CORPORATE social responsibility (CSR) is a phrase foremost in the minds of those who have already bought in to the Darlington Cares brand. But what does CSR mean?

Programme manager Katie Blundell describes it as a company’s sense of duty towards the community in which it operates.

She said: “This can be done in a number of ways such as volunteering, skills and expertise, all of which can address key issues, be they environmental, social or economic.

“Businesses have the power to make a difference to their local communities and the people that live in them.

“CSR is also proven to have a positive impact on a workforce.

“Studies have shown that companies with engaging and active CSR polices experience high levels of staff satisfaction and retention.”

“By becoming a member of Darlington Cares, companies will be able to actively demonstrate their commitment to CSR and to making Darlington a better place in which to live and work.”