Highlighting committed companies
Since its creation, the Chair has supported leaders, managers, teacher-researchers and students in exploring new management practices—more collaborative, more sustainable and more human-centred. The Responsible Management Award fully reflects this mission: raising awareness, sharing, developing and embedding managerial practices that respond to today’s economic, social and environmental challenges.
This year, the award ceremony took place on 4 December on ICHEC’s Montgomery campus. On that occasion, six Belgian organisations presented projects illustrating their own transition: ADMR asbl, Ethias, Maison Dandoy, Galler, GeoConsulting and DAP. Each defended initiatives addressing themes that are redefining the way we work and lead: more robust and measured growth, collaborative governance models, work environments where autonomy and well-being take priority, a vision of sustainability that includes regeneration, and a tangible commitment to society.
Among all the initiatives presented, the multidisciplinary jury chose to reward DAP – Courtier en Assurances et Crédits, a family business that demonstrates that societal impact and economic performance can move forward hand in hand.
What convinced the jury? A consistent commitment to a more supportive and sustainable model. For several years, DAP has been supporting the non-profit sector through a unique mechanism: 10% of insurance premiums are donated to projects with positive impact. Today, the company supports more than 2,000 non-profit organisations, while developing an HR model based on trust, autonomy and well-being. This is complemented by a strong commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and maintaining a local anchoring that is an integral part of its identity.
DAP also embodies the strength and uniqueness of family businesses, which represent more than 70% of Belgium’s entrepreneurial fabric. These companies, often discreet, nevertheless play a major economic role and stand out for their ability to build over the long term. During the ceremony, this family dimension was palpable: while Christophe Degauquier, CEO, took the stage to present the project, his father Bernard attended the award ceremony from the audience. A simple scene, yet full of meaning. It illustrates the transmission of values that shape the company as much as its strategy.
With this award, DAP demonstrates that another model of growth is possible: one that places people, society and sustainability at the heart of development.
This third edition of the Responsible Management Award leaves a strong impression: that of a Belgian ecosystem in which organisations of all sizes and sectors dare to rethink their practices. They experiment, test, adjust… and above all, they inspire.
Behind each initiative presented lies the same conviction: responsible management is not about ticking boxes, but about navigating between performance and ethical commitment, between local anchoring and growth dynamics.
The Chair in Innovative Management Practices will continue to highlight these initiatives and support those who wish to engage in this transformation.
Want to hear from the award winner?
Discover the interview with Christophe Degauquier, who shares DAP’s vision, their responsible approach, and the pride of receiving this award.