We set out to build enduring relationships with our neighbours that are characterised by mutual respect, active partnership and long term commitment.
Good management of community relationships is as necessary to our business success as the management of our operations. Good performance requires all of us to accept responsibility for community relationships. We detail local arrangements in rolling multi year communities plans which are integrated with site's operational planning and updated annually. The plans are set within the context of this policy and apply throughout the life cycles of the Group’s activities.
Mutual respect depends on our understanding the issues that are important to our neighbours and our neighbours understanding what is important to us. Wherever we operate, we do our best to accommodate the different cultures, lifestyles, heritage and preferences of our neighbours, particularly in areas where industrial development is little known. Our communities and environment work is closely coordinated and takes account of peoples’ perceptions of the effects and consequences of our activities.
We promote active partnerships at international, national, regional and local levels. These are based on mutual commitment, trust and openness. Our relationships with communities involve consultation to open new facilities, to run existing ones and to close them at the end of their productive lives. In doing so, we support community based projects that can make a difference in a sustainable way without creating dependency. We also assist regional development, training and employment and small business opportunities. In developing countries, we are often asked to support health, education and agricultural programmes and, in collaboration with others, we help where practical.