A. Vision/Mission:
In our fast-changing, complex and interdependent world, we believe it is essential that the success and well-being of organisations and their multi-stakeholder communities are seen to be inseparable. This interdependence clearly requires a high level of trust.
Our purpose is to help organisations(1) better serve themselves and their communities (2) by developing successful relationships, systems and structures that integrate the vital role of trust – by becoming trust-based organisations(3).
Notes:
1. Organisations: At a fundamental level we define organisations (whether they are for profit, not-for-profit, government, charity and so on) as individuals working together for a common purpose that provides benefit for themselves and their communities.
2. Community: Assumes many stakeholder s in an interdependent and complex network. This could include, for example: staff, customers, suppliers, local social groups, the planet and so on.
3. Trust-based Organisations: An organisation where a focus on trust, and the appropriate accountability and structure, supports the purpose, relationships, processes and ability to change necessary to be successful, effective and healthy in a multi-stakeholder community.
B. How we will do it
By sharing practical support within a community of organisations interested in a trust-based approach.
C. What we will do
As a charity we have spent almost three years working to understand the role trust plays in our organisations. We believe there are two key areas that help define a trust-based organisation:
- Planned structures and guidelines
- Legal frameworks – e.g. resources held in trust
- Organisational structures – e.g. loops of responsibility/accountability
- Organisational references – e.g. purpose, values and principles
- Emerging networks of relationships and culture
- Within the organisation – e.g. staff members ‘walking the talk’ by providing mutual support with transparency and consistency, democratic processes for decision-making, etc.
- With the organisation – e.g. the sustainable network of stakeholders (customers, suppliers, local community, environment, etc) influencing, and impacted by, the organisation.