Engaging stakeholders
We continue to improve our communication and engagement with key stakeholder groups to ensure that our strategy is aligned to their needs and that, as our CSR programmes develop, we seek input and advice from those around us
Customers
Why we engage
The very nature of our work for customers requires us to understand their business issues and risks and provide an appropriate solution.
Customer engagement also helps us to improve customer service and to develop new services to help customers achieve their own goals.
Examples of how we engage
We constantly seek customer feedback through account management, operational reviews and customer surveys.
Employees and their representatives
Why we engage
As a service business, our organisation is judged on its service delivery and the difference we can make to our customers – it is essential that employees understand their role in service delivery, are trained well, rewarded appropriately, have the right tools for the job and are motivated to deliver a quality service to our customers.
A significant proportion of our employees are represented by a union or collective bargaining method of some kind. We work with unions, union federations and other employee representatives to improve standards for employees and to make sure any issues are dealt with appropriately and consistently.
Examples of how we engage
In 2011, we conducted our second global employee survey, receiving responses from 245,000 employees in over 160 businesses. G4S conducts a global management survey which captures the views of senior management from countries across the world on key business, employment and strategic issues.
In 2008 we established a partnership with UNI, a global union federation – we entered into a global agreement called the Ethical Employment Partnership (EEP). This agreement provides a framework for business and unions to engage locally for the purposes of union recognition and collective bargaining.
We also have constructive relationships with works councils, unions and other employee representatives across the world.
Investors
Why we engage
Attracting appropriate investment in the group enables the group to develop its business and to continue to invest in its growth strategies.
Ensuring that our strategies and practices are aligned to investor needs and principles is a core element of developing investor confidence and ensuring that the group continues to attract the investment it requires.
Examples of how we engage
We have strong relationships with the general investor community and investment analysts.
We also host investor meetings aimed specifically at SRI investors and ethical investment advisors. We respond to ad hoc requests or information throughout the year and also proactively seek advice and reaction from SRI experts on specific CSR‑related issues as they arise.
Industry bodies
Why we engage
As an international leader in our sector we willingly take on responsibility for establishing strong benchmarks wherever we operate, and play a pivotal role in raising standards in the wider industry and society as a whole.
Examples of how we engage
Since 2010, G4S has been directly involved in the development and launch of a new International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers, which sets out principles for security operations in so‑called “complex environments.”
Many G4S managers and employees play an active role in industry bodies and associations across the world.
Government and legislators
Why we engage
In addition to creating and implementing legislation, governments are also some of the group’s largest customers.
The group supports regulation which is designed to improve standards and proactively encourages it where possible. It is important to ensure that legislative developments do not create unfair competitive environments or unnecessary burdens on business activities
Examples of how we engage
As a leading global business, G4S participates in consultations regarding industry specific issues and broader legislative programmes such as the impact of the UK Bribery Act.
Experts
Why we engage
Experts on specific topics help the group to ensure that policies and practices are aligned with best practice.
Examples of how we engage with stakeholders
G4S has engaged with and sought the expertise of recognised sustainability and environmental specialists, including Greenstone Carbon Management and Radley Yeldar to assist in the development of a robust environmental strategy and carbon measurement process.
Since 2011, G4S has engaged with Dr Hugo Slim of the Oxford institute for ethics, law and armed conflict, to conduct a human rights review - mapping out the human rights landscape analysing the G4S operations to determine human rights risk and assisting in the development of a human rights policy and guidance framework for the group.