The Responsible Business Awards seek to recognise and reward firms in Northern Ireland that are embracing the journey to build better workforces, create a sustainable economy and healthy communities. In other words, to be a responsible business. They are open to organisations – large and small – from any sector from across Northern Ireland.
The winners of the Responsible Business Awards were announced at the Gala Dinner on 30 May 2019 in Belfast Waterfront Hall.
2019 Categories
NI Responsible Company of the Year Award, sponsored by Heron Bros.
For the company that best demonstrates positive impacts across its people, the planet and the places where it operates and advocates the benefits to encourage others to follow
Entry to this category is open only to companies that have achieved CORE: The Standard for Responsible Business and Business in the Community will directly invite all those that are eligible to enter.
Find out more about CORE
Winner: Danske Bank
Investing in your Communities Award sponsored by Caterpillar
For the business that best works in partnership with local communities to address long-term social and economic needs
Winner: Apex Housing Association
Responsible Digital Innovation Award
For the organisation that best uses innovative, digital solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges.
Winner: Danske Bank
Diversity & Inclusion Award
For the organisation that best demonstrates excellence in creating and developing a diverse and inclusive workplace which offers opportunities for all.
Winner: Danske Bank
Highly Commended: Allen & Overy
Education Partnership Award, sponsored by Allen & Overy
For the organisation that best demonstrates how its actions have helped raise the aspirations and achievements of young people (aged 4-19) through a solid business education partnership.
Winner: Esri Ireland
Employability and Jobs Award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour
For the organisation that best removes barriers to work and helps people thrive in meaningful employment.
Winner: GRAHAM/Farrans Joint Venture
Highly Commended: Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
Environmental Leadership Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox
For the organisation that best demonstrates significant commitment and contribution to environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland through an initiative or its activities.
Winner: Ulster University
Responsible Product/Service Award
Recognising organisations that are developing innovative products or services that inspire responsible customer behaviour and encourage more sustainable lifestyle.
Winner: Translink
Highly Commended: ABP Food Group
One-to-Watch Award, sponsored by Survitec
For a *recently joined* Business in the Community member that has made significant progress in the development and implementation of its CR strategy *This category is open to members who joined from January 2017 onwards only.
Winner: ABP Food Group
Highly Commended: Ciena
Wellbeing at Work Award, sponsored by Larne Port 
For the organisation that demonstrates excellence in inspiring and supporting its employees to prioritise their health and wellbeing and embrace positive lifestyle choices.
Winner: Danske Bank
Highly Commended: Northern Ireland Water and The Henderson Group
Sponsorship opportunities for 2020 will be available in July 2019. To find out more, please email Helen Bowman or call (028) 9046 0606.
Highlights from 2019:
Why enter?
The Responsible Business Awards are our annual celebration and recognition of responsible business, helping to encourage new ways of thinking and inspiring others to take action. Each time a business applies for a Responsible Business Award, it is raising the bar for others.
Winning a responsible business award raises the reputation of your organisation, establishing your business as a great place to work as you take care of your people, the planet and the places where you operate.
The Awards are free to enter and every business, no matter how big or small, can enter one of the nine open categories. Those companies achieving CORE – The Standard for Responsible Business can also apply for the top award, NI Responsible Company of the Year.
The UK Responsible Business Awards
Running alongside the awards in Northern Ireland is our UK-wide awards programme. Business in the Community’s UK Responsible Business Awards are the longest-running and most respected awards championing responsible business across the UK and abroad. To find out more, visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards.