New EU CSR report 'will help guide sustainability efforts'

The recent publication of the European Commission's new Communication on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will offer a solid framework for future efforts to improve business sustainability.

This is according to David Grayson, professor of corporate responsibility and director of the Doughty Centre for Corporate Responsibility at Cranfield School of Management, who told Guardian Professional that the new document is "intellectually coherent, pragmatic and useful".

Professor Grayson said the new guidance will be disappointing to those hoping for more stringent regulations in this area, but welcomed its clarifications on responsible practice in areas such as tax strategies, human rights and supply chain issues.

He also praised the document for effectively highlighting the business case for better CSR standards and how it can make Europe more competitive.

"Overall, the strategy report is an intelligent description of what corporate responsibility is and offers a realistic set of initiatives to promote more responsible business," the expert added.

This comes after a University of Leeds study last month showed that standards of accuracy and thoroughness in CSR reporting are currently falling below standards.