Consultancy work
We strongly believe in combining research with consultancy to achieve collaboration and partnerships, practical application of research, and to shape current and future practice in driving sustainability and responsibility into the heart of successful organisations.
There are therefore some priority areas where we are particularly interested in doing consultancy work that fits with our research work.
o For example, help a strategic business unit (SBU) of a multinational company to translate the company’s global commitment to CR into a strategy for the SBU; and then to develop a plan to ‘operationalise’ this
For a list of example areas of interest, click here.
An example of recent consultancy work is helping an organisation renew their sustainability strategy and then put in place processes, people, the correct organisational mindset, and operational enablers to implement the strategy.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach is to work with organisations that are genuinely committed to improving their ethical and sustainability performance as a responsible enterprise.
The consultancy approach we take is one of ‘Guide on the Side’ –
o We believe that the most effective interventions are not to do things to or for an organisation; but rather, to work closely with the organisation, to identify its material environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities; to help the leadership of the organisation to review its strategy in order to embed sustainability and responsibility; and then to support the organisation to clarify the programmes and project plans to implement the strategy.
We therefore expect that a client will identify a number of senior staff and talented, high-flyers who will be able to work with the Doughty Centre to complete the consulting assignment together.
OUR PERSPECTIVE
CR is not just about projects or programmes – although these can sometimes give focus and concentrate minds; rather it is about how a business conducts itself in all its activities.
o Does it operate ethically and fairly in its dealings with employees, suppliers, customers, governments, competitors?
o Does it seek to minimise negative environmental and social impacts and maximise positive ones?
o Is it a good neighbour?
It is about how companies behave: whether the commitment to responsibility and sustainability is built-in to business purpose and strategy– or whether it is just a bolt-on to business operations.
For further detail on Our Perspective, click here.
WHO WE ARE
The Doughty Centre has a small, full-time team led by Prof David Grayson CBE. When appropriate, we involve other members of the Cranfield faculty who are specialists in specific topics. On consulting assignments, we also work with a range of freelance associates, including particularly alumni of the Cranfield School of Management.
For further detail on Who we Are, click here.