HSBC 2015 Annual Report Download - page 275

HSBC HOLDINGS PLC
273
Strategic Report Financial Review Corporate Governance Financial Statements Shareholder Information
Principal activities and
significant issues considered
Action taken
Global approach to conduct The CVC received reports from the Global Head of Regulatory Compliance on how the Group approach to
conduct is being managed to deliver the required conduct outcomes. Each global business is requested to
present plans to close out any gaps identified against the required outcomes and progress on
implementation of key conduct-related programmes. These plans provide improved training and
development of staff. Each Global Business produced conduct-related management information during
2015. It is now used at management level by each business to track any conduct-related issues.
Values The CVC oversees the promotion and embedding of HSBC Values. The CVC reviewed with management
various values and culture initiatives and contributed to action plans. It focused on the embedding of
conduct-related training and the development of a new Group-wide code of conduct, and reviewed
options to create an HSBC University. It is also working closely with management to define a
comprehensive but pragmatic framework that lays out in practical, concrete language the do’s and don’ts
of desirable behaviour at HSBC.
Sustainability The CVC led a project to put in place a simple, considered statement on the Group’s policy with respect to
human rights. This was approved in July 2015. It can be found at www.hsbc.com/citizenship/our-values.
The CVC has also held discussions with management regarding the developments, potential changes
and future agenda of sustainability as an area of focus for HSBC. This will continue into 2016.
Whistleblowing
The CVC has responsibility for the governance of the Group’s whistleblowing policies and procedures,
including the protection of whistleblowers. The CVC oversaw the successful launch of a new global
channel to enable employees to raise concerns when they are not comfortable with their normal routes
of escalation. This workstream also produced centralised reporting of whistleblowing cases and
standardisation of reporting and tracking of investigation and consequences.
Employee engagement The CVC monitored employee engagement across the Group and received the results of the Group
People Survey conducted during 2015. Areas requiring attention were highlighted and the Committee
requested that management provide regular updates on plans to address these.