Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Compliance

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the business practice of contributing to social welfare, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance. This course explores the legal compliance and best practices that businesses must adhere to when implementing CSR initiatives, focusing on regulatory requirements, reporting standards, and ensuring positive social and environmental impact. Participants will understand how businesses can enhance social value while complying with CSR regulations and contributing to sustainable development.

• To introduce participants to the regulatory framework for CSR compliance in India.
• To explain the legal requirements and corporate obligations under CSR laws.
• To provide a structured approach for businesses to implement ethical CSR programs and achieve social impact.
• To discuss CSR reporting and transparency in maintaining compliance with local and international CSR standards.

• Understand the key CSR regulations and legal obligations under the Companies Act 2013, SEBI guidelines, and global CSR frameworks.
• Learn how to develop, implement, and monitor CSR strategies that align with business goals and legal standards.
• Explore CSR reporting frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and SDG reporting.
• Gain insights into the importance of social and environmental responsibility for business sustainability.
• Discuss how to measure and report CSR impact to stakeholders, investors, and regulatory bodies.

Module 1: Introduction to CSR Compliance

• Overview of CSR and its role in business ethics and social responsibility.
• The evolution of CSR compliance and its growing significance in corporate governance.
• Regulatory background: Understanding CSR laws in India, including the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI guidelines.
• The global CSR landscape: International frameworks like UN SDGs and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Module 2: CSR Laws and Regulatory Framework

• CSR under the Companies Act, 2013: Mandatory spending on CSR activities for qualifying companies.
• Key provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act: Definition of CSR, the role of the CSR committee, and the Board’s responsibility.
• Understanding CSR expenditure requirements: 2% of average net profits for qualifying companies.
• Regulatory oversight by SEBI and NCLT: How CSR compliance is monitored in India.
• International CSR compliance standards: ISO 26000, OECD Guidelines, and Global Compact.

Module 3: CSR Implementation and Strategy

• How to create a CSR strategy that aligns with company objectives and legal obligations.
• Developing CSR programs: Focus on areas like education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and community development.
• Stakeholder engagement: Identifying and communicating with key stakeholders such as employees, shareholders, and local communities.
• Collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders to enhance CSR impact.
• Monitoring and evaluation of CSR programs to ensure they meet social objectives and compliance standards.

Module 4: CSR Reporting and Transparency

• CSR reporting standards: Understanding GRI, SASB, and UN SDGs reporting frameworks.
• How to prepare a CSR report: What information needs to be disclosed under SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR).
• CSR impact measurement: Tools for evaluating the effectiveness of CSR initiatives.
• Internal and external audits of CSR programs: Ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulations.
• Case studies of successful CSR reporting and how businesses can improve disclosure practices.

Module 5: Corporate Governance and CSR Compliance

• The link between corporate governance and CSR: How effective governance structures improve CSR performance.
• Role of the CSR committee: Complying with legal requirements for the composition and functioning of the committee.
• Ethical business practices: Ensuring that CSR activities align with corporate values and stakeholder interests.
• Anti-corruption measures in CSR programs and ethical issues in CSR spending.
• The impact of corporate governance on brand reputation and long-term business success.

Module 6: Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Penalties for non-compliance with CSR regulations: Understanding the fines and penalties for failing to meet CSR obligations.
• The role of regulatory bodies in investigating CSR non-compliance.
• Case studies of companies facing penalties due to CSR violations.
• Practical advice for companies to avoid CSR-related litigation and reputational damage.

Module 7: Future Trends in CSR Compliance

• Emerging trends in CSR: Focus on climate change, human rights, and responsible sourcing.
• Technological advancements in CSR: Using blockchain, AI, and big data to improve transparency and impact measurement.
• The evolving role of corporations in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The future of corporate responsibility: How CSR will shape the future of business.

• Corporate executives and CFOs responsible for CSR strategy and compliance.
• CSR managers, legal advisors, and compliance officers in organizations.
• NGOs, community organizers, and consultants working in social impact initiatives.
• Law students, HR professionals, and academics interested in CSR and business ethics.
• Business owners and entrepreneurs looking to integrate CSR into their business model.