We've put a robust framework in place to manage the business

We run a well managed, responsible business within a clear governance framework. Our board leads and controls the company and currently comprises two executive directors, five non-executive directors and a non-executive Chairman. We have a number of Board committees in line with good governance.

We have a governance structure and a set of commitments and internal procedures to manage the social, environmental, ethical and governance issues in our markets that impact on, or result from, our operations.

Our business principles set out our standards of conduct and the Group Code of Ethics states our commitment to responsible business practice, specifically in relation to human rights, fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest.

People management

The group HR director is a member of the senior management group which meets four times a year and considers people issues. Quarterly talent reviews take place involving the Chief Executive Officer and monthly conference calls take place involving all local HR directors. Local HR directors also sit on local management boards.

Group safety committee

This committee provides strategic direction for the way we manage health and personal safety issues. It is chaired by Fred Forfar who is Development Director. The committee meets at Senior Management Group meetings (at least five times per year) and reports to the Board formally once a year and to the Risk and Compliance Committee once a month. It is supported by an international health and safety working group and business level health and personal safety committees which report on local activity, legislative requirements and compliance with Group policy.

Corporate responsibility steering committee

This committee is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer (who is the board representative for corporate responsibility issues). The committee meets at least twice a year and establishes guiding principles and priorities. It also ensures that all our businesses conform to the same high standards and that our values and business principles are implemented.

Customer service steering group

This group maintains and assesses the customer centricity of the business. The group meets regularly, at least once every two months, it is chaired by the Group Corporate Affairs Director and has representatives from the board, SMG and change programme as regular attendees.

International corporate responsibility working group

This group agrees company wide corporate responsibility goals and ensures new initiatives and improvements are rolled out across the business. The group, chaired by the Group Corporate Affairs Director, brings together the managers responsible for corporate responsibility from all our businesses who provide local perspectives on the issues being considered.

Environment working groups

Each business has an environmental working group which drives the environmental programme. They review and coordinate performance indicators, devise and work to annual targets and identify opportunities to promote environmental awareness through training and communications.

In the future we will look to rationalise a number of these groups into a cross functional sustainability steering committee which will enable us to take a holistic approach to the management of responsibility across the Group.