Taken from the Annual Report 2008
Vitec has always maintained a considered approach to the environmental and social issues surrounding its business activities worldwide. Although the Group's environmental impacts are relatively limited, we continuously look for ways to be more responsible and sustainable across all our operations.
Vitec first began reporting on Corporate Responsibility in 2002. Since then the Group has continued to assess its responsibilities at local, national and global levels. We recognise that Corporate Responsibility will become even more central to sustainable growth, particularly as investors and customers increasingly consider these non-financial issues in decision making. We want to be in the best position possible to minimise risks and identify and capitalise on the opportunities presented.
In 2007 we asked a specialist third party to review the Group's Corporate Responsibility related policies and issues. An analysis of the risks faced by the Group in the following areas was undertaken: the environment, business ethics and human rights, health & safety and employment and community giving. The result of this analysis follows and we intend to use it as the focus of our approach to Corporate Responsibility reporting in the future.
Specific responsibility for these matters has been delegated to senior employees within each of the Group's divisions. Reviews by local management take place at each location and reports are made of the major risks in these areas to the Company’s Board, through the Chief Executive who has ultimate responsibility for these matters. These reports identify risks, the current measures being taken to control them and the steps being taken to eradicate or minimise their effect in the future. The compilation of statistics commenced in 2002 and was improved in 2004 and these are being used to monitor changes and trends.
We report on our electricity, gas, water and oil consumption and accident statistics since these are the principal areas where our business impacts the environment and the communities within which we operate. The section on Key Performance Indicators and other measures on page 16 set out our performance in 2008 compared to 2007.
We are keen to receive feedback from all of our stakeholders and we will use their comments and views to shape our future Corporate Responsibility policies and practices. Please get in touch with us at info@vitecgroup.com if you have any comments.
