In an era where businesses are increasingly being held accountable for their impact on society and the environment, Future Leadership’s decision to become a Certified B Corporation, or B Corp, is a pivotal moment for any company.
It signifies a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. We are thrilled to announce that we have embarked on this transformative journey towards becoming a B Corp, and we invite you to join us as we share the essence of this decision and what it means for our future.
B Corps and Their Impact
Let’s delve into what B Corps are all about. B Corps is a certification and a promise to meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. A B Corp certified company pledges to balance purpose with profit, aligning their business strategies with values that extend to an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.
Our Motivation to Pursue B Corp Certification
Behind every major decision lies a compelling motivation. In our case, it’s the recognition that the traditional bottom line no longer suffices. We believe that businesses possess the power to catalyse positive change. Becoming a B Corp aligns with our core values, demonstrating our commitment to fostering sustainability, responsible business practices, and social progress, by keeping a legal commitment in accordance with our corporate governing structure, holding accountability to all stakeholders, not just major shareholders.
The Rigorous Path to Certification
The journey to becoming a Certified B Corp isn’t an easy one, nor should it be. The rigorous assessment evaluates a company’s impact on its employees, community, environment, and customers. It scrutinises everything from governance and worker benefits to environmental performance and supply chain transparency. We’re excited to share our dedication to meeting these stringent criteria.
Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is a cornerstone of the B Corp philosophy. By sharing our journey openly, we’re committing to being held accountable for our progress. This transparency extends to our successes and setbacks, as both are integral to the growth and evolution of a purpose-driven business.
Adoption of Sustainability in the Public Sector
Sustainability is increasingly being adopted by the public sector as governments around the world recognise the importance of addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Challenges that are further demanded by an increasingly larger economy with limited resources, particularly in organisations around the region. Although the level of adoption can vary depending on the region and government priorities, many governments are incorporating sustainability into their policies, strategies, and operations. Initiatives may include promoting renewable energy, expansion of urban and constant changes in authoritative policymaking.
Stats and Data on Sustainability Roles and Skills as of February 2023
We measure the differences we make as an organisation, which is significant to how we determine our impact across every sector of Australia. As according to our CLA indices, we collect and update our program participants in real time.
- 27% improvements in self-awareness
- 18% have found a strong motivation to develop.
- 30% have found clarity in their roles.
- 23% had improved confidence in their abilities and impact as a leader.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainability roles and skills across various industries, including the public sector. The skills required for these roles may include knowledge of environmental regulations, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, and sustainable policy development.
- Sustainability-related positions include but not limited to;
- Director of People & Culture
- Chief Legal Counsel
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Executive Officer
- Head of Customer Experience
- Head of Data & Analytics
- Senior roles in government
- Deputy Secretary Forest, Fire & Regions (FFR)
- Deputy Secretary Corporate Services
- General Manager Governance and Engagement
- Manager City Development
- Head of HR and Head of Infrastructure.
Key Sustainability Challenges in the Public Sector:
The public sector faces several sustainability challenges, with Increasing scrutiny, and a rise in public transparency and accountability, leaders and organisations must nurture public service ethos while increasingly adopting corporate disciplines of value for money, efficiency and client centrality. adaptation must work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Sustainable Infrastructure: Balancing the need for infrastructure development with minimising environmental, social and economic negative impacts is a challenge. Focusing on social Equity, as a B corporation, we are ensuring that sustainability efforts benefit all segments of society and address social inequalities, ensuring public awareness and engagement where we not only educate ourselves but educating the public, and those who we interact with about sustainability issues and encouraging sustainable behaviors.
The B Corp Community and Movement
One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a B Corp is joining a global community of like-minded businesses. This community shares insights, challenges, and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment that transcends competition. We look forward to learning from others and contributing our experiences to this movement. Undertaking the B Corp journey is an opportunity to collaborate and innovate. As we work towards certification, we’ll be implementing new practices, exploring sustainable solutions, and engaging with our stakeholders to drive positive change. This journey not only transforms our internal operations but also encourages us to think creatively about how we can contribute to a better world.
Concluding
Announcing our pursuit of B Corp certification is a declaration of our commitment to a brighter and more sustainable future. As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to follow along, offer insights, and hold us accountable. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but the potential for positive impact makes every step worthwhile. Thank you for joining us on this adventure towards becoming a Certified B Corp. With the changing environment and demands in every part of the Australian economy, with the public sector especially, it is even more important to keep up in accountability in our impact as an organisation.
B Corps are businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It took us six months and around 300 hours of work from making the application to certification and I think the reaction was because it was attuned to our company’s purpose of creating a world of difference. – Chair Leon Lau
See our B Corp profile: Future Leadership Certified B-Corp
For executive leadership solutions, visit www.futureleadership.com.au or call 1300 347 437.
For additional images, interviews or media enquiries please contact Liz Anderson, Executive Assistant to the Managing Director on [email protected]
