PURPOSE
Our purpose is to connect everyone
We address Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics through our purpose strategy, with the goal of enabling an inclusive, sustainable and trusted digital society. We are evolving and embedding our purpose strategy across our business, with a focus on protecting the planet, empowering people and maintaining trust in a digital society.
Materiality assessment
We have been on a transformation journey in recent years to strengthen our approach to ESG, driving alignment with commercial strategies and developing strong governance at the most senior level. This approach is designed to support our future reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ('CSRD'), the European Directive which will require us to disclose the material environmental and societal impact of our business activities.
We have conducted an extensive and in-depth materiality assessment based on the requirements of CSRD in force as at the date of publishing our FY25 Annual Report. We are continuing to review our processes and intend to publish the results in our future reporting. The materiality assessment was conducted at Group level to align with the highest reporting entity, incorporating deep dives into our operating companies to ensure a comprehensive view across our Group. Multiple internal and external stakeholder groups were engaged for input which were scored using pre-defined criteria to determine the key material topics for Vodafone. The work completed to date has identified various material topics spanning ESG matters, which are summarised in 'Our material topics' table.
Accountability for each material topic is embedded throughout our business. Each material topic is sponsored by a member of the Executive Committee (‘ExCo’), who is ultimately accountable for its development; their responsibilities include overseeing the material topic’s progress and delivery against future commitments. The Board recieves regular updates on progress across our material topics through our ESG Governance structure.
Responsibility to develop and implement a strategy to manage each material topic is assigned to a senior leader within the ExCo sponsor’s business function. The senior leader works with relevant teams and subject matter experts on the material topic, cross-functionally if required, to deliver activities in line with the strategy agreed by ExCo. Delivery teams are supported by our reporting function, who take a compliance lens to their undertakings. An update on our programmes in each of these areas is available in our Annual Report.
Governance
ESG is integral to Vodafone’s operations, reinforced by our ESG governance framework. We continue to enhance this framework to drive the effective delivery of our ESG initiatives while meeting evolving regulatory and reporting requirements. Our ESG strategy is overseen by the Board ESG Committee, and implemented through the ESG and Reputation Committee (‘ESGR’). Actions and initiatives under our ESG strategy are assigned to individual senior managers within a range of relevant business functions across Vodafone’s global business, such as our networks and technology operations, commercial and enterprise business units, procurement, external affairs and property teams. Accountable delivery functions report quarterly to the ESGR, including escalating risks to the delivery of our strategy.
Our impact by country
We embed our ESG pillars and goals everywhere we operate around the world. Find out how Vodafone's local markets are working towards our goals by clicking on a country.
OUR IMPACT
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Advancing the SDGs through Digital Transformation
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action - but progress is at risk. Climate change, conflict, and economic disparity threaten to reverse gains. Digital connectivity and technology are powerful tools to bridge these gaps, creating opportunities for education, employment, and sustainable growth.
At Vodafone, we are committed to using our technology, services, and partnerships to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. From expanding mobile connectivity in underserved areas to pioneering digital financial services, we are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Partnering for scale and impact
Achieving the SDGs requires collaboration. Vodafone partners with governments, businesses, and NGOs to develop scalable, high-impact solutions. Initiatives like the UN International Telecommunications Union's Partner2Connect and our work with WWF to encourage a more circular economy for mobile devices highlight our commitment to sustainable innovation.
Vodafone is a founding member of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C), a multi-stakeholder alliance launched in September 2021. P2C aims to bridge the digital divide and accelerate progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering meaningful connectivity and digital transformation.
Vodafone has donated over 250,000 phones through its partnership with WWF, supporting the "We Need the Phones You Don’t" campaign. The initiative aims to reduce e-waste by collecting and refurbishing old phones, which are then given to people in need, particularly those without access to affordable smartphones. The program also helps support environmental sustainability by promoting the circular economy and addressing the challenges of the digital divide.
