A Robert Gordon University (RGU) lecturer will highlight the business benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at an Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) event this month.
Dr Sarah Buckler, Course Leader for RGU’s MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy, will speak at the organisation’s Business Breakfast on Thursday, August 20.
Held at The Aberdeen Altens Hotel from 7-9am, the event will see members of the city’s business community learn more about CSR and how it can help both the recipients of support as well as the organisations involved.
Dr Buckler has been a lecturer at RGU since 2013 and is course leader for the university’s MSc in CSR and Energy, the only course of its kind in the world.
Prior to joining RGU, Dr Buckler was engaged on research and evaluation for two major CSR projects in West Africa which focused on value chains and has also worked extensively through the UK on development projects for local and national government, including arts-based projects and projects with minority communities.
She has also acted as advisor on a number of government funded schemes and initiatives which required an understanding of community dynamics.
Dr Buckler is a social anthropologist with specialist interests in the anthropology of art and creativity, community and organisational development, interaction and identity and in particular how to make academic knowledge applicable and useful for the wider community.
Dr Buckler said: “The face of Corporate Social Responsibility is changing. No longer is it a philanthropic feel-good add-on but increasingly it is a mechanism for business development, compliance, sustainability and growth.
“In today’s climate, more companies are realising that by embedding corporate social responsibility within their business strategy they can achieve efficiencies, attract new clients and customers, retain and develop engaged colleagues as well as making a meaningful impact on local and global communities.
“Aberdeen is no different from the rest of the business world and despite tougher operating conditions for many companies I hope my presentation will persuade more members of the business community to look at strengthening their CSR strategies.”