Dairy Crest has once again come out on top of Business in the Community’s annual benchmark of responsible business, the Corporate Responsibility Index (CR Index). The company is one of only a handful to achieve a top rated 5 star score.

The Index is a widely recognised benchmarking tool which companies use to measure and manage progress on putting responsible business practice at the core of their business. It is a rigorous process which assesses companies against a range of factors, from how engaged their board and senior managers are with responsible business issues to the link between remuneration and CR performance.

Dairy Crest’s Chief Executive, Mark Allen commented:

“I am proud of the hard work put in by people from across Dairy Crest to achieve this fantastic result. Acting responsibly as a business - towards our customers, consumers, suppliers, farmers and employees - is at the heart of everything we do. It is therefore fantastic to have this recognised by an external organisation such as Business in the Community.

“Since finishing top of the Index last year, we have increased our focus on community initiatives such as engaging with young people and school leavers as well as developing a programme to improve safety on farm for our supplying farmers. This year, we will continue to build on these initiatives, as well as those in other areas, including in the workplace and our environmental pledges.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said:

“The 2015 CR Index shows us that we are moving in the right direction and companies are now increasingly integrating responsible business practice into decision making right across the business.

“I congratulate Dairy Crest for achieving its ranking and look forward to working together to create a fairer society and a more sustainable future.”