How the Competency Map was developed

In order to develop a robust, academically rigourous and usable competency map a CR Academy Advisory Group was set up.  Members were invited due to their experience on researching competencies for CR or their experience in developing professional competency frameworks.  The group consists of:

• Mike Peirce – Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership

• Matthew Gitsham – Ashridge Business School

• Sharon Jackson – Cranfield University School of Management

• Rita-Sue Meintjes – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development  

The Corporate Responsibility Group and Acre Resources have also acted as critical friends during the development process.

With the guidance of the Advisory Group the competency map has been developed by the team at BITC under the technical direction of Neville Henderson

A literature review was used to base the framework on findings from previous research including:

• Corporate citizenship in the 21st century.  A competency model for today’s leaders.  Boston College Centre for Corporate Citizenship, 2009.
• Who should head up your corporate responsibility approach? Doughty Centre and Odgers Berndston, 2009.
• Driving success: Human resources and sustainable development. Cambridge Programme for Industry & World Business Council for Sustainable Development, 2009.
• The emergence of the Chief Sustainability Officer. From compliance to Business Partner.  Karen Spinley & Anneke Luijkenaar. Heidrick and Struggles, 2008
• A snapshot of executive development for corporate responsibility professionals in the UK. Ashridge in association with the Corporate Responsibility Group, 2007
• What makes a responsible leader? The evolving agenda for management education for corporate responsibility.  Matthew Gitsham, 2006

The Competency Map has been developed through analysis of the information arising from focus groups and individual interviews involving CR practitioners from a range of industry sectors. 

The framework has been / is being piloted in the following organisations: 

• AF Blakemore & Son Ltd
• Nationwide Building Society
• Linklaters LLP
• E.ON UK
• AXA UK     

View case studies

Key Researcher - Neville Henderson

Neville's guidance on the project, including ensuring that it remained accesible to the HR profession, was invaluable in designing and completing the research phase. His background in Organisational Psychology in the Public and Private sectors was an invaluable asset.