“We regard best practice as importantly as we do any rule of law, because it is how we behave to our stakeholders which drives perceptions”
Robert Aitken
Group Head of Compliance
Compliance is a key element in the overall governance architecture of our globally diversified group.
Whilst our business and trading practices are contextualised by legislation and regulation, these in our view, represent the minimum to guide and influence our behaviour.
We regard best practice as importantly as we do any rule of law, because it is how we behave to our stakeholders which drives perceptions which in turn influences reputation, trust and brand loyalty.
How we behave is influenced by our core ethical principles and how they are integrated into our business practices and processes.
I believe that our team should set the example by not simply delineating the core principles but rather encouraging our people to think about them and guide them in how to apply them in their day-to-day activities.
There is also clear evidence that ‘values are central to value’ and that no business can be truly sustainable without articulating and understanding those values and embedding them into all facets of their corporate behaviour.
A reputation for honest and fair dealing can quickly be eroded and with it all of the mechanisms for driving revenue, profit and sustainable shareholder value.
Whilst we believe we have robust and effective controls in place, there is no substitute for sound leadership to ensure that our people and other key stakeholders are aware that these key corporate responsibility principles are both in place and effective.
Good corporate responsibility also concerns good governance and we view this as an essential discipline as it provides an effective framework and process to embed good corporate citizenship and behaviour in our businesses.