Embedding CR

CR management in our local operating companies

Every local operating company has employees dedicated to CR who work directly with the Group CR team and local business functions. Local CR teams are essential to ensure CR is embedded in each of our local operating companies.

Although there are common themes, the management of specific CR issues varies in different local operating companies as the expectations of stakeholders vary in each market. Local teams are aware of local conditions and able to respond appropriately.

The chief executives of individual local operating companies have overall responsibility for CR and all have appointed CR managers. The Group CR Director, Chris Burgess, and Group CR team regularly meet members of the executive teams of local operating companies.

Group guidelines on specific issues provide flexibility for local operating companies to respond to feedback from local stakeholders within the framework of Group policy.

These are some examples of how CR is managed in our local operating companies:

CR at Vodafone Germany
The CR department at Vodafone Germany was established in 2004 as part of the Corporate Communications Division. A steering committee which includes the directors of CR, Marketing, Sales, Technology and Legal Affairs ensures that CR is integrated throughout the company. Key issues are managed by appointed officers within their respective departments. Vodafone Germany has produced an annual CR report since 2004.

CR at Vodafone Greece
Vodafone Greece has a dedicated CR team supported by committees for energy and environment, content standards, health and safety, and RF fields. A risk assessment approach is used to identify its key impacts and prioritise CR issues. Vodafone Greece has been certified according to the ISO 14001 (environment) and OHSAS 18001 (health and safety) international management standards since 1999, and to the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) since 2003.

CR at Vodafone Romania
A team of three people was established to manage CR in Vodafone Romania, after it became part of the Group in 2005, with CR champions appointed in each department. A CR plan developed in March 2007 establishes priorities reflecting the Group CR strategy and particular local needs in Romania. The key areas covered are:

• Helping people through our products and services
• Environmental protection
• Promoting the sense of community in Romanian society
• Engaging our employees.

CR at Vodafone Spain
Vodafone Spain’s CR programme was established in 2001 with a CR team of four people who report to the Head of Relations with Public Administrations. As part of the CR management process, the CR team engages with stakeholders to understand their expectations. This stakeholder feedback is used to inform Vodafone Spain’s CR strategy and prioritise issues for its annual CR report, first published in 2003/04. Priorities include development of social products and services for vulnerable people such as those with disabilities, the elderly and immigrants; and improved management of environmental impacts.

CR at Vodafone Turkey
Vodafone Turkey is developing a CR strategy to prioritise areas where the company could have the greatest impact on local communities and the general public: children, education, accessibility and environment. Specific projects within these focus areas are being developed and will be supported by Vodafone Turkey and the Vodafone Turkey Foundation.