Our Judges
ARIANA BALL, CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP, ACCENTURE It is truly inspiring to see that, during a year that was challenging for so many, business continued to prioritise people and planet, crafting innovative ways to have a positive impact on their employees, their communities and our environment. The ambitious objectives of each organisation demonstrated how businesses in Ireland continue to deepen their commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.
LORRAINE CORCORAN, DIRECTOR, AFANITE LIMITED Partnerships, impact, innovation, solutions, sustainable: these are some of the words that spring to mind when thinking about the applications for the 2021 awards. The quality of submissions was superb. The inclusion of the new category for social enterprise is an excellent and timely addition demonstrating the evolution of impactful sustainable business practice.
SABINA COTTER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DCU EDUCATIONAL TRUST It is essential that businesses adapt to sustainable business models. It was interesting to review the Community, SME and Social Enterprise applications and understand the motivations and drivers in applications. I was especially impressed by collaborative approaches.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM, RELATIONSHIP DIRECTOR, MORGAN MCKINLEY In a world thrown into disarray by the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is remarkable that businesses did not abandon their CSR and Sustainable Development Goal duties. It was a material challenge, but businesses rose to the challenge. Covid has reaffirmed the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and we must all understand where we can make a difference. We have definitively established Ireland as a best practice leader in this field.
CLAIRE DOWNEY, CRNI EXECUTIVE, COMMUNITY RESOURCES NETWORK IRELAND I was impressed by the significant efforts being made by so many companies, often quietly in the background, to meet environmental, social and other sustainable development goals. It is so important in this critical window for climate action and social change that companies are taking these initiatives and driving innovation. These awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and inspire others to do more.
DEIRDRE GARVEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE WHEEL So much has changed in society and for people as a result of Covid-19 and it was inspiring to see the social and public good arising out of the sustained and ongoing partnerships between business and nonprofit organisations. We will all rely on these markers of excellence in the challenging period ahead so it is doubly wonderful to see these awards adapt and continue.
MOIRA GRASSICK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PENINSULA IRELAND The businesses shortlisted for this year’s Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards remind us of how important CSR is at present. To see so many businesses remain committed to issues that impact their wider community, even after the turbulent year we’ve had, should not only be commended but inspire other businesses to see that they too can make a difference.
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