PartyGaming in CSR boost

Leisure Report, Oct, 2008

PartyGaming has become a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index, which aims to provide a tool for investors to identify and invest in companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.

Inclusion of PartyGaming's shares in both the FTSE4Good UK Index and the FTSE4Good Europe Index takes effect from 22 September.

The FTSE4Good Index series was launched in 2001 by FTSE Group, an indexing solutions provider. The eligibility criteria include working towards environmental sustainability, developing positive relationships with stakeholders, up-holding and supporting universal human rights, ensuring good supply chain labour standards and countering bribery.

The FTSE4Good Index also aims to provide asset managers with a socially responsible investment benchmark and a tool for socially responsible investment products; and to contribute to the development of responsible business practice around the world.

FTSE4Good works with the Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS) to research corporate responsibility.

A variety of mechanisms are employed to access the most up-to-date relevant data, including scrutiny of annual reports, research of company websites, written questionnaires and liaison with companies where appropriate and other publicly-available material.

Martin Weigold, group finance director with executive responsibility for corporate social responsibility for PartyGaming, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised for our efforts to set and raise the industry's standards for corporate and social responsibility. Inclusion in the FTSE-4Good Index Series, together with our GamCare certification and eCogra accreditation is a further endorsement of our business strategy."