Arup Community Partnering Program

The CPP provides opportunities for staff across the Australasia Region to identify and undertake community volunteering and pro-bono project work acoss a range of priority project areas. This program is not exclusive to projects in the developing world as projects within Australia and Singapore are also supported, particularly in response to natural disasters or in support of our Partners.

 


Community Partnering Panel

Representatives from each office across the region sit on the Panel which meets on a regular basis to discuss requests for funding and activities in support of our Partners. Applications are processed by the Panel with final approval granted by either the Community Partnering Panel or, depending on the size of the funding request, the Regional Board.

Community Partnering Fund

Underpinning the delivery of the Program is the Community Partnering Fund. In line with Arup Group policy, 1% of the Australasia region’s annual profits are allocated to Community Partnering initiatives. Further to Board approval this allocation was raised to 1.5% for the 2008-09 Financial Year, and has been maintained at this level in subsequent years, including the current 2011-2012 financial year.

The Fund is used to finance and support all Community Partnering initiatives and projects across the region. Through its distribution we will also be adopting innovative and supportive ways to encourage staff involvement. Projects generally receive funding for expenses plus up to 70% of billable time (at sal + ohd rates), the remaining 30% contribution being donated pro-bono time.

Community Partnering Framework and Selection Principles

Through the Community Partnering Program, we will not to be involved with activities or organisations that:

  • Discriminate against groups or individuals
  • Could be detrimental to public health or safety
  • Promote or encourage smoking, alcohol or any substance abuse
  • Support or are involved in animal cruelty
  • Support religious, military or socio-political organisations
  • Are associated with any particular religious institution or political party
  • May damage Arup’s reputation or that of its employees, business partners and other associates

By having an objective and uniform approach to community partnering review and selection we can make better use of Arup’s funds.

The following set of principles extracted from the Australasian Community Partnering Framework is designed to assist the selection of appropriate community partnering initiatives. It should be noted that while adherence to these principles is recommended, organisations do not necessarily need to comply with each principle, rather the list should provide a reference point to help with prioritisation.

Arup will endeavour to partner community organisations who reflect the following principles:

  • Relate closely to Arup’s business
  • Relate to Arup’s mission to “shape a better world”
  • Serve a diverse mix of communities both locally, regionally and internationally
  • Support appropriate charities related to:
    • Education
    • Training
    • Social care Health and welfare
    • Contribute towards disaster relief or good works ventures, or qualify for special consideration
    • Undertake works in the Built Environment
  • Are independent, secular and not affiliated with any religious denomination or organisation or any political party or agenda
  • Provide a valuable and worthwhile service/facility/product that assists the betterment of the wider community and/or natural environment

Further, in identifying potential organisations it is important that Arup ensures they:

  • Are reputable, transparent and corporately accountable
  • Are corporately aligned with Arup’s set of values and goals
  • Selected based on an assessment of need and once selected have in place:
    • Clearly stated objectives relating to the intended delivery of charitable assistance (i.e. donation, volunteering, pro-bono work) by Arup
    • Agreed delegated participatory roles and outcomes in which Arup employees can meaningfully and effectively contribute