CSR policy

Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

The objective of the Group's overall policy with regard to corporate social responsibility matters is to provide a reference point to guide stakeholders, including all employees, on the elements that drive the conduct of Bunzl's business and relationships with the world in which we operate. The Bunzl Group, as a member of the international business community, recognises its corporate responsibility commitments and this is reflected in seven underlying policies which relate to:

Standards of business conduct (Code of ethics)

We are committed to ensuring that our business is conducted in all respects according to rigorous ethical, professional and legal standards. For further information see the Group standards of business conduct policy (Code of ethics).

Health and safety

We are committed to a programme of activities to achieve continuous improvement in health and safety performance. For further information see the Group health and safety policy.

Employees

We are guided by our aim to deliver a competitive and fair employment environment and the opportunity to develop and advance subject to personal performance and business opportunity. For further information see the Group human resources policy.

Customers

Our business and livelihood depend upon our customers. Every employee is responsible for ensuring that any contact with our customers and the public at large reflects professionalism, efficiency and honesty. We constantly strive to provide high quality service and products and good value for money. Business Area specific policies apply in relation to dealings with customers.

Environment

Our objective is to reduce our impact on the environment, including factors contributing to climate change, through a commitment to continual improvement and we aim to comply with environmental legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions where Group companies operate. For further information, see the Group environmental policy.

Suppliers

We regard suppliers as our partners and work with them to help us achieve our policy aspirations in the delivery of our products and services. Specifically, Bunzl is committed to working with its suppliers of products and services to ensure that the welfare of workers and labour conditions within our supply chain meet or exceed recognised standards and to encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly practices as well. For further information see the Group ethical trading policy.

Community

We are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen through support for appropriate non-political and non-sectarian projects, organisations and charities. For further information see the Group community investment policy. The above summary statements are drawn from our more detailed Group policies on those topics (with the exception of customers, where each business has its own policy) which in our opinion constitute corporate social responsibility.

We recognise that our business activities have varying direct and indirect impacts on the societies in which we operate. We endeavour to manage these in a responsible manner, believing that sound and appropriate performance in this area is linked to business success. We are committed to reviewing and continuously improving our social responsibility programme and encouraging our business partners to implement corporate social responsibilities appropriate to their businesses.

Our Business Areas throughout the world are committed to adherence to our policies. The stage and level of implementation varies according to each Business Area and maturity of business.

Scope

The corporate social responsibility policy applies throughout the Bunzl Group, to all directors and employees, and governs our approach to all our activities.

Responsibility

The Chief Executive is the main Board Director with primary responsibility. Monitoring of each of the underlying policy commitments is the responsibility of managers. The Director, Group Human Resources, supported by the Company Secretary, is responsible for co-ordinating operation of the policy and reporting on it to the Chief Executive and the Board.

The Business Area Heads have established appropriate responsibilities within their areas.