Reputation remains rock solid

For the second year running, The Salvation Army has been selected as NZ Management magazine’s Most Reputable Not for Profit Organisation.

NZ Management’s survey of the country’s business executives and managers identified the most highly regarded organisations under the categories of private sector companies, state-owned enterprises, government departments and not for profit organisations. Respondents rated The Salvation Army highly for its ‘effective and engaged workforce’.

The Army was noted for its effective and transparent social responsibility polices and programmes, as well as consistently delivering on its promise and its quality service delivery. The Army’s work following the Christchurch earthquakes was also acknowledged. ‘The Salvation Army fulfils its role in the social services area with distinction,’ one respondent said.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Don Bell said he was delighted but unsurprised at the recognition. He acknowledged a difficult year for the Army with its high-profile earthquake recovery work in Christchurch and the ongoing financial and emotional pressure on many families as a result of the recession.

Commissioner Bell said The Salvation Army had long been known as a ‘practical, sleeves rolled up outfit’. ‘We do not judge people, we just get on and do what we can to help and don’t make much noise about it,’ he says. ‘We do, however, speak out about social injustice and issues of poverty when necessary; and when we do speak out, we feel we have an impact.’

The annual survey is conducted by international consultancy Hay Group, which has performed a similar task for the US magazine Fortune.