Interim Corporate Responsibility Policy
This interim policy was approved by the Corporate Responsibility Committee of the Board of Severn Trent Plc on 20 March 2007. The policy will be reviewed by December 2007.
This policy applies to all companies which Severn Trent Plc wholly owns, has a majority stake in or has operational control of.
Our ambition is to make Severn Trent the best water company in the UK. Through operating with the highest standards we will deliver high quality, value for money services to customers and enhance long term shareholder value.
1. Corporate Responsibility Objectives
This diagram outlines our approach to corporate responsibility.
We are committed to:
- Delivering water services fundamental to healthy communities and supporting communities through education, volunteering and giving. We will communicate clearly with our customers and help those who have difficulties accessing our services or who are in economic distress.
- Managing environmental resources sustainably, including water, wastewater, materials and sites of particular ecological importance
- Controlling greenhouse gas emissions, generating renewable energy and adapting to a changing climate
- Providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees and contractors
- Operating ethically in line with our Code of Conduct (available on our website), promoting diversity, valuing human rights, ensuring appropriate training for the job and providing development opportunities
- Identifying, understanding and managing risks arising from corporate responsibility issues
- Engaging with business partners, suppliers and customers to improve environmental and social performance in the supply chain
- Working with regulators, customer representatives, government, NGOs, trade associations and others to support progressive, efficient and effective government policy to improve water services and protect the environment
2. Governance
The Corporate Responsibility Committee (CR Committee) of the Board provides regular oversight of performance and approves the strategy, policies, KPIs, targets and reporting proposed by the Severn Trent Executive Committee. The membership and terms of reference of the CR Committee can be found on the Group website.
3. Reporting
The Group is committed to reporting its performance in an independently verified annual corporate responsibility report, and including a summary of corporate responsibility performance in the annual report, both to be approved by the CR Committee. The Group will respond to appropriate corporate responsibility indices and engage with socially responsible investors.
4. Stakeholders
The CR Committee will conduct an annual review of the group's engagement with its key stakeholders
