Who We Are
The Bench Marks Foundation (BMF) is a non-profit organisation committed to social and economic justice. Established in 2001 and fully operational since 2003, the Foundation was mandated by the churches to monitor the practices of multinational corporations and promote ethical and responsible business conduct.
Our work focuses on the corporation as an ethical entity. We seek to ensure that companies:
- Respect human rights
- Protect the environment
- Do not make profit at the expense of communities and other stakeholders
- Hear, protect, and accommodate those most negatively impacted by their operations
At our core, we believe in moral persuasion — encouraging corporations “to do the right thing.”
Our Mission
Supporting the agency of communities through research, advocacy, media, collaborations, and capacity building to hold government and corporations accountable towards human rights, environmental sustnability and livelihoods.
Our Vision
A just and sustainable people-centered world that reflects the restoration of human dignity, freedom, and self-determination for all.
Our Principles
The Bench Marks Foundation was founded upon main sources – the Bench Mark Principle (1992) and the South African Council of Churches call for corporations in a post-apartheid South Africa to behave responsibly to citizens and the environment (1993). These were undoubtedly influenced by the UN Earth Summit proceedings and conclusions that was held in Brazil. The Principles for Global Corporate Responsibility: Bench Marks for Measuring Business Performance” (Bench Marks)promotes positive corporate social responsibility consistent with the responsibility to sustain the human community and all creation.
Our research is a critique of the impact that corporations have on the environment and community life. Our reports provide evidence-based information to governments, communities, corporations, and civil society organisations. They serve to guide remedial action. Our research is a platform for community knowledge, growth, mobilisation and action to engage government and corporations’ for change.