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Nearly every Global Fortune 250 (G250) company now reports its corporate responsibility activity, with the UK topping the global ranking according to the KPMG International Survey of Corporate Responsibility Reporting 2011.

In what KPMG believes to be the most comprehensive survey of corporate responsibility (CR) reporting ever published, data was analysed from 3,400 companies worldwide, including the G250 and the largest 100 companies across 34 countries and 15 industry sectors.

The survey found that CR reporting is now undertaken by 95 percent of the G250, and 64 percent of the largest 100 companies (N100) in each country, representing increases of 14 and 11 percent respectively since KPMG’s previous survey in 2008. Almost half (47 percent) of the G250 companies report gaining financial value from their CR initiatives.

“It’s heartening to find that without exception, the UK’s largest companies are monitoring and reporting on their CR behavior,” Vincent Neate, who leads KPMG’s UK Climate Change Sustainability practice. “This year’s clean sheet is up nine percent from the 91 percent that was reported in 2008.

“It’s the latest indicator of CR’s move up the corporate agenda which is entirely sensible given its relationship to sound commercial concerns such as cost reduction, risk management, regulatory compliance, and brand enhancement.

“This report bears out the view that one of the effects of the volatility and tough trading conditions of recent years has been to make companies keener to measure, evaluate and articulate their activities around sustainability and social responsibility. As well as enhancing the value of their brands it can also show that they are investing time and money wisely.

“Further weight is thrown behind the assertion that CR initiatives have moved from being a moral to a critical business imperative through the finding that almost half of the G250 companies report gaining financial value from their… continued on page two

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To make digital more accessible, and to enable people to stay competitive in the global economy, a number of tech and media companies are working to level the online playing field all around the world. Here are five of them.

1. Microsoft Shapes the Future

2. Intel’s 10 Million Teachers

3. Comcast and the FCC Provide Internet Essentials

4. Time Warner Cable Connects a Million Minds

5. Hewlett Packard’s HP Catalyst Initiative

1. Microsoft Shapes the Future

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Through Microsoft’s Shape the Future initiative, the tech giant is giving digital tools to one million low-income youth across the globe. The three-year program is dedicated to providing PCs, education software, discounted broadband service and jobs skills training to those in need.

So far, Shape the Future has already reached over 10 million students and families over the past five years in countries like Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Portugal, the UK and Argentina, among others.

Microsoft vice president Anthony Salcito is leading the initiative. He says the program has been instrumental in molding Microsoft’s morale. “The Shape The Future program is based on a belief that technology has a fundamental role in developing individuals and societies,” says Salcito. “It has been extremely well received within the company because, on a daily basis, our employees experience the amazing power digital access and technology innovation can have on improving the lives of so many people.”

2. Intel’s 10 Million Teachers

Intel is on a mission to bring computers to young people in developing regions. As part of Intel’s Education Markets Platform Group, the company has deployed over 5 million units of Intel-powered classmate PCs, and has trained 10 million teachers in more than 70 countries. Not only does this effort give a select group of Intel employees the chance to travel around the world to deliver the machines, it gives them a chance to embrace the rewards that come with teaching.

Intel employee Linda Qian blogs, “While we were sent as teachers, it was us who ended up with most of the learnings.”

Suzanne Fallender, Intel’s director of CSR strategy and communications, says the volunteer programs are structured to give back to communities and to build unity. “Our approach is based on the belief that what we can contribute through strategic philanthropy and create shared value for Intel and for society,” she explains. “We can create significant economic and social value while also creating value and opportunities for Intel over the long term.”

3. Comcast and the FCC Provide Internet Essentials

For Comcast and the FCC, food and online education should go hand in hand. Through the cable operator’s Internet Essentials program, students who are eligible for free lunches under the National School Lunch Program can also receive low-cost Internet service, discounted computers and digital literacy training.

Families interested in enrolling are required to sign up before the end of the 2013-2014 year. They can stay in the program as long as one child in the household remains a part of the National School Lunch program. School districts across the country are promoting the initiative.

4. Time Warner Cable Connects a Million Minds

In 2009, Time Warner Cable began touting the importance of STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) through its Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) crusade. Because young people’s interest in the aforementioned fields has declined over the years, Time Warner Cable has dedicated five years and $100 million to creating STEM campaigns and curriculum for middle school students.

So far, the company’s efforts have galvanized hundreds of thousands of people who understand that geeks shall inherit the earth. “Less than two years into the program, parents, teachers and other concerned citizens have pledged to connect over 400,000 young minds to STEM,” shares Tessie Topol, Time Warner Cable’s senior director of strategic philanthropy and community affairs.

5. Hewlett Packard’s HP Catalyst Initiative

Via its Office of Global Social Innovation, Hewlett Packard is also focusing on STEM education. The HP Catalyst Initiative brings together educational institutions and experts from around the world to facilitate transformational STEM teaching.

Melissa Jun Rowley is a television and online journalist and social entrepreneur. Melissa is currently the social media correspondent for the live interactive show “What’s Trending with Shira Lazar.”]]>

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