It is important that our CR reporting addresses issues that are material to our business and reflect stakeholder concerns. In 2005 we worked with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to obtain an independent view of the issues relevant to our CR reporting and an understanding of our priority CR stakeholders and their key concerns. We aim to use the findings from this work to help shape our CR reporting and stakeholder engagement.
PwC used desk-based research and interviews with BAE Systems employees. Each CR issue identified was scored according to how material it is to our business and the level of interest and expectation relating to it. Stakeholder groups were scored according to their level of influence over BAE Systems and to their level of interest in our CR performance. PwC concluded that BAE Systems currently provides stakeholders with information on all the issues identified as important for our business. For over half of these issues BAE Systems reports at a level consistent with stakeholder expectations.
The key areas our stakeholders consider material to our business are anti-bribery and corruption practices, health and safety, government relations and political influence and product responsibility.
We believe it is important to understand the views of others and explain our approach. Good communication helps us develop and improve our CR programmes. We encourage dialogue and open communication with our stakeholders including employees and their families, trade unions, shareholders, customers, business partners, suppliers, competitors, governments, NGOs and local communities.
See Related Links above right for stakeholder debate on product stewardship and climate change.
Much of this discussion takes place as part of normal business. We also communicate specifically on our CR performance through this report, our website and individual meetings.
We welcome feedback on any of the issues covered in this web-site or our annual CR reports. Comments can be sent to crfeedback@baesystems.com
