The accolade, which marks the third year running that Arval has been a winner at the International CSR Excellence, recognises Arval’s work to raise funds and provide volunteer support to good causes. The Arval Cares Committee is in place to oversee the company’s programmes in this area; defining and managing the overall strategy. However, for a number of years, the Arval approach has been driven by its employees resulting in very high levels of staff engagement. Employees nominate the charities that Arval supports and are responsible for planning, organising and delivering fundraising initiatives. 

In 2014, Arval also launched a formal volunteering scheme. Supported by an integrated and ongoing internal communications campaign to drive participation, every employee is encouraged to take at least one single day, or two half days each year to volunteer for good causes.

Commenting on Arval’s success, the judges said: “By allowing their employees complete control over the company's charitable fundraising, Arval has seen very high engagement levels that have allowed them to consistently grow the funds and the support that the charities receive. Funds have grown by 20% over the last year alone and employees are encouraged to take one day off per year to volunteer for charitable work.” 

Robert Pieczka, director responsible for CSR at Arval, added: “We are keen to make a positive contribution to the communities within which we work. Supporting local charities has become an important part of our culture and something that our employees are passionate about. We feel strongly that our employees should drive our approach forward and it is delivering good results.”