What is Ethical Business Practice?

The bigger picture. How the community can benefit

Often the public is sceptical about whether the business world is a good source of leadership for solving human rights, environmental and corruption problems. However, there are many ways companies are working to ensure their impact on society is a positive one. The work we undertake at PwC is extremely varied. Our overall aim is to develop successful partnerships with the communities where we operate. Through these we use our skills, business expertise and resources to give something back. All our staff are encouraged to play an active role, to benefit not only the communities, but also their own personal development.

In some projects we partner other organisations such as The Prince’s Trust, where we help young people start up their own businesses. Similarly, we’re active in Cares, a national network of local programmes of volunteers coming together from the private, public and charity sectors to help develop their local communities. Whilst in London and Glasgow, we put on a pantomime production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. More than 100 of our staff trod the boards in London’s West End for five shows, before hitting Glasgow with an additional four performances. All in all, we gave away some 5,000 tickets to community organisations and schools, which gave many of the audience their first trip to the theatre.

On the other hand, there's our own commitment to helping young people interested in business gain first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work for the UK's largest professional services firm. Through a wide range of programmes, we develop their skills and give them the experience to help make more informed career choices. You can find out more about these at www.pwc.com/uk/careers/.