University of Winchester recognised as global leader in responsible business education

11th March 2016

Winchester Business School has become one of only three Business Schools in the UK to be invited to become a PRME Champion, for its dedication to the United Nations’ backed Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) to inspire and champion responsible management education, research and thought leadership.

The PRME initiative was launched in 2007 to further the aims of the United Nations’ Global Compact – signed by 163 countries – to promote social, economic and environmental responsibility in the education of future business leaders. The Global Compact requires members to align business strategies and operations with principles on human rights, labour rights, environment and anti-corruption. PRME now has over 600 signatories worldwide.

As a PRME Champion, the Winchester Business School will continue its work to develop a new generation of leaders capable of managing the complex challenges faced by businesses and society in the twenty-first century.

“The University of Winchester already has a long-standing relationship with the PRME initiative,” explained Professor Carole Parkes, Professor of Management at the University of Winchester and UK and Ireland PRME Regional Chapter Chair. "Winchester Business School was established around the time the PRME launched, so the initiative’s core principles have always played a central role in shaping strategies related to teaching, research and external engagement. Responsible management is embedded across all programmes within the School, and we also now have a dedicated Department of Global Issues and Responsible Management.”

The Winchester Business School has also been crucial in the development of the UK and Ireland PRME Regional Chapter – assuming the role of Secretariat, playing host to its first conference in 2014 and being home to the founding, and current, Chapter Chair.

“In an era that faces some of the greatest social, economic and environmental challenges in the world, partnerships between business, education, governments and civil society are critical,” added Professor Parkes. “Winchester’s mission, values and commitment to responsible management education positions it well to work collaboratively with its global partners to address such challenges.”

The Business School will now work alongside the other Champions to develop students who are socially and environmentally responsible; create educational frameworks; partner with other businesses; raise awareness of global social responsibility and sustainability; and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: The University of Winchester