Responsible business resources.
Creating a values-led business.
We want to help make it easier for Hackney businesses to implement responsible business practices across their business operations.
Below you will find a range of useful resources including further details on each responsible business pledge underpinning the Responsible Business Charter, external accreditations and memberships, and available Council resources.
You can find out more about the Hackney Responsible Business Charter and how to get involved here.
Kate Revere and her daughter Piper started Revere the Residence as a safe space for people with learning disabilities to feel inspired and learn practical skills in the retail environment in the hope they will have a better opportunity to go on to paid employment.
I am a responsible business leader.
“I place transparency, honesty, and integrity at the heart of my dealings with customers, employees, and partners.”
Example pledges:
I am respectful of other local businesses and wider partners that I engage with.
I provide clear information about my business aims and objectives.
My business is committed to continuous improvement.
I always pay my fair share of taxes linked to my trading activity and profits.
I ensure the wellbeing and protection of my staff and workforce of my supply chain.
I follow best practice in my procurement of goods and services on social and environmental issues.
Toene Serrano, founder of the That’s Not Fair London store in Dalston, also runs ‘Creative to Conception’, free sewing and art classes for children between the ages of four and 14 years old. The classes are held during half terms, five days a week, from 9.30am to 4.45pm. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are also offered.
Part of the Fat Macy’s brand, Sohaila co-founders Nathalie and Meg, work tirelessly with their team to help reduce homelessness in London by getting Londoners out of temporary accommodation and into their own homes through their 200hr work experience programme.
I am committed to the local area.
“My business is embedded into the local area and community. I value local employment, trading locally, using local suppliers, and/or supporting local community organisations.”
Example pledges:
I provide apprenticeships and paid work placements for Hackney residents.
I have targets for employing local people in my company.
I provide inclusive supported internships that give opportunities to residents that may otherwise struggle to access opportunities for high-quality work.
I provide opportunities in my business targeted at those furthest from the job market.
I engage with Hackney Opportunities and Hackney Apprenticeship Network to find staff.
I am committed to being an inclusive employer.
“My business is respectful and caring towards employees. We provide good conditions, fair pay, opportunities to learn and progress, creating opportunities to understand and join my business, and supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace.”
Example pledges:
I pay staff at least the London Living Wage.
I support my staff to grow professionally, offering opportunities to develop new skills, qualifications and take on new responsibilities.
My business shows a positive commitment and action to support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of employees.
My business provides information on how employees facing physical or mental health challenges can access support.
My business has a specific policy, supporting processes and information to help staff experiencing domestic abuse and to eliminate violence against women and girls.
My business does not operate exploitative zero-hour contracts that require exclusivity.
Simona Ilincariu founded Abuelita’s Wellbeing CIC to help make well-being treatments, including deep tissue massages, more accessible to people struggling with mental health challenges.
Hackney Outdoors CIC, created by Nina Lovelace, helps Londoners of all ages to reconnect with nature for health, wellness and fun.
I am committed to becoming greener and more sustainable.
“My business recognises the need to take action to address the climate crisis. I understand the impact of my own business activity on the climate and I am committed to taking action to reduce the negative impact.”
Example pledges:
My business is reducing energy usage, switching to a genuine source of renewable energy and/or sourcing more sustainable materials to use in our operations.
My business is reducing unnecessary waste by adopting the “reduce, reuse, recyle” philosophy.
My business is a good neighbour to both residents and other businesses. We are minimising negative local impacts (such as noise or air quality) and improving green areas (such as supporting biodiversity and visual attractiveness).
My business conducts low carbon procurement, prioritising the sourcing of goods and services with minimum carbon footprints.
Get involved
If you are interested in finding out more about the Hackney Responsible Business Charter and how to get involved, please get in touch.
Bridge the Gap, founded by Melissa Francis, is dedicated to ending digital poverty.