The Responsible Business Standard, launched in 2011 and validated by Anglia Ruskin University, was previously only available as a full, onsite auditable certification. It is now offered with various online options from CPD Certification to the robust, evidenced-based Responsible Business Standard.
The Responsible Business Workbook, often referred to as The Small Business Bible, has been remodelled to provide a superb online course to help small businesses achieve their full potential whilst also igniting the power of small business for social good.
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
In 2011, the Organisation for Responsible Businesses launched the Responsible Business Standard (RBS), an onsite auditable certification designed specifically for small businesses. The certification was validated by Anglia Ruskin University as per the reports below:
Anglia Ruskin Full Validation Report.pdf
Working with our Advisory Board, the Responsible Business Workbook has been extensively updated and remodelled to form the basis of a superb online course.
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
The course, although specifically designed for small businesses from a sole trader upwards, is suitable for any size or type of organisation, including those at pre-launch and start up stages. Anyone working through the course will benefit from the extensive information provided, wrapped up in a stripped-back approach that necessities a soul-searching process to identify if an organisation is operating ethically and responsibly and genuinely making a positive contribution to society.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS
In the UK:
- over 96% of businesses are micro-businesses with 0-9 employees
- another 3% are small businesses (10-49 employees)
As over 99% of private businesses in the UK are small and micro businesses, ORB is committed to helping businesses in this sector achieve their full potential whilst also igniting the power of small business for social good.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Although certification options work on a tiered-price point structure based on the number of full-time pro-rata employees, the course is only £15 per person to access.
Businesses that would like multiple employees to take the course can add additional licences at only £12 per person.
Courses are purchased with an annual recurring direct debit because responsible business is a journey and not a destination, and we hope businesses will continually re-evaluate where they are on that journey.
The direct debit can, of course, be cancelled at any time.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE COVER?
This is an extensive, robust course looking at legislation and best practice in the following areas:
- The Workplace
- The Environment
- The Marketplace
- The Community
- Ethics, Values & Transparency
- Business Processes and Continuity
COURSE AND CERTIFICATION OPTIONS
Progress through the course in whatever way suits you best, either as a linear process through each section or drop in and out of sections as you wish.
The basic course includes optional resources such as Action Plans, Self-Assessment Forms, a Responsible Business Template, and support resources in each section.
The following certification options are available, albeit no commitment is required before accessing the basic course.
- CPD Certification
- Monitored self-assessment certification
- Social Value (Community) Certification
- Responsible Business Standard Certification
