Social Responsibility

At W RUGBY we practice what we preach, not only do we help grassroots rugby across the country, we also ensure that all of our people, products, services, manufacturers and suppliers recognise socially responsible standards which include Human rights, sustainability, environment, community impact, transparency & ethical behaviour.

The Standards we implement are based on ISO 26000, an internationally recognised standard for Social Responsibility. It is based on 7 core principles; Accountability, Transparency, Ethical Behaviour, Respect for Stakeholders, Respect for the Law, Respect for International Norms and Respect for Human Rights.

 

Accountability & Transparency

  • Accountability and Transparency involve taking responsibility for decisions and policies

  • Accountability and transparency involve the top decision-makers, as well as everyone throughout a chain of command

  • Leaders need to know and acknowledge who has made what specific decisions

Respect for Stakeholders

  • This involves identifying groups of stakeholders  - those who are affected by your decisions and actions - and responding to their concerns.

  • It does not mean letting them make your decisions.

Social responsibility is not decided in a vacuum; it always involves reference to the guiding principles, and awareness of  impacts on others.

Respect for Human Rights

  • Identify the vulnerable populations among its stakeholders, and to work to ensure their fair treatment

  • “..In situations where human rights are not protected, take steps to respect human rights and avoid taking advantage of these situations…”

Respect for the Law

In the context of social responsibility, respect for the rule of law means that an organisation complies with all applicable laws and regulations….even if they are not adequately enforced.

Ethical Behaviour

  • Ethical behaviour involves deciding what is the right course of action, day to day

  • Ethical behaviour is defined as “behaviour that is in accordance with accepted principles of right or good conduct in the context of a particular situation…”

  • Ask yourself:  would you be comfortable if your actions were to become public knowledge?

Respect for International Norms

  • In situations where the law or its implementation does not provide for adequate environmental or social safeguards, an organisation should strive to respect, as a minimum, international norms of behaviour.

  • International norms of behaviour are “…derived from customary international law, generally accepted principles of international law, or intergovernmental agreements that are universally or nearly universally recognised.”

  • These can be found in authoritative international instruments from organisations such as the United Nations, International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Outside of these 7 core principles, W RUGBY also follows and implements the guidance for Gender Balance, Consumer Issues, Labour Practices, Community Involvement and Development, The Environment and Fair Operating Practices. These elements can be found within ISO 26000 Standards for Social Responsibility.