7637
Address: 32 Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin, Ireland
