RESEARCH
The John Collier Survey is an essential tool for the golf industry, providing benchmark data for golf clubs to measure themselves against, uncover industry trends and awareness of issues such as governance, risk and compliance.
Areas of Research Include
Environmental Management Planning; Biodiversity; Landscape and Cultural Heritage; Water Resource Management; Turf-Grass Management; Waste Management; Energy Management; Education and Working Environment, social responsibility, Communication and Public Awareness; Governance, Risk and Compliance.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research methodology is based on the concept of sustainability. Sustainability and the idea of sustainable development is usually traced back to the 1987 report “Our Common Future” produced by a United Nations (UN) commission headed by Groharlem Brundtlard.
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword confined to environmental circles, it has become a guiding principle shaping the strategies of oirganisations, such as golf clubs. At the heart of the global movement are the “three pillars of sustainability”
- Environmental Compliance
- Social Responsibility
- Good Governance
The true essance of sustainability emerges when the three pillars operate in harmony, and the three pillars of sustainability provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world. As we embrace environmental, social and governance, we embark on a journey towards a future where progress is not only measured in economic terms but also the wellbeing of our communities and the health of our planet.
The John Collier Annual Survey Questionnaire consists of 80 unique questions covering key aspects of golf club environmental compliance, social responsibility and good governance. The questions focus on the principles, processes and best practices to guide and prepare golf club management.
These questionnaires are easy to complete, equally easy to maintain and act as a system of record for club reporting.
Questionnaires are sent out to all clubs in South Africa in May/June each year inviting participation by November. The data is collated and analysed and results are published in the John Collier Annual Survey in February/March the following year.
And let your data work for you!
The sixteenth John Collier Survey on Governance and Environmental Compliance for
SOUTH AFRICAN GOLF COURSES
2023 – 2024
In todays world, it’s not just about making your money work for you, it’s about making it work for the world. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has emerged as a popular strategy used by businesses, including golf clubs to manage risk and facilitate sustainable, long-term returns.
(E) ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Of the three ESG pillars, the first is environmental which focuses on:
- Carbon Emmisions
- Pollution
- Waste Managment
- Water Usage
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change
(S) SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Social Responsibility pillar focuses on:
- Diversity and Inclusivity
- Human Rights
- Workplace Safety
- Wellfare and Wellbeing
- Employment Conditions
- Social Outreach
- Damage to a Clubs Reputation
(G) GOOD GOVERNANCE
Understanding the impending legislative changes that will impact South African golf clubs is imperative to driving a sustainable approach to business and stakeholder management. Corporate governance in South Africa is informed by common law, statue soft law and market regulation. These can be difficult to navigate, and it can be often be unclear how they can impact your golf club.
The John Collier Survey walks your golf club through the “16 principles of King IV” that apply to all entities including Golf Clubs in South Africa and guide your process to better align with the required government outcomes, namely:
- Ethical cultures
- Good performance
- Effective control
- Legitimacy
Good Governance Include:
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Board Diversity
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Business Ethics
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Fraud
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Lack of Transparency
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Internal system of practices, controls and procedures
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meet the needs of external shareholders
RISK
The definition of risk in King IV consists of three parts, namely uncertainty of events, the likelihood of such events occurring and their effect, both positive and negative. The John Collier survey prepares your golf club to mitigate against these and positions you to thrive.
The John Collier survey demonstrates how the King IV’s understanding of risk balances the traditional, negative view of risk with one that recognises the potential opportunities inherent in some risks. Thus, an opportunity may present itself as the potential upside of a risk that could adversely affect the achievement of organisational objectives.
COMPLIANCE
The John Collier Survey aids golf clubs to align with the recommendations of King IV to ensure continual monitoring of the regulatory environment in a convenient annual process.
The King IV code recommends that those responsible for a golf clubs governance should ensure that compliance is understood, not only as an obligation, but also as a source of rights and protection. A holistic view is needed on how applicable laws and non-binding rules, codes and standards relate to one another. The John Collier Survey does just that.
King IV principle II:
“The governing body should govern risk in a way that supports the organisation in getting and achieving its strategic objectives”