Governance
CSI is managed along firm and transparent criteria, as well as clear corporate governance principles detailed in our CSI Policy Document and Operational Guidelines.
The CSI Program is supported by the board and employees within the organisation:
- The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer approve all funding. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer approve the annual CSI budget.
- The CSI manager and two CSI officers manage and support the operational aspects of the programme.
- Branch managers and staff are involved in the handover of donations and beneficiary selection.
- The Head Office merchandising team is involved in sourcing the product as donations.
- The Transformation Committee includes 3 Directors of the Lewis Group Board.
We support projects that are striving towards self-sustainability and ideally each project should be sustainable after a fixed period of time agreed by both parties. Regular feedback is required for our support to continue.
The funding process
The fund application form requires full contact details; the project description and proposed objectives and outcomes; a realistic and comprehensive budget; the plans for sustainability and what is required of the Lewis Group.
The group places a high value on direct, first-hand information and ensures that information is gathered in a thorough and unbiased manner. Projects are assessed for:
- Proven project model
- Project sustainability
- Transparency
- Quality management team
- Accountability/Responsibility
- Fits our investment strategy
- Does the project genuinely address community issues or problems?
- Is the project viable and socially acceptable?
- Is the community itself prepared to commit its support for the project?
- Is the project high risk? Is it a pilot?
- What contributions are the various role-players expected to make?
- The ratio of administration costs to beneficiary spend
- The viability of the organisation
- Exposure to reputational risk
- Any other vital issues or considerations affecting the project
Successful requests for significant levels of funding are presented to the funding committee for consideration. Significant levels for funding are presented to the funding committee for consideration. The committee consists of the CSI Manager, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
A deeper evaluation of the potential beneficiary takes place and usually requires more in-depth information from the applicant and where possible, a visit to the project. If the committee is satisfied with the additional research and outcome of the field visit, then the proposal will be approved and signed off. The projects then enter the funding stage where the Company and beneficiary enter into a legally binding contract, if necessary, and arrange timelines and deliverables.
Wherever possible, Lewis facilitates procurement and negotiate best prices on behalf of the beneficiaries.