Workforce South
Whether based in Southampton, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Portsmouth or Poole, the fact of the matter is that our businesses today are competing directly or indirectly in the global economy.
Whether based in Southampton, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Portsmouth or Poole, the fact of the matter is that our businesses today are competing directly or indirectly in the global economy.
Workforce South aims to make a difference to Business South Champions by bringing together professionals who are involved in all aspects of the people agenda, with a view to driving positive change across the Central South. We work collaboratively to make sure Business South Champions are best placed to secure competitive advantage through people, process and connections.
Our key programme of work centres around:
- Mental Health at work
- Attracting and retaining talent
- Flexible working
- Closing the gender pay gap
- Diversity in the workplace
- Corporate and Social Responsibility / Responsible Business
- Employers’ Information Pack
- Making the most of the apprenticeship levy
- Upskilling workforce
Responsible Business – Responsible South
Businesses are becoming far more aware of their social and economic accountability to their region, many already have implemented initiatives to this effect and Business South would like to help promote the good news stories around these and encourage new initiatives. Mark Smith, CEO of Southern Co-op is the Ambassador for the idea of ‘Responsible South’
Read what Mark Smith has to say about being a Responsible Business:
“Responsible business is how a business makes money, not just how it spends its profits. Our premise is that business cannot operate in a vacuum – if society is not flourishing, a business cannot flourish in the long term.”
Mark made the business case for tackling the Sustainable Development Goals both in terms of sales success and recruiting and retaining talent.
Research quoted by the UN shows that 78% of consumers are more likely to buy from companies that support the goals and 76% of millennials consider a company’s sustainability commitments when deciding where to work.
This is a particularly strong driver of change in a region like the south of England, with low unemployment and where competition for the best talent is intense.
Community Investment Toolkit
Giving back to the local community can benefit both the businesses and the region. We’ve put together a list of some practical things for businesses to consider, along with a variety of organisations who can help with projects and programmes to start a local Community Investment journey:
Top Tips – Providing information on what businesses should consider and some useful contacts (a non-exhaustive list)
Download PDF
Community Investment Business case – Some advice on how to introduce a Community Investment strategy into your workplace has been listed below.
Download PDF
Community Investment Strategy Template – This template has been designed as an example of how businesses could consider a Community Investment Programme
Download PDF
If you are a Business South Champion and would like to get Involved please email – kate@businesssouth.org
Business South
Solent Business Centre
343 Millbrook Road West
Southampton
SO15 0HW