Our approach to corporate social responsibility

We are committed to maintaining our tradition of excellence in corporate social responsibility, both in terms of performance and reporting. Having published our first Corporate Social Responsibility Report as a merged group in autumn 2007, this year’s report is significantly more comprehensive in terms of reported measures than we were able to collate and publish in our first year. It is written in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative guidelines and criteria.

Our corporate social responsibility strategy is clear and well understood. The necessary systems and structures are in place and operating efficiently. Most important of all, our people are committed to playing their part in building a sustainable Group.

The social responsibilities committee, which is a committee of the Board chaired by Ornella Barra, keeps under review and advises the Board on the Company’s policies and practices in the various areas of corporate social responsibility, including those related to charitable giving, diversity and equal opportunities, employment of people with disabilities, environment, ethical matters and race relations, and the Company’s values and standards.

“We are committed to maintaining our tradition of excellence”