Tuesday Networking: Q Connections
Weekly lunchtime networking and discussion group.
About the event
Our Tuesday get together aims to foster relationships between members and providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, support and networking. These sessions allow plenty of space for introductions and checking in.
It’s a relaxed, non-pressured atmosphere and a great place to further your knowledge, understanding and practice of our keystone publication, Good Business: Ethics at Work and our exploration of the Quaker Business Method.
March
| March | The Conduct of Business | Example Advice/Query | Our discussion points |
| 7 | 1. Business and Profit | What is the driving force of your business? Is it just to maximise your profit or is it to provide sustainable employment for as many people as is sensible; to build your employees’ confidence, skills and sense of worth; to provide a product or service that contributes to others’ well-being? | Building networks between our aligned businesses and contacts. Systems mapping. |
| 14 | 2. Uncertainty and Risk | There is an element of uncertainty and risk in every business. Do you take reasonable steps to remove unnecessary risks? | Resilience is not just taking out insurance: it's preparing back up plans for businesses and groups; identifying threats and preparing procedures; staging payments for work delivered; identifying stress points or even making simple behavioural changes e.g. saying thanks more often. |
| 21 | 3. Responsibilities of directors and managers | Directors and managers benefit by holding themselves responsible to all stakeholders of the business. Are you aware of your legal responsibilities as a director or manager? Do you fulfil them? | The responsibilities of a treasurer in Q&B. |
| 28 | 4. Obligation to shareholders and investors | Any sizeable company needs outside investors in order to take advantage of opportunities for growth. Do you ensure that your shareholders receive a fair return for their investment and risk? | The ethics of investment in for-profit care homes. The difference between companies that are owned and run by shareholders, and those that aren't. Not for profit. |
April
| April | The Conduct of Business pt 2 | Example Advice/Query |
| 4 | 5. Ethical trade | Wages should reflect the contribution workers make to their companies. Does your company contract with companies which do not pay their employees a sustainable living wage in their own community? |
| 11 | 6.Environmental responsibility | We have a responsibility to care for the physical and economic environment of the whole world. Do you provide a product or service that is in any way harmful to life? |
| 18 | 7.Health and safety | All employers and employees have a duty to ensure that their working practices and equipment are safe for all users and the general public. When you see something which could be a hazard, do you report it? |
| 25 | 8.Quality and safety of products and services | There is plenty of evidence to show that providing good quality at a fair price is good practice for any business and pays its own dividends. Do you continually strive to improve the quality and safety of your products? |
The venue
Zoom