Our approach to corporate responsibility is built around four main areas; to find out about our policies in each of these click on the relevant link below.
Marketplace
Schroders' investment process has always taken account of the fact that a broad range of both financial and non-financial factors can affect the sustainability of a business and, consequently, the financial returns that can derive from an investment in any given company's shares. Our analysis endeavours to identify and focus on issues that either are, or could become, material in the context of both financial performance and market valuation. On a routine basis Schroders' investment process incorporates a review of research into the environmental, social and ethical stance of companies.
On behalf of its clients, Schroders is a significant shareholder in many companies. As a direct consequence we enjoy regular access to company management. While the primary focus of the dialogue with companies is financial, we also seek to assess non-financial factors in a structured and open manner. In the best interests of our clients, Schroders will engage with companies across Europe where the scope of environmental, social and ethical codes fall short of acceptable standards and where this is likely to be detrimental to the long term value of the company. The aim is to encourage a general move towards the adoption of industry best practice in both the standards and the level of commitment to achieving them. In certain circumstances we will consider a collaborative engagement effort with other investment houses in order to encourage change.
Workplace
We recognise the importance of making Schroders an employer of choice. We ensure that our employees understand our strategic aims and objectives and what is expected of them, and having policies and practices that make Schroders a desirable place to work and encourage employees to act ethically and be aware of the wider community.
The employee opinion survey was repeated in 2005 and achieved a credible 67 per cent response rate. We continue to address some of the issues expressed in the responses to the survey. An Employee Consultation Forum has been established in the UK consisting of employees elected by the workforce. Members of the forum meet regularly with management as part of a Joint Consultative Group to discuss employee-related matters.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equal opportunities for both existing employees and applicants seeking employment and seek to ensure that our workforce reflects, as far as practicable, the diversity of the many communities in which we operate. We do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, medical condition, creed, religion, nationality, colour, race or ethnic origin. It is the Group's policy to give appropriate consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons, having regard to their particular aptitudes. For the purposes of training, career development and promotion, disabled employees, including any who become disabled in the course of their employment, are treated on equal terms with other employees. We operate a zero tolerance policy to harassment and bullying.
Health and Safety
We promote high standards of health and safety at work for all employees and have rolled out globally our health and safety policy, which contains policies and procedures which are expected to be followed by all employees and highlights our commitment to ensuring employees are provided with a safe and healthy working environment. Training on these issues is also given to employees and, during 2005; two interactive e-learning training and assessment courses were introduced.
Schroders has decided to adopt measures to:
- secure the health, safety and welfare of all employees at places of work under Schroders' control and elsewhere when performing their duties;
- protect employees and other persons who are lawfully on Schroders' premises against risk to their health or safety which might arise out of activities in those places;
- maintain safe plant, machinery and equipment and a safe and healthy workplace;
- consult employees on matters relating to their health and safety at work.
It is also our policy to ensure that all employees are aware of their individual responsibilities to exercise care in relation to themselves and those who work with them.
Community
At Schroders, employees are encouraged to support the wider community and to give time and money to charitable causes. Such involvement is not only of benefit to the community, but also a valuable means of increasing employee awareness and assisting in their development. Schroders' charitable giving policy is focused on employee choices; Schroders supports a significant number of charitable causes each year chosen by employees.
Environment
As an asset management company with less than 2,500 employees worldwide, Schroders has a limited direct impact on the environment, but recognises the necessity of developing activities that promote energy conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Our aim is to be a leader within our peer group in encouraging responsible environmental conservation and management. We have clear guidelines for our direct operational activities.
Schroders:
- Is committed to continuous improvement in minimising the negative environmental impact of our operations and promoting positive environmental practices. We recognise that we are a consumer of resources in the provision of our services, management of our buildings, provision of information and through corporate travel.
- Is aware of the UK Government's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the targets agreed to at both an international and domestic level. As a result we currently monitor energy use and promote efficient use of energy in all our buildings. Video and telephone conferencing are actively encouraged in order to curb emissions resulting from travel.
- Recognises that environmental improvement makes sound business sense and that cost benefits can be obtained from prudent attention to environmental issues.
- Wishes to balance business needs with the aim of reducing our consumption of materials and energy. We aim to set an example and provide guidance for our suppliers to follow. Where reducing consumption is not a viable option, we aim to utilise, where possible, materials of a recycled nature.
- Aims to work with environmentally responsible suppliers and integrate environmental criteria into our purchasing decisions so that the environmental impacts bought in are minimised.
- Endeavours to be a responsible neighbour in the communities in which we operate.
- Will act promptly and responsibly to correct incidents or conditions that endanger safety, health or the environment, which arise from our activities. In such instances we will comply with our legal duty to inform the appropriate authority and will promptly contact those who may be affected.
- Conducts an annual review of environmental performance to assess performance against targets.
- Encourages all line managers to participate actively in, and where possible innovate, schemes to reduce the Group's environmental impact. All employees are encouraged to participate in schemes aimed at environmental improvement. The importance of communication is realised and two-way communication is encouraged.
- Is working towards the introduction of a formal environmental management system.
- Is committed to the ecologically sound recycling and disposal of all Information Technology equipment, abiding by the European Parliament directive on Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment.
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