What is MVO Nederland?

MVO Nederland (CSR Netherlands) is the national knowledge centre and network organisation for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in one: the place to start for any entrepreneurs wishing to make their commercial operations sustainable.

What is CSR?

With CSR a business takes responsibility for the impact of its activities on people and the environment. In ‘people and planet’ issues the company can see opportunities for new products, services or processes that benefit both society and the business.

The benefits of CSR

Companies that have embedded CSR carefully in their commercial operations tend to outperform their competitors. Outcomes include:

• a better market position through cost reduction, increased turnover and innovation
• new sales and partnership opportunities
• a strong reputation through greater distinctiveness and trust amongst clients, in the labour market and in the community
• a strong business culture: employees are more motivated, more productive and healthier if they can make a positive contribution to society through their work.

Business network

MVO Nederland is developing a dynamic and fast-growing business network, with not just beginners, but also advanced users and leaders, counting both SMEs and large companies among its members. MVO Nederland can show them the market opportunities of CSR, facilitate mutual collaboration and give practical information on actually getting to grips with CSR.

Independent platform

Within the network of the independent foundation MVO Nederland professional associations, companies, NGOs, research institutions, education and other authorities work together to translate CSR directly into market opportunities in the sector, the region and the chain. MVO Nederland already reaches more than 100,000 entrepreneurs in this way.

Business processes

MVO Nederland inspires and motivates entrepreneurs to get down to business with CSR. In this way People, Planet and Profit are key to all business processes and business decisions, from procurement through to sales, from production through to personnel policy. MVO Nederland gives entrepreneurs practical tips, shows good examples and refers to useful contacts.

History

MVO Nederland was set up by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2004.