RBS 2011 Annual Report Download - page 32

30 RBS Group 2011
Sustainability
Sustainability principles
In January 2012, the Group Sustainability
Committee agreed a set of principles
we are putting in place to guide the
way we do business.
These principles will apply to all
areas of the company.
We believe that balancing the
needs of all our stakeholders is
the best way to deliver sustainable
commercial success. That’s why
we’re committed to being:
Secure
Maintaining our financial
health whilst meeting our
responsibilities to customers,
employees and suppliers
Keeping our customers’
and employees’ data
and assets safe
Protecting against
fraud and corruption
We are rebuilding an RBS that is stronger and
safer. The work we are doing on sustainability
is an integral part of this, contributing to the
long-term performance of the company and
the return to ongoing profitability.
Within the Bank there is a robust governance
framework in place for the management of
sustainability. The Group Sustainability
Committee (GSC) is a Board level committee,
chaired by our Senior Independent Director,
Sir Sandy Crombie. The GSC reviews
sustainability strategy, values and policy.
The Committee is supported by the Group
Sustainability Forum, a network of senior
sustainability managers from across the
organisation. This forum is responsible for
driving actions agreed at the GSC.
Our stakeholder engagement programme
allows us to understand the issues that matter
most to those who have an interest in our
business. The outcome of these engagements
informs decision making across the Group.
Treating customers fairly, supporting
enterprise, being a good employer, keeping
customer money and data safe, and managing
our wider ethical, social and environmental
impacts remain among the key concerns
of our stakeholders. Through our ongoing
opinion research we continue to measure
the views of stakeholders including the
general public, opinion formers (politicians,
regulatory and industry bodies, journalists,
media) and employees.
Supportive
Meeting our customers needs
Supporting sustainable and
inclusive economic growth
Helping customers
in financial difficulty
Open
Consulting with and
listening to our stakeholders
Showing transparency
in the way we run our business
Publicly communicating
our efforts to be responsible
and sustainable
A Responsible Citizen
Working within both the letter
and spirit of legislation and abiding
by relevant codes of practice
and voluntary standards
Supporting the communities we work in
Respecting human rights throughout
our sphere of influence
Upholding environmental
responsibility within the Bank,
and through our customers
and suppliers
A Good Employer
Providing our people with the tools
and support to do their jobs effectively
and develop their skills
Valuing and promoting diversity in all
areas of recruitment and employment
Rewarding our people
fairly for their work