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 will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 30 May 2019 in Belfast Waterfront Hall.
Keynote Speaker
Linda Cruse: Pioneer, entrepreneur and magician, Linda has worked alongside some of the world’s most influential figures – including The Dalai Lama, HRH The Prince of Wales, and Sir Richard Branson, and with companies and foundations including GlaxoSmithKline, Nestlé, Cadbury, KPMG, Merrill Lynch, UNHCR, Virgin Unite and the World Bank – to help find solutions to some of the world’s most critical social and environmental problems.
Linda’s journey has not been short of adventure and misadventure. She has lost a few of her nine lives on the way including escape from a rebel army, wrongfully arrested, evaded rape, held at gunpoint and survived severe altitude sickness and hypothermia. Linda regularly lives with little or no access to clean running water, reliable electricity, dependable food supplies, a comfy bed, a hot shower or safe shelter – things most people take for granted.
Linda inspires businesses and audiences alike by sharing experiences and insights from a life on the frontline. Coming to Northern Ireland between her work in Australia and her daughter’s wedding, we are very fortunate that timing is on our side and we can hear from this very special lady. Find out more about Linda Cruse
If you would like to attend the Gala Dinner, please click here, contact marie.atcheson@bitcni.org.uk or call (028) 9046 0606.
Awards 2019 Timeline
- Gala night – 30 May 2019, 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
Shortlisted organisations:
- ASDA
- Danske Bank
- firmus energy
- JP Corry
- Phoenix Natural Gas
- Ulster Bank
- Veolia
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
Shortlisted organisations:
- Apex Housing Association
- Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland
- JP Corry
- Lidl Northern Ireland
- Marks and Spencer
- Smarts Communicate
- Translink
- Ulster Bank
Responsible Digital Innovation Award
For the organisation that best uses innovative, digital solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges.
Shortlisted organisations:
- Danske Bank
- Fathom
Diversity & Inclusion Award
For the organisation that best demonstrates excellence in creating and developing a diverse and inclusive workplace which offers opportunities for all.
Shortlisted organisations:
- Allen & Overy
- Allstate Northern Ireland
- Baker McKenzie
- Citi
- Danske Bank
- Farrans Construction
- Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
- Sensata Technologies
- Ulster Bank
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.
Shortlisted organisations:
- Datactics
- Esri Ireland
- Gilbert-Ash
- Graham-Farrans Joint Venture
- Mount Charles
- PwC
- The Irish News
Employability and Jobs Award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour
For the organisation that best removes barriers to work and helps people thrive in meaningful employment.
Shortlisted organisations:
- Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
- Choice Housing
- Diversity NI
- Graham-Farrans Joint Venture
- Heron Bros
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.
Shortlisted organisations:
- Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland
- Combined Facilities Management – joint with NIHE
- GRAHAM
- ISL Waste Management
- Lidl Northern Ireland
- Moy Park
- SONI Ltd
- Translink
- 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.
Shortlisted organisations:
- ABP
- JP Corry
- Kilcooley Women’s Centre
- SONI Ltd
- Translink
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.
Shortlisted organisations:
- ABP
- Ciena
- Funds-Axis Ltd
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.
Shortlisted organisations:
- Baker McKenzie
- Co-Ownership Housing
- Danske Bank
- firmus energy
- Hughes Insurance
- Lidl Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Water
- Queen’s University Belfast
- The Henderson Group
- Veolia
Sponsorship opportunities for 2020 will be available in July 2019. To find out more, please email Helen Bowman or call (028) 9046 0606.
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.
Highlights from 2018:
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.