The Group published its first detailed Corporate Social
Responsibility Report in 2002 although it had been including an
environmental policy statement in its annual report for some
years. During 2004 the Group has further developed its social
responsibility awareness and internal reporting of statistics. We
plan to continue development, and the inclusion of an
environmental report, in the future.
The Group has for many years taken a caring and considerate
approach to social, environmental and ethical matters
throughout its operations worldwide and this has continued, and
will continue, into the future. The Group regards compliance
with all relevant laws and guidelines as important and socially
responsible. During the year a number of enhancements were
made to the Group’s website to ensure compliance with Part III
of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which covers access to
goods and services. For full details of the enhancements,
please see the Accessibility Statement on the website
(http://www.vitecgroup.com/accessibility.aspx).
The Group’s current system of risk management and control,
which includes social responsibility matters, is led by the heads
of each of the Group’s operations. Those people are responsible
at local level for complying with the relevant environmental
regulations in all the geographical areas in which they operate.
They report to the Board on such issues through the Group’s
Finance Director, who has ultimate responsibility for such
matters, as part of the Group’s system of internal control and
risk management reporting.
Overall the Group continues to believe that it has limited
environmental impact. However, we recognise that we continue
to have a responsibility to understand the impact that our
activities have at local, national and global level. These have
been monitored and assessed locally and solutions have been
implemented as appropriate according to best practice, local
legal and other requirements. Over the last few years we have
developed and implemented a more consistent approach to
adopt sound policies throughout all our operations. As part of
the implementation programme, we have put in place more
formal systems and procedures for identifying, measuring,
reviewing and reporting on social, environmental and ethical
matters. Group policies are in place in the key areas of
employment, environment, human rights, community impact
and involvement and relationships with suppliers, customers
and other stakeholders. These policies have been implemented
at the centre and within each operating entity. Specific
responsibility for such matters has been assigned to designated
employees. Reviews by local management take place at each
Group location and reports are made of the major risks in these
areas. These reports identify risks, the current measures being
taken to control them and the steps being taken to eradicate or
minimise their effect in the future. The compilation of statistics
commenced in 2002 and they are being used for reporting
purposes and to monitor improvements.
1. Employment
Policy
To comply with all relevant legislation and codes of practice
relating to employment, health and safety and equal
opportunities. To provide good quality working environments and
facilities for employees and training and development
appropriate to each of their roles; not to discriminate in any way;
to take a flexible approach towards family responsibilities to
assist them in establishing an appropriate work/life balance; to
provide a competitive range of quality employee benefits. To
keep the workforce informed of major events and developments
within the Group.
Actions
Employment policies throughout the Group already reflect the
policy set out above.
We continue to recognise the importance of involvement,
motivation, training and development of our employees at all
levels. The importance of good communication and working
relationships is actively encouraged. During 2004 the Group’s
website was significantly enhanced by the inclusion of a
microsite containing the annual report. It also provides a
gallery containing photographs of Group products. Other
enhancements to the website are also currently being
considered. The aim is to help investors, potential investors and
employees alike to better understand the Group and view the
wide variety of products available from Group companies.
Our policy is to keep employees informed on matters relating to
their employment and on financial and economic factors
affecting the Group through management briefings, via the
Group’s website and by internal distribution of press releases
and internal announcements. This enables our employees to
gain a better understanding of our business objectives and their
roles in achieving them. Building and developing the skills,
competencies, motivation and teamwork of our people is key to
achieving our business objectives and to ensuring best practices
throughout the Group.
The Executive Board, the other senior executives of the Group,
the Chief Executive and the Finance Director, meet on a regular
basis. In addition, the managements of the operating units
employ a wide variety of consultation and briefing methods,
including conferences, joint committees, specific project teams
and briefing groups.
The Group operates in many countries and our employment
policies, which are designed to meet local conditions and
requirements, are established on the basis of the best practices
in each country in which we operate. The Group’s wide
geographical spread provides some opportunities for employees
to work either short term or on secondment for longer periods of
time at the Group’s various locations.