In 2007, we identified the CR issues which we believed to be the most material (relevant and significant) for our business. We analysed the issues that could have an impact on the sustainability of BAE Systems, either by directly impacting the Company's ability to operate or by affecting our reputation and the level of trust which our stakeholders have in our Company.
Following this review process, the following two priorities were identified and a programme was put in place to address them:
- Business Conduct - achieving leadership performance through implementation of the Woolf Committee recommendations
- Safety - ensuring a consistent level of good safety management in the short term and driving safety performance to a level comparable with leading companies over a four-year period.
In 2008 and 2009 we set management objectives to help drive us towards our desired leadership position in the areas of ethics and safety.
Diversity and inclusion is also recognised as an increasingly important issue for our business. The sustainability of our workforce and our ability to win and fulfill global contracts depends on our ability to recruit and retain the most talented people from all backgrounds.
Our environmental performance is also of increasing importance both due to the nature of our operations and growing interest in this issue among stakeholders, including our customers.
We give time and money to support education and charities in our key markets. This is an important investment for our business. We invest in skills and will continue to do so.
