Diageo Northern Ireland (NI) was Highly Commended in the BUPA Workwell Award category at Business in the Community’s national annual Responsible Business Awards Gala Dinner in London last night – the only NI company to be recognised.

The event, at The Royal Albert Hall, marked the culmination of the 2013 Responsible Business Awards that are set up to celebrate the powerful and positive role of business in society.  The prestigious awards scheme celebrates innovative examples of how businesses across the UK are making a positive difference - transforming communities through tackling key social and environmental issues, and transforming their businesses by integrating responsible behaviour.

Diageo Northern Ireland was rewarded for demonstrating responsible leadership through its ‘Health and Wellbeing Programme - You are Made of More’. It was an initiative designed to maximise the energy of every employee and ensure their emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing was enhanced at work and at home.

The Judges found the programme very impressive, they felt that this was an excellent example of good organisational leadership; demonstrating creativity and ownership.

An audience of 1,000 people gathered at The Royal Albert Hall, including key note speaker David Cameron MP, Prime Minister, CEO of some of the UK’s biggest brands, SMEs, and representatives from government, charity groups and community organisations.  The event was co-hosted by Joanna Lumley and Bafta Award winning actor and comedian James Corden, with guests enjoying entertainment from the young performers of the Emerald Music School Choir from South East London.  The evening was supported by the 2012 Responsible Business of the Year, Marks & Spencer.

Michael McCann, Country Director, Diageo Northern Ireland said: “We are delighted to be recognised at National level for our health and wellbeing programme and we would like to thank and congratulate all of our employees on this incredible achievement. At Diageo we understand that our leadership as a company is measured by more than just financial success and we know that being a good corporate citizen is vital to the long term success of our business.

“The ‘You are Made of More’ programme has been not only a great way to get employees to think about their own health and wellbeing both at work and at home, but also a fantastic engagement driver. We have seen a significant shift in employees’ energy, positivity and focus at work over the past year and this has undoubtedly attributed to enhanced business performance.

“Our wellbeing activities included a weight-loss programme, Walking Challenge, ‘Know Your Numbers’ health checks and energy management workshops for people managers.. 

“This recognition will continue to support our work in providing a stimulating working environment which reflects Diageo’s values and the energy, commitment and enthusiasm that everyone in the business brings to work every day.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “The Responsible Business Awards look beyond the headlines to unearth those companies making a genuine difference and truly creating change by living their values.  Diageo Northern Ireland should be proud of being Highly Commended in the Bupa Workwell Award and demonstrating that business truly can be a force for good.” 

For full details and case studies of all the 2013 Responsible Business Award winners visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards. 

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