CSR day checklist: what to arrange and when

A CSR day combines useful work, teamwork and a shared meal, so the practical details need to connect. Start by choosing a project and checking the site, then build the participant list, teams, transport and risk plan around it. Materials, protective gear, catering and permissions are easy to arrange too late. This checklist covers the full sequence, from defining the programme to sending the final route and weather update.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • Define the goal and program

    2 people

  • Select an CSR project

    3 people

  • Create participant list

  • Send invitations

    2 people

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Map out transport needs

  • Divide participants into teams

    2 people

  • Visit project site

    2 people

  • Identify tasks and risks

    3 people

  • Request permission for work

  • Reserve dining venue

  • Coordinate waste collection

  • Determine equipment needs

    2 people

  • Inventory work gloves

  • Make a shopping list

    2 people

  • Order work materials

  • Order catering groceries

  • Share the program and route

  • Assign team leaders

    2 people

  • Prepare name badges

    2 people

  • Print work orders

  • Make route signs

    2 people

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Send participants a final update

  • Pick up groceries

    2 people

  • Wash fruits and vegetables

    2 people

  • Prepare materials

    3 people

  • Fill coolers

    2 people

  • Print the run sheet and contact list

Event

  • Set up the reception table

    2 people

  • Unload work materials

    4 people

  • Set up tables and chairs

    4 people

  • Set up the food and drink area

    3 people

  • Put up route signs

    2 people

  • Lay out safety materials

    2 people

  • Staff the check-in desk

    2 people

  • Receive participants

    3 people

  • Hand out name badges

    2 people

  • Explain the program

  • Give safety instructions

  • Guide teams to workstations

    5 people

  • Distribute work materials

    4 people

  • Carry out the work

    45 people

  • Distribute water and fruit

    3 people

  • Refill drinks

    2 people

  • Photograph the work results

  • Inspect workstations

    4 people

  • Collect waste and leftover materials

    6 people

  • Wash hands and clean equipment

    4 people

  • Serve snacks

    3 people

  • Lead the reflection round

    2 people

  • Set up buffet

    5 people

  • Serve dinner

    5 people

  • Refill drinks during dinner

    2 people

  • Serve dessert

    3 people

  • Give a thank-you speech

  • Collect tableware

    4 people

  • Pack leftovers safely

    2 people

  • Clear tables

    4 people

  • Separate waste

    3 people

  • Collect work materials

    5 people

  • Leave venue spotless

    4 people

  • Check out participants

    2 people

  • Check the final transport

Aftercare

  • Empty the coolers

    2 people

  • Wash dishes

    3 people

  • Clean tables and chairs

    2 people

  • Clean work materials

    3 people

  • Take waste to the collection point

    2 people

  • Return borrowed materials

    2 people

  • Do the final cleaning of the venue

    3 people

  • Store unused groceries

  • Archive photos and participant list

  • Send thank-you message

  • Share project results

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Foldable tablesqty 8
  • Folding chairsqty 55
  • Buffet tablesqty 3
  • Reception desk
  • Waste binsqty 6
  • Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

  • Dinner platesqty 60
  • Dessert platesqty 60
  • Soup bowlsqty 60
  • Water glassesqty 60
  • Wine glassesqty 60
  • Coffee cupsqty 60
  • Dinner cutlery setsqty 60
  • Serving spoonsqty 10

Equipment

  • Coolersqty 4
  • Kettlesqty 3
  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Food warmersqty 4
  • Extension cordsqty 4
  • Power stripsqty 4
  • Bluetooth speakersqty 2
  • Microphone
  • Power banksqty 4

Work materials

  • Work glovesqty 55
  • Safety gogglesqty 20
  • Rakesqty 10
  • Scoopsqty 8
  • Pruning shearsqty 10
  • Broomsqty 6
  • Wheelbarrowsqty 3
  • Bucketsqty 8
  • Ropeqty 2
  • Measuring tapesqty 4
  • Duct tapeqty 4
  • Work tarpsqty 6

Safety

  • First aid kitsqty 2
  • Safety vestsqty 10
  • Flashlightsqty 6
  • Earplugsqty 30

Communication

  • Name badgesqty 60
  • Badge holdersqty 60
  • Route signsqty 8
  • Whiteboardsqty 2
  • Markersqty 12
  • Clipboardsqty 8
  • Work ordersqty 12

Decorations

  • Tableclothsqty 8
  • Buntingqty 4
  • Flower arrangementsqty 6

Lighting

  • LED string lightsqty 4
  • LED lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

  • Washing-up bowlsqty 3
  • Spongesqty 12
  • Microfiber clothsqty 20
  • Hand soap dispensersqty 4
  • Towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Visit the project site before inviting people. Use that visit to confirm the actual tasks, access route, hazards, permission requirements and the number of work teams you can safely support.
  • Set a registration deadline at least 10 days before the CSR day. Use the final list to collect dietary requirements, map transport needs and divide participants into teams with named team leaders.
  • Order work materials as soon as the task list is confirmed, and count reusable items such as work gloves, safety goggles, rakes, scoops, pruning shears, brooms and wheelbarrows separately from consumables.
  • Plan the meal around the work schedule, not just the headcount. Reserve the dining venue early, arrange waste collection and check that tables, chairs, plates, glasses, cutlery, serving spoons and food warmers match the serving method.
  • Send the final programme, route, meeting time, team assignments and weather-dependent instructions 48 hours before the event. Prepare name badges, printed work orders and route signs before that message goes out.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start organising a CSR day?
Start at least 6 to 8 weeks before the planned date. That gives you time to select and visit the project, request permission, reserve the dining venue, invite participants and order work materials.
When should CSR day registrations close?
Close registrations about 10 days before the event. You need the final number to assign teams, arrange transport, collect dietary requirements and order catering groceries.
How do I plan equipment for a CSR day?
Confirm the site tasks first, then make an equipment inventory at least 2 weeks ahead. Count protective gear and tools by team, and check practical items such as extension cords, power strips, coolers, coffee machines and waste bins.
When should I send the final CSR day information?
Send the final update 48 hours before the CSR day. Include the programme, route, meeting point, team leader details, clothing or safety instructions and any change caused by the weather forecast.

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