The social enterprise was founded by Commercial in 2015 to offer young adults who had previously experienced barriers to work or education a second chance
Since then, the Foundation has helped more than 130 16-24-year-olds gain skills, experience and self-confidence through their #NoLimits employability programme.
That programme involves real, hands-on work experience at the Foundation’s attached WE DO. Print studio, which offers corporate clients a chance to embed significant social value into their supply chain.
B Corp status is given to organisations who meet rigorous social and environmental standards and are committed to goals outside of profits to shareholders.
It puts the Foundation, who are based at Rockfield Business Park in Leckhampton, in esteemed company as one of around 1,000 B Corp registered companies in the UK and 6,058 worldwide.
Adam Miller, director of the Commercial Foundation said: “It really is an honour to be awarded B Corp status, it is a wonderful reflection of the work our team does.
“We are committed to sustainability, accountability and transparency and believe we are somewhat unique in the social value sector in producing high-quality products and transforming lives too.
“Thank you to the wonderful partners who support us in all we do, our small and dedicated team and of course our wonderful volunteers who amaze us all every day with their talent.”
B Corp certification addresses the entirety of the Foundation’s operations and covers five key impact areas: Governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
Certification is measured and evaluated by the not-for-profit organisation B Lab, with applicants required to hit a high benchmark score to achieve the status.
Evidence must also be supplied of responsible practices relating to energy suppliers, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate responsibility.
In order to complete the certification each member organisation must legally embed a commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company’s articles.
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK said: “We are delighted to welcome Commercial Foundation to the B Corp community – a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe businesses really can be a force for good.
“We, and the rest of the B Corp community, are pleased to support Commercial Foundation in paving the way for a new way of doing things. “Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”
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