Social responsibility

The Board recognises that its responsibilities extend beyond financial performance. Effective management of health and safety, environmental, ethical and other social risks (referred to together here as ‘social risk’) is a fundamental aspect of the Board’s duty of care to the Group’s stakeholders, as well as being important to our reputation and profitability.

The Board’s role is to provide effective leadership, establish overall policy for the Group and monitor the performance of the operating companies in relation to social risk. The Chief Executive is ultimately accountable for the Group operating in a way that is socially responsible. Our line managers are charged with delivering performance safely and with integrity; supporting Group policy and providing leadership within their companies. All employees are responsible for following Group policy with the support, direction and commitment of line management.

Last year, we introduced our Business Conduct Programme, which aims to raise the level of awareness of Group policies with a ‘business ethics’ dimension, including those relating to safety; competition; the environment; equal opportunities; harassment; bribery, corruption and fraud; gifts and hospitality; price-sensitive information; and whistle-blowing.

The programme is being rolled out through a series of briefings, training sessions and all-employee communications and various compliance measures have been put in place to provide the Board with assurance that the policies are being put into practice.

The rest of this report is organised under four headings, representing the main areas where our business impacts on others and where we recognise our responsiblities to society:

• Our workplace and people
• Our environment
• Our marketplace
• Our communities