Celebrating 5 years of better business with the Good Business Charter
Posted on 21 February 2025
The milestone was marked at an inspiring anniversary event hosted by GBC founder Julian Richer, bringing together leaders dedicated to fostering ethical and sustainable business approaches.
Representing the University, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement, Kiran Trehan, played a key role at the event, contributing her expertise to a dynamic panel discussion on the future of responsible business.
Kiran was joined by GBC CEO Jennifer Herrera, as well as thought leaders George Gordon (TSB Bank) and Kate Norton (Praetura Group), offering valuable insights into how ethical business practices can drive long-term success.
The event also featured an address by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who applauded GBC-accredited businesses for their commitment to fairness and sustainability in line with the Employment Rights Bill.
Reflecting on the event, Kiran Trehan shared:
“The Good business charter isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. When we champion fairness, sustainability, and responsible leadership, we create stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and a better outcome for all.”
The Good Business Charter sets a high standard for responsible business conduct, recognising organisations that prioritise ethical and sustainable practices across ten key areas.
These include employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing. Accreditation under the GBC provides consumers and stakeholders with confidence that a business values integrity and accountability.
The University of York has been a proud member of the Good Business Charter since 2021, proudly holding the title of the first university to receive accreditation for its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices
In 2024, the University’s School for Business and Society collaborated with the GBC to produce a landmark report exploring how ethical business practices contribute to organisational success.
The findings showed that businesses aligning with the Good Business Charter not only enhance their reputation but also excel in talent retention and recruitment. The report also highlighted the Charter’s transformative potential in shaping a business landscape that prioritises purpose alongside profit.
To learn more about the Charter’s founding principles, and its ongoing mission to promote responsible business, visit the Good Business Charter website.