Sustainability and CSR Katherine Bennett Manager, Government Affairs and Public Policy

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Sustainability and CSRKatherine
BennettManager, Government Affairs and Public
Policy
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Why worry about Sustainability/CSR?

• Nothing new but certainly re-packaged
• Move on from community relations and
  philanthropy
• Stakeholder engagement is usual part of
  Communications strategy
• Keep eye on public policy developments and ensure
  business voice is heard

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Public Policy Background

• UK Govt focus post Enron. SMEs in particular.
• UK Private Members Bill with support of NGOs
• Company Law Review
• Operating and Financial Review
• CSR Minister at DTI

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Global Focus

• EU Green Paper
• EU Stakeholder dialogue
• Corporate Reputation issues high on global cos
  agendas eg investor questions
• Impact on brand globally eg Nike
• Global Sullivan Principles/UN Global Compact

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Should Vauxhall worry?

• Good community relations reputation BUT must
  continue to build on this
• - Sensitivities around closure of Luton plant
• - Brand reputation of key importance
• Highly competitive industry often the subject
  of public policy scrutiny
• Plethora of activity to be harnessed in CR
  inventory

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• Resources are lighter both manpower and s
• Sacred cows?
• Pan industry charity vs cause related marketing
  opps
• No brainer for senior management BUT how do you
  make it a reality?
• Important that we dont just go for quick and
  easy changes

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What do we have to shout about?

• Environment
• Facilities ISO14001 at all sites ELV regulatory
  response solar power
• Economic
• Business plan to increase revenue, reduce costs
  minimise risks
• Product LPG 71 market share, leading car club
  supplier, looking to promote fuel cell advances
  Congestion Charge exemptions
• Social
• Investors in People, Griffin awards, social
  policy - developing assessment matrix and
  priorities

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How can we measure our achievements?

• Business in the Community 2002 surveys
• BiE 97.76
• CSR 78,8 (1st year of survey)
• Green Apple Awards
• Fleet contracts awarded on basis of green image
• Sunday Times Top 100
• GM/GME regard us as leaders

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Comments made to Vauxhall Board .

• Corporate responsibility is like trying to play
  football with a team comprised solely of
  defenders you may keep a clean sheet but youll
  never score any goals
• So ..
• Do we want to keep just a clean sheet OR move the
  needle?

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Business rationale

• Recent research (Wirthlin)
• 68 of consumers do not trust companies
• 85 corporate responsibility influenced image of
  the company
• 60 have not bought a product because company
  reputation seen as negative
• Investors shareholder reputation all important
  to GM

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Sustainability Reporting

• Began with Environmental Reporting
• 1st Sustainability Report 2000
• Not only a visual representation of
  Sustainability/CSR policy but something tangible
  for the company to agree to
• VM certainly one of leaders in this type of
  reporting

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