|
Philosophy
As an international business operating in 14 countries with around
750 employees worldwide, 3i aims to conduct its business in a
socially responsible manner. It is committed to being a responsible
member of the communities in which it operates and recognises the
mutual benefits of engaging and building relationships with those
communities. 3i believes that respect for human rights is central
to good corporate citizenship. In everything 3i does, it aims to be
commercial and fair, to maintain its integrity and professionalism
and to respect the needs of shareholders, staff, suppliers, the
local community and the businesses in which it invests.
3i endeavours to comply with the laws, regulations and rules
applicable to its business and to conduct its business in
accordance with established best practice in each of the countries
in which it operates. Environmental, ethical and social
responsibility issues and standards are also taken into
consideration in every aspect of the business.
3i aims to be a responsible employer and has adopted corporate
values and standards designed to help guide its employees in their
conduct and business relationships. These values and standards are
an integral part of 3i’s culture.
Responsibilities and accountabilities
The Board as a whole is responsible for ethical standards. The
executive Directors are responsible for ensuring compliance with
3i’s corporate values and standards.
The Corporate Responsibility Committee (the “Committee”),
comprising Tony Brierley, Company Secretary and Chairman of the
Committee, Patrick Dunne, Group Communications Director, Charles
Richardson, Manager of a UK portfolio management team, and Hans
Middelthon, an investment executive in 3i’s Oil and Gas team,
considers and reviews environmental, ethical and social issues
relevant to 3i’s business and associated risks. It also monitors
and reviews the operation of 3i’s corporate responsibility policies
and procedures.
Tony Brierley has specific responsibility for 3i’s environmental
policies, leading the development of new initiatives and targets
and reporting to the Board. He is also a member of the Leadership
Team of Business in the Environment.
The Committee, on behalf of the Board, identifies and assesses
the significant risks and opportunities for 3i arising from social,
ethical and environmental issues. A risk matrix methodology is used
to identify new risks, monitor developing trends and best practice,
and consider changes in 3i’s business and culture. This risk matrix
is reviewed and updated at each meeting of the Committee and
significant risks are reported to 3i’s Risk Committee, whose work
is set out in more detail in the Directors’
report. The Committee reports regularly to the Board.
All employees have a responsibility to be aware of, and abide
by, 3i’s environmental, ethical and social policies which are
available to all staff through 3i’s intranet. Employees are
encouraged to make suggestions to improve processes and
procedures.
|
