Our structure is underpinned by the highest levels of corporate governance. This empowers our local management teams to manage their businesses to be competitive in their marketplace while operating within a strict corporate framework with clearly defined parameters. Our Code of Ethics sets out our social, ethical and environmental commitment towards each of our stakeholders and the communities in which we operate.
We have a whistle-blowing programme called ‘Speak Up’ which is managed by an independent company, so that our employees can raise, in confidence, any concerns they may have about how we conduct our business. Following the successful roll-out programme, ‘Speak Up’ is now available to all of our employees on a global basis. Work continues throughout the business to raise employee awareness and regular progress reports are also provided to the Audit Committee of the Board.
As part of our overall commitment to good corporate governance, we operate a Corporate Responsibility Committee of the Board. Established in 2007, the CR Committee continues to provide direction and guidance on all aspects of business practice and responsibility ensuring consistent application everywhere we operate. The Committee comprises Susan Murray (Chairman from 1 November 2008), Sir Roy Gardner (Chairman until 31 October 2008), Steve Lucas, Richard Cousins, Andrew Martin, Jane Kingston (Group Human Resources Director) and Mark White. The Committee’s primary responsibilities include: endorsement of CR policies, overseeing occupational health and food safety performance, environmental practices, business conduct, the positive promotion of employee engagement as well as diversity and community investment. A key focus of the Committee has been to improve the scope of our CR commitments and overall performance measurement.