Building a Socially Responsible Business Environment

Description

This project''s primary objective is to evaluate and promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies in Bulgaria while drawing from successful Norwegian practices. As a result, NASOR aims to achieve several key outcomes: Firstly, they will analyze contemporary CSR trends, specifically focusing on how these practices apply to the labor market, drawing insights from the Norwegian experience. NASOR''s team will also create draft criteria for assessing CSR practices. Secondly, they will share experiences with their Norwegian partner to delve into and learn from exemplary CSR practices. The project includes organizing a Forum of Socially Responsible Employers and conducting two training seminars for SMEs. These sessions will provide a platform for discussing CSR strategies tailored to the nature of their business activities. Lastly, NASOR will develop a handbook featuring proven Norwegian practices, alongside relevant methodologies, which will be presented to the Ministry of Social Policy and the Advisory Council for CSR in Bulgaria. 

Achieving this requires a series of key activities, including:

- Project Management

- Project Publicity

- Financial Audit

- Research Activity

Further this project contributes to the overall goal of strengthening bilateral relations. NASOR and its Norwegian Partner have been in close cooperation in order to identify and select the project activities that will suit and enrich the work of the organizations taken as a whole. The project will be just the first step in the establishment of long-term partnership and future collaborations not only for both parties, but also for other Bulgarian and Norwegian policy-makers and stakeholders. The Bulgarian-Norwegian Bilateral relations under this project will be promoted at two levels: at the level of project partnership and at the level of the target groups.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several critical issues in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Bulgaria:

• Implementation of CSR Policies: The project sought to support the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy''s CSR strategy by enhancing its execution, particularly in areas related to transparent, socially responsible management practices, resource investment, and sustainable consumption.
• Need for Unified Evaluation Standards: One of the main challenges identified was the absence of adequate criteria for evaluating CSR practices in Bulgaria. The project aimed to advocate for a unified audit standard to improve CSR accountability.
• Modernization of CSR Practices: NASOR identified the need for modern CSR practices and corporate sustainability, emphasizing the importance of learning from developed nations like Norway, where CSR is embedded in business culture and supported by strong regulatory and trade union mechanisms.
• Building Understanding and Engagement: The project aimed to help Bulgarian employers understand the value of socially responsible practices, strengthen their relationships with employees, and encourage voluntary CSR activities that go beyond legal requirements.
• Promoting Employer-Employee Relations: By learning from Norway''s advanced systems, the project aimed to foster better protection for workers'' rights and improved engagement between employers and employees.
• Encouraging Best Practices: The project sought to facilitate the exchange of expertise with Norway to prepare and propose a national agreement that establishes criteria for evaluating CSR practices and promotes an understanding of these practices among Bulgarian employers.

Overall, the project aimed to strengthen CSR policies, increase transparency and accountability in business operations, and align Bulgarian practices with international standards, contributing to a more socially responsible and sustainable labor market.

The project aimed to improve CSR practices in Bulgaria through several structured activities:

1. Research and Mapping: The NASOR team conducted comprehensive research to evaluate and map existing CSR policies and trends in Bulgaria, focusing on Norwegian practices. They developed draft criteria for CSR evaluation, which were proposed for further discussions.

2. Exchange of Experience: NASOR experts visited Norway to study successful CSR strategies, particularly those by the Norwegian Ministry of Labor and Social Inclusion. They met with local businesses practicing effective CSR, gaining valuable insights to apply in Bulgaria.

3. Forum and Workshops: NASOR organized a national forum to share project findings and promote the importance of CSR. The forum included guest experts from Norway who led workshops for SMEs, helping them incorporate CSR practices tailored to their business types. This activity also featured one-on-one consultations to build NASOR''s capacity and outreach.

4. Handbook Development: NASOR created a handbook on Norwegian CSR practices, detailing methodologies and strategies. This handbook was shared with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and the Advisory Council for CSR to support the development of CSR practices in Bulgaria.

The project equipped NASOR and Bulgarian SMEs with the knowledge and tools to enhance CSR practices, leveraging Norwegian expertise. It provided practical resources, training, and strategic insights to foster more transparent, socially responsible, and sustainable business practices in Bulgaria.

The project "Building Socially Responsible Business Environment" achieved several significant outcomes and impacts for various beneficiaries:

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policies: The project identified, improved, and further developed existing CSR policies in Bulgaria by applying best practices from Norway. This contributed to creating a sustainable environment for social inclusion and equity, and advised businesses on the benefits of CSR1.

2. Employee Quality of Life: The project aimed to improve the quality of life for employees by assessing value creation, risks, innovation, and the effects on members of the National Association of the Socially Responsible Employers (NASOR), workers, investors, businesses, and the growth of the economy.

3. Surveys and Analysis: Two surveys were conducted among representatives from the corporate sector and state institutions to identify the current situation of CSR implementation and challenges faced. The analysis and recommendations were presented at the National Forum of the Socially Responsible Employers, gathering over 120 stakeholders.

4. Exchange of Experience: The NASOR team visited Norway to exchange experiences in CSR with local businesses and authorities. This included meetings with representatives from the municipality of Aurland and Norway''s Best travel agency, focusing on sustainable practices and employment of people from vulnerable groups.

5. Events and Workshops: The project organized four events, including the National Forum of the Socially Responsible Employers, two workshops, and the Final Conference. These events provided platforms for discussing CSR policies, sharing best practices, and making recommendations for policy changes.

6. Handbook of Best Practices: A bilingual handbook with best practices from Norwegian and Bulgarian businesses was created and presented at the Final Conference. This handbook focuses on sustainable practices and employment of people with disabilities.

The beneficiaries of these outcomes include NASOR members, workers, investors, businesses, and the broader economy in Bulgaria and Norway.

Summary of bilateral results

The bilateral cooperation between NASOR and CSR Innovative Solutions on the project was highly successful, marked by strong collaboration and adherence to project timelines. All deadlines outlined in the project Workplan were met without delay, demonstrating efficient project management and commitment from both parties. Whenever specific information was needed to meet project requirements, CSR Innovative Solutions proved to be responsive and supportive, consistently providing the necessary assistance.Communication between the two partners was seamless and did not require any additional facilitation. The team from CSR Innovative Solutions was noted for their punctuality and dedication, ensuring that all project aspects were delivered on schedule. The materials and content produced by CSR Innovative Solutions were thorough, aligning well with the project''s objectives and ensuring comprehensive coverage of the topic.A notable highlight of the cooperation was the visit to Norway. This visit not only provided professional insights into CSR practices but also offered cultural enrichment. NASOR representatives were given the opportunity to experience Norway''s cultural landmarks, such as Aurland’s fjord and the Flam Railway station, which added an enriching dimension to their understanding of the country’s approach to CSR.Additionally, CSR Innovative Solutions actively participated in NASOR’s key events. Their presence included presentations that shared exemplary CSR practices from Norway and offered valuable recommendations on how these practices could be adapted and implemented in Bulgaria. This collaboration thus strengthened the mutual understanding of CSR strategies and practices, reinforcing the project''s impact on enhancing CSR in Bulgaria through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.