Managing CR in Affiliates and Partner Networks
Our CR reporting focuses on our local operating companies, those fully owned or in which Vodafone has a majority stake (see scope and data).
We also have a number of associated undertakings (affiliates) in which Vodafone’s stake in the business is less than 50%, and we work with the Vodafone partner networks in several markets. Partner networks are companies with whom we have contractual agreements to use our brand or services.
Vodafone has no direct control over the way affiliates and partner markets operate. However, we aim to work closely with them on CR issues by involving them in our CR strategy and issues identification, building capacity and sharing best practices.
We engage with affiliates and partner markets through:
- Global CR workshops – representatives from affiliates and partner markets are invited to these workshops where CR teams from across the Group meet to discuss strategy and specific CR issues (see global CR management).
- CR newsletter – affiliates and partner markets receive our monthly CR newsletter that keeps them informed on current issues, Vodafone guidance and examples of best practice.
- Joint projects – we work together on specific projects to share best practice and strengthen our own CR programmes. Examples include piloting our mobile payment mechanism M-PESA with our affiliate, Safaricom, in Kenya. We are working with Proximus, our partner network in Belgium, on logistics for handset recycling and exchanging best practices in network rollout.
Case study: CR at Vodacom
Vodacom, our affiliate in South Africa, has recently established a CR team to integrate CR and coordinate initiatives across Vodacom Group. The team is currently mapping Vodacom’s material issues to inform its CR strategy, and will communicate about these issues across Vodacom. The aim is to establish a CR coordinating committee, including senior executives from various divisions to integrate CR into the business. Vodacom attends our CR workshops and we exchange experiences, for example Vodacom uses our guidelines for reporting.
The Vodacom Wellness Programme includes free check-ups and counselling, as well as family planning, smoking cessation support, health education, vaccinations and vitamin injections for employees. Gyms are available onsite, and healthy low sugar and low cholesterol food is sold in the canteen. Vodacom covers all the costs of HIV treatment and counselling for employees, including anti-retroviral drugs, at a cost of R1.6 million (£96,000) a year.