We define our corporate responsibility (CR) agenda by reviewing the material issues that affect our company and by talking to the people and organisations that have a stake in our business, including employees, customers, shareholders, governments and civil society groups.
We manage this activity through our CR Forum which meets twice a year and through engagement with the Reed Elsevier Management Committee chaired by CEO, Erik Engstrom.
We believe we have the most significant impact when we apply our expertise to areas like universal, sustainable access to information, advancement of science and health, promotion of the rule of law and justice, and protection of society. In focusing on our unique contributions we benefit others and add value for Reed Elsevier by building trust in and outside the company and creating new opportunities.
Governance
Good governance matters because it creates the framework for our business. The RE Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is disseminated to every employee as a guide to our corporate and individual conduct. Encompassing topics such as fair competition, anti-bribery and human rights, it encourages open and principled behaviour. Good corporate governance is fundamental to our success as a business and we take it extremely seriously.
People
People are the driving force of our business. Valuing our 30,500 people means being an employer of choice, known for best practice in retaining and recruiting the best staff. Only by attracting and keeping good people – and being acknowledged as a company where they can do their best work – will we be able to achieve our objectives and meet the expectations of our customers and other shareholders.
Customers
We recognise that the growth and future of our company is built on our ability to deliver sustainable, essential information and services to customers and their willingness to accept the value placed on them.
We constantly strive to improve our existing products and to come up with new solutions that make our customers’ work and lives easier. By doing so, we believe we can create sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships with them.
Community
Contributing to our global communities is both an opportunity and a responsibility. It helps us inspire employees, aid beneficiaries, improve our reputation, and meet our obligations. Local and global communities provide our ‘licence to operate'. We must recognise our impact, be accountable and give something back to our communities.
Supply chain
We uphold Reed Elsevier values in our supply chain by requiring our suppliers to meet the same high standards we set for our own behaviour. Suppliers must adhere to all laws, embody and promote best practice in business operations, treat employees well, and respect the environment.
Environment
Reed Elsevier and its businesses have a positive impact on the environment, principally through the information we produce which informs debate, aids decision makers, and encourages research and development. We are committed to reducing any negative environmental impacts, while continually improving our environmental performance.