The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to bring together Governments; Business; NGOs and local communities in a common cause that makes our world more sustainable for everyone, but it is also a challenge to be more accountable for our actions. Whatever the size of your charity, you need to ensure that the voices of your staff, clients and external stakeholders are effectively embedded in the way that you operate and increasingly your funders will be looking for this to be evidenced.

By using the SDG criteria, your organisation can show its level of ambition, how it is embracing Equality and Diversity, tackling exclusion, and improving the quality of life in its community. It can also evidence adherence to Human Rights principles and how your organisation encourages ethical partnerships and collaboration.

Questions that Board members and Executive Leadership need to address on People and Culture issues are increasingly complex, wide-ranging but frequently inter-connected. Some common examples are: 

• Do you have a written Code of Ethics policy and how do you record whistleblowing?

• How do you engage with your workforce and client group when developing your strategy?

• What information do you make publicly available and transparent?

• How do you represent your commitment to Human Rights principles, anti- fraud measures, or safeguarding? 

• Have you developed any policy or programme over the last two years to contribute to SDG 5 – Gender Equality?

Failure to adequately address these issues can often result in increased risks both at operational and reputational levels. Recruiting and retaining motivated and skilled staff in a competitive environment remains a significant challenge for the charity sector - staff retention levels can materially impact your effectiveness and costs.

Many staff join the charity sector because they are motivated to assist others but in turn, they expect their employers to maintain the highest standards as an employer and contractor. This is also an expectation held by your service users, funders and the public so any failure will inevitably have negative repercussions that can be difficult to address. Your ability to show you have a full understanding of the importance of culture is vital.

BTA has developed a cost effective and pragmatic solution through our new Sustainability Audit and Reporting service which is specifically targeted for the needs of small and medium sized charities and can help you identify gaps, manage risks, and maintain the highest ethical standards. As part of our service, we also offer training and implementation support. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you on your Sustainability journey. 

Ann McKechin is Senior Associate Consultant with BTA (Bruce Tait Associates), the leading Consultancy and Recruitment specialist for the Charity sector. BTA’s approach intertwines passion with professionalism, ensuring every organisation they partner with is poised to make a lasting impact.

Ann is a Policy and Communications specialist with a unique range of transferable skills gained from being a member of the senior management team in a multinational company, a charity director, a non-executive Board member, a former Government Minister and experienced parliamentarian and with a past legal career in the private sector.

For more information, please contact Alison Weir, Business Services Manager at BTA on [email protected]