In 2001, Coillte became one of twenty four founding members of Business in the Community Ireland. Business in the Community Ireland was set up to assist business to increase the quality and extent of its contribution to social and economic regeneration by making Corporate Responsibility an essential part of its day to day activities. Coillte was one of over 50 top Irish companies who presented examples of best practice in the area of corporate social responsibility at an All Ireland conference entitled 'Exchanging For The Better' which was held in Dublin during last year.   

Since 2001, Coillte has published a series of social and environmental reports which give our stakeholders an overview of progress towards the company's social and environmental goals. Coillte has many relationships with many stakeholders by virtue of its extensive land ownership, employee levels, large contractor and customer base and many interest groups. 

In the past we have been involved in a number of initiatives through the BITCI - see below.  We are currently evaluating a number of proposals for community involvement.

As part of our Corporate Responsibility Programme, Coillte operated two Schools Business Partnerships, one with Stranorlar Secondary School in County Donegal and one with St. Kilian's Community School in Bray, Co. Wicklow. These programmes involved working with pupils within the school on career development areas and provided pupils with an insight into the workplace.

Coillte was an active participant in this programme which involved business leaders sharing their expertise and strategy with educational leaders through a series of workshops over the course of the school year. Topics have included time management, leadership and performance management.

As part of this programme, Coillte's Training Manager delivered Time Management Workshops to School Principles at centres in Cork, Dublin,  Athlone, Galway and Limerick.  In addition, Coillte's Group Head of Human Resources also provided sessions for School Principals on Performance Management. 

In addition, we currently operate partnerships with various organisations. The evolution of Corporate Responsibility (CR) has presented us with an opportunity to further build on the work we are doing in relation to our social commitments.