Business' Involvement to Enhance Social Inclusion at Local Level
Particularly difficult in many European communities is the ability of vulnerable and low income citizens, migrants, under-skilled workers and youth to become active participants in society and in the wider economy. Savings banks have always had a close relationship with the people and communities they serve and, therefore, are well placed to help people realise social inclusion. The European Savings Bank Group (ESBG) is addressing these issues through the collaborative work of its members, interested stakeholders, NGOs, and related businesses.
Facilitator |
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Project Description
With the support of its members and interested stakeholders, the European Savings Banks Group (ESBG) facilitates this Laboratory around the theme of "Business' involvement to enhance social inclusion at local level".
Through the discussion and collection of the current practices of ESBG members aimed at local support programmes, this Lab will establish the principles necessary for the achievement of social inclusion on a large scale. Although the goal is the expansion of such programmes, the local nature and personalised relationships of implementation are crucial to success.
Importantly, this Lab will focus on short- to medium-term support mechanisms that allow clientele to become established and then engage in their own entrepreneurial and social agenda. To that end this Laboratory seeks to aid the EU priority of "fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainable technologies, products and services which address societal needs".
Objectives
- To expand the provision of banking services such that at risk groups can engage in financial activities in all aspects of their life
- To highlight the key success factors and lessons learnt for business involvement in local social projects, seeking to empower socially and financially excluded people. It will specifically focus on social entrepreneurship and the expansion of access to finance/financial services, including the use of microfinance activities.
Deliverable
- A List of Core Principles
A collection of practices and insights that will establish the best methods by which businesses can facilitate social inclusion. Based on initiatives developed by European savings banks, the objective is to highlight the key success factors and lessons learnt for business involvement in local social projects, seeking to empower socially and financially excluded people. It will specially focus on social entrepreneurship and the expansion of access to finance and financial services.
Facilitator
European Savings Bank Group (ESBG)
Company Participants
Banking institutions members of ESBG, and more specifically Austrian Savings Banks Association; Fédération Nationale des Caisses d'Epargne; Caisse Nationale des Caisses d'Epargne; German Savings Banks Association (DSGV); Italian Savings Banks Association; SNS Reaal; Spanish Savings Banks Confederation (CECA); Lloyds TSB
Contact Information
Anne-Françoise Lefèvre
Head of WSBI Institutional Relations
anne-francoise.lefevre@savings-banks.com
www.esbg.eu
Milestones - 2008
- 22 January: 3rd Laboratory Meeting - Stakeholder involvement with savings banks
- 28 January: Development of Preliminary Principles - 10 principles drafted, based on the work being conducted by ESBG members
- 19 March: Dissemination of Open document to stakeholders, based on lessons learnt by savings banks and initial discussion with stakeholders
- 04 March: 2nd High-Level Meeting, Brussels (CEOs only)
- April/May: Review and consolidation of stakeholders' feedback and comments on Open document
- 06 May: ESBG Board - Validation of Lab directions and progress
- 14 June: Release of Updated Status Report
- 19 June: CSR Europe General Assembly - presentation of Laboratory progress
- 28 October: Finalisation of Lab deliverable
- November: European Alliance Assembly - Presentation and Dissemination of LAB deliverable
