About

Marie Banu holds significant leadership roles in the social sector. She serves as the Director of the Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) in Chennai, where she plays a pivotal role in driving social initiatives and management practices. In addition, Marie serves as the Director of the Social Audit Network, UK.

SAN, UK facilitates the exchange of information and experience among practitioners of social accounting and audit within the social economy and voluntary sectors.

Marie Banu's expertise as a Social Auditor is recognized and accredited by both the Social Audit Network, India and the Social Audit Network, UK.

As a member of the Institute of Social Auditors of India and a recipient of Social Auditor certification from the National Institute of Securities Market (NISM), she exemplifies her dedication to the field.

Her commitment to promoting Social Return on Investment (SROI) and Social Value is further underscored by her accreditation as an SROI and Social Value Trainer by Social Value International (SVI).

She is the Chief Editor of Conversations Today, a registered monthly tabloid published by MSDS, the parent Trust of CSIM, and actively contributes to the publication by writing articles and conducting interviews with inspiring personalities. The thought-provoking articles featured in Conversations are compiled and published annually in a book titled 'Unsung Beacons', showcasing the remarkable stories and ideas shared within its pages.

Marie Banu's outstanding contributions to society have been recognized through prestigious awards. She was honored with the REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship in 2014-15 and the Karmaveer Chakra Award, both of which are global civilian honors bestowed by the international confederation of NGOs (iCONGO) in partnership with the United Nations. These accolades reflect her commendable work and dedication to creating a positive impact in society.

Career

Marie Banu embarked on her career in the social sector at the young age of 25, demonstrating her early commitment to making a positive impact.

Throughout her journey, Marie has garnered valuable experience working with esteemed organizations such as DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency), OXFAM International, OXFAM India, and ActionAid India, among others.

From 1999 to 2005, Marie played a pivotal role in leading fundraising efforts for OXFAM India. From 2005 to 2009, she skillfully managed international and national media relations for OXFAM International's South Asia Tsunami response program that was collaboratively managed by OXFAM Great Britain, OXFAM NOVIB, OXFAM America, Oxfam Australia, Intermon OXFAM (Spain), OXFAM Hong Kong, OXFAM Quebec, OXFAM Solidarity (Belgium), and OXFAM India. Marie's adept handling of media relations played a crucial role in raising awareness and support for the program's initiatives.

Writing

In 2005, Marie Banu made her debut as a co-author with the publication of her first book titled "Beyond Brick and Mortar - A Handbook on Approaches to Permanent Shelters in Humanitarian Response," published by Oxfam International. This significant achievement showcased her expertise in the field.

Furthermore, Marie has contributed extensively to Oxfam's Tsunami publications, authoring numerous articles that have provided valuable insights and knowledge. She also co-published a research document titled "Living with Hope," focusing on temporary shelters. This document served as a powerful advocacy tool for NGOs in Tamil Nadu, facilitating meaningful engagement with the government on related issues.

In 2009, Marie Banu took on the role of Head of Communications at the Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM). Her contributions were instrumental in the successful launch of CSIM's tabloid, initially known as 'Conversations' in 2010 and later renamed 'Conversations Today' in 2013. Serving as the Chief Editor of this monthly publication, Marie not only writes compelling articles but also conducts interviews with prominent figures in the field of social work. The articles featured in Conversations Today are compiled annually into a book titled 'Unsung Beacons,' further amplifying their impact and reach.

Marie's expertise in conducting interviews with celebrities in the social work sphere has been recognized through the publication of 'Inspiring Conversations.' This book, published in 2012, features interviews from the 2010 and 2011 editions of Conversations. The foreword for this publication was thoughtfully written by Shri Nataraj IPS, adding an extra layer of significance to the book.

Social Audit

Marie Banu has had the privilege of attending the esteemed Master Class in Social Accounting and Audit, led by Mr. Patrick Boase and Mr. Alan Kay of the Social Audit Network in the UK. Additionally, she has benefited from the valuable mentorship of Mr. Mike Swain from the Social Audit Network, UK, and Ms. Latha Suresh from the Social Audit Network, India. These experiences have enriched her understanding and expertise in the field.

Since 2010, Marie has actively participated in numerous Social Audit Assignments, both for corporate entities and not-for-profit organizations in India. Her involvement in these assignments has allowed her to contribute to the evaluation of social impact and accountability.

Marie Banu has also received specialized training in Social Return on Investment (SROI) under the guidance of Dr. Adam Richards from Social Value International. Her dedication and proficiency in this area have earned her recognition as an accredited SROI and Social Value Trainer.

Marie's auditing prowess extends to various organizations and initiatives across different regions. She has audited the social accounts of notable entities such as Friends of Coconut Tree (Coconut Development Board) and Manappuram Foundation in Kerala, ICAI UAE (Dubai) Chapter, SOHAM in Kolkata, CONCERN, a de-addiction home in Chennai, and Vidya in Bengaluru. Furthermore, she has contributed her expertise in preparing social accounts for organizations including Cognizant Outreach and facilitating social accounts for Stella Maris College, Equitas Development Initiatives Trust, and Asirvad Microfinance Limited. In addition, Marie has conducted impactful Impact Assessments for over 45 projects funded by prominent Corporate Foundations throughout India.

Due to her extensive knowledge and experience, Marie Banu serves as a valuable resource person for the Master Class in Social Accounting & Audit and the Social Impact Practitioner Training conducted by SAN India in India and the UAE. Her involvement in these training programs reflects her commitment to sharing her insights and empowering others in the field.

POSH Committee & other Memberships

Marie Banu actively contributes to fostering safe and inclusive work environments as a member of Regional Complaints Committees (RCC) and Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) for POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace) in leading organizations. She upholds a gender-neutral approach in her role, ensuring compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Having served as an ICC member in prestigious institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Chennai and Bosch Electric Drives Ltd in Oragadam, she has made notable contributions to promoting a culture of respect and safety in the workplace.

She also held the position of an RCC member at the Reserve Bank of India Staff College; and as an ICC member at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, School of Vocational Education; Forbes Marshall; MAHLE Engine Components India Private Limited, Industrial Estate, Kanchipuram; Stanley Engineered Fastening; and Borg Warner Morse TEC India Pvt. Ltd. Her involvement ensures the implementation of POSH guidelines and provides a platform for addressing and resolving complaints in these organisations. Furthermore, she actively participates as a member of the Staff Grievance Redressal Cell at Loyola College and the Anti-sexual Harassment Cell at SSS Shasun Jain College in Chennai.

In addition to her contributions to complaints committees, Marie plays a pivotal role in academia. She serves as a Member of the Board of Studies for the Department of Sociology at Stella Maris College and the Madras School of Social Work. Her expertise is also valued as a Guest Faculty at Loyola College and other esteemed educational institutions, where she imparts knowledge and insights to create a lasting impact in promoting respectful and inclusive spaces.

Testimonials

I have known Marie Banu for many years and have always been impressed with the thoughtful and considerate way in which she approaches her work. Her new website 'Write for Change' is a typical example of how she has used this approach, combined with her experience and innate knowledge, to compile a wide compendium of inspiring stories. In looking back at our past and what others have gone through, it is not difficult to realise that we relate to the stories and interpretations of others. Marie Banu has gathered a wide variety of inspirational and informative stories that will help us all to act more clearly and more wisely in the future. I thoroughly commend this website to all those working to change our future for the better. And, well done to Marie Banu for creating this wonderful and truly inspiring collection.

Alan Kay Co-founder, Social Audit Network, UK

I always found Marie Banu to be a conscientious, professional and helpful colleague. I am impressed by her organisational skills and can-do attitude. She seems to have an ability to relate to people from all walks of life and this outlook is reflected in her writing, which is of a very high standard and always seems to convey a great empathy for her subjects.

Roy Probert Senior Communications Manager at NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford

I first met Marie Banu in 1991 when I was working as a socio-economist and agricultural adviser for the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) in Tirunelveli, Kattabomman and Chidambaranar Districts in Tamil Nadu. Marie was in her early 20ties with no prior research- or agricultural experience, and only one among 56 male and female field staff. What we needed at the time was not an agriculturalist but a generalist who could both easily communicate with villagers, male and female, within a broad range of ethnic communities, and organise field work for the groups of field staff. As Marie eminently fitted the profile, she was soon promoted as Research Associate to oversee socio-economic data collection within degraded land areas, and later through the Danish Embassy in Delhi promoted to (Junior) Danida Project Consultant. This made everyone happy, and surely Marie came to the right place at the right time!

Nils Finn Munch-Petersen Senior Researcher, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Copenhagen, Denmark

"Ms. Marie Banu, the dynamic social scientist, has been interacting with personalities from different walks of life who have taken upon themselves to feel for the people and to contribute towards the overall wellness of society. She has been writing regularly in an informative journal ‘Conversations’ which is a popular platform to exchange ideas to motivate people in different fields."

Shri. R. Nataraj, IPS (R)

Marie Banu is a dedicated development worker with high level skills in Social Audit and Impact; and also in development interviewing and storytelling. Marie's experience has been gained over a number of years working with national and international organisations.

Murray Culshaw Member of the Board, Sense International (India)

I worked with Marie for over 3 years 2007-10 in the Oxfam International Tsunami Fund. She is organised, efficient, an excellent communicator and team player, and is always positive and fun to work with.

John Chllver Cabinet Member for Property and Assets at Buckinghamshire Council