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The John Keel’s Holdings Sustainability report provides an account of our performance on the most critical issues determined on the basis of materiality. Stakeholders who would use this report include our investors, employees, customers, government, legal and regulatory bodies, and society at large. ” REPORT PROFILE The john Keel’s Holdings sustainability report provides information on the Group’s sustainability performance for the period beginning 1st April 2010 and ending 31 March 201 1.
Our most recent Sustainability Report was published on 31st May 201 0, incidentally becoming Sir Land’s first to achieve a “GRID check” by the Global Reporting Initiative Organization. This Yeats report is the third annual stand alone report on the sustainable performance of the John Keels Group. As in previous years, we have engaged Diet Norse Verities AS (DON) for verification and assurance of this report.
A systematic stakeholder engagement process enabled us to select our most significant stakeholder groups and priorities the issues of most concern to these groups. We have determined the relative materiality of these issues of concern by utilizing a function of materiality that balances stakeholder interests and other external factors, with organizational strategies and objectives. The process of determining materiality is fully described in the section of this report titled “Stakeholder Engagement”.
The John Keels Holdings Sustainability report provides an account of our at large. The boundary of this report extends to 76 companies that come under the sphere of influence of the John Keels Group. They are chosen on the basis that they are legal entities for which the group remains accountable for, and over which the group exercises direct control. With last year’s report covering 73 companies, a year on year comparison Of performance is possible subject to the explanations provided in respect of the mergers, divestment and acquisitions that have occurred during the year.
The data measurement techniques and the bases of calculations including assumptions and techniques underlying estimations applied in the compilation of the indicators and other information in the report are in accordance with standard industry practices, established rules and the indicator protocols provided under the GRID(GO) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Where applicable, justification for any deviations in any particular case is clearly stated in the report.
In terms of restatements, in comparison to the previous year 2009/2010, previous year’s and phrases have been re-arranged, wherever necessary, to conform to the current yes’s presentation; namely in the Economic value statement for 2009/2010 carried as Annex 1 on pages 86 and 87 for the John Keels Holdings PL Sustainability Report 2009/2010. 28 John Keels Holdings PL – Sustainability Report 2010/1 1 PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE ADDRESSED we are influenced by the reactionary principle in our decision making with regard to mitigating the effects of pollution, environmental degradation and global warming.
The precautionary approach is acknowledged in the success of our initiatives to reduce our energy consumption and emissions. We strive to incorporate the precautionary principle through our risk management processes and internal control systems. Triple Bottom Line principles and initiatives endorsed by the Group The Group sustainability policy endorses the triple bottom line principles, which are incorporated in our practices and performance as a sustainable organization.
We are also a participant in the ICING Initiative and support Sir Land’s efforts to achieve of the Millennium Development Goals. Several of our employee policies and practices are modeled on the standards of the International Labor Organization and our group advertising policy follows the principles laid down by the ICC Code of Advertising and Marketing Communication Practice. A number of companies in our leisure sector have obtained ISO 14001, SHOOS 18001 and ISO 22000 certification, while several other companies in the Group are ISO certified in their respective categories.
We also follow the GRID framework to report on our sustainability performance. From a corporate governance perspective, we ensure that we meet our regulatory requirements and are compliant with external rules and codes that include the listing rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange, the recommendations of the Combined Code (to the extent practicable in the context of our diverse businesses and business unit risk profiles) and all provisions of the Code of Governance of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of sin Lankan.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AT THE JOHN KEELS GROUP Conducting operations in seven industry sectors in different geographical markets necessitates developing and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholder groups both internal and external to the organization. Our engagement with stakeholders encompasses a range of activities and interactions that include communication, consultations and information disclosures.
Through stakeholder engagement, we are able to identify our most significant stakeholder groups and their specific interests, and determine the issues that are most material to our group from an economic, environmental and social sustainability perspective. By integrating he outcomes of stakeholder engagement with the group’s well established risk management processes we are able to assess and add Reese potential risks and align the management of sustainable issues with our business processes and strategies.
Our formal and informal mechanisms of interaction with stakeholders provide opportunity to forge relationships, build mutual trust and understanding, and provide accountability to people and institutions that are affected by or impact our operations. Our most common methods of stakeholder engagement include formal and informal consultations, articulation, negotiations, communication, mandatory and voluntary disclosures, certification, and accreditation.
Stakeholders are persons or groups that have an interest in the organization, the ability to influence its outcomes or be substantially impacted by the operations of the organization. They may also have a substantial impact on the organization. Our stakeholders are customers, employees, surrounding communities, investors, government, legal and regulatory bodies, business partners or principals, society, pressure groups and media, and industry peers or imitators. Customers Engaging with customers is an opportunity to broaden our understanding of our customers’ needs and expectations.
By evaluating ourselves from a customer perspective, we are able to continually improve our goods and services, and meet if not exceed our customers’ expectations. Employees Each employee of the John Keels Group contributes uniquely towards the achievement of the group’s strategic objectives. Our engagement with our employees has helped maintain a work environment characterized by high performance standards, professional development opportunities and rewards, and an organizational culture shaped by respect, honesty and fairness.
Community around us Doing the right thing always and building strong relationships based on openness and trust are corporate values that are embedded in our business strategies. Our responsibility towards the people and communities that exist side by side with our businesses extends beyond strict compliance with the laws and regulations that govern operations. By monitoring and managing our impacts on surrounding communities, we are able to mitigate the negative effects of our operations while maximizing positive impacts.
The John Keels Foundation, our corporate social responsibility arm further strengthens our community commitment by managing and implementing our social and philanthropic programmers to the benefit of surrounding communities. Investors Our investors’ expectations extend beyond an adequate return on investment. Investors expect sustainable growth, transparency, accountability and the highest standards of corporate governance. Through statutory reporting periodic disclosures, and regular contact with investors we provide timely and accurate information that assists investors in their decision making.
Government As the country leading conglomerate with operations in seven industry sectors, we are conscious of our leadership role in reviving the economy in Sir Land’s post war era. As a corporate partner committed towards the economic development of our country, communication and engagement with the Government is viewed as an opportunity to comment on government policies and deepen our own understanding of the economic and development strategies of the government.
Our participation in policy consultations with the government helps shape economic policies that are beneficial to private sector development. Legal and Regulatory bodies While ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, we also actively engage with legal and regulatory bodies to improve understanding of complex argue lotions and minimize the risk of non-compliance and potential litigation. Business partners / Principals Building strong relationships based on fairness and mutual trust with our business partners and principals is crucial to our success.
By engaging with our partners and principals, we are not only able 29 to guarantee continuous and stable sources of supply but also communicate our ethical and legal requirements and expectations with regard to sustainable policies and practices throughout the supply chain. Society/ Pressure Groups/Media Engaging with societal groups, civil society organizations, opinion leaders and the media helps us understand a wide range of societal interests and concerns that arise as a result of our operations.
Our engagement with these groups is particularly useful in building relationships with the less visible sections of society that may still be impacted by our businesses. The information gleaned from our interactions with these groups, helps us to assess and manage our impacts in a responsible and transparent manner. Industry peers/Competitors By interacting with mind gusty peers and competitors at various forums and through chambers of commerce, we are able to better understand, evaluate and respond to opportunities and challenges that arise in a constantly changing and competitive environment.
Stakeholder Customers Stakeholder sub-category Individual and Corporate (BIB) Current Level of Engagement and Frequency Current level of engagement: Personal meetings, discussion forums, surveys, field visits, conference calls, progress reviews, information dissemination through printed reports, telephone, SMS and corporate websites, workshops, business development activities, road shows and trade fairs.
Frequency of engagement: ; Quarterly through Customer Satisfaction Surveys, ; On-going basis through information dissemination through printed reports, telephone, SMS and corporate website ; Bi-Annually through personal meetings Annually through road shows and trade fairs ; Current level of engagement: Direct reporting, intranet communication, employee satisfaction surveys, collective bargaining, open door policy at all management levels, annual events, professional training and development activities, team building activities.
Frequency of engagement: ; Intranet communications through J Connect & My Portal on a daily basis ; Employee Satisfactions survey such as G? TV’/ (Great Places to Work) conducted annually ; Professional training, development activities and team building through internal as well as external sources conducted quarterly Current level of engagement: Corporate Social Responsibility programmers and activities, community educational and information dissemination programmers, one-to-one meetings, workshops, forums. Frequency of engagement: Engagement with the community is carried out ROR to entry into the community area.
After which engagement is carried out on a monthly basis while operating. Community engagement is also carried out on exit. Current level of engagement: Periodic disclosures through annual reviews and quarterly reports, one-to-one meetings, investor road shows, phone calls and corporate websites. Frequency of engagement: Engagement with the investors is carried out as follows, ; Periodic disclosures are carried out annually, ; Quarterly reports are carried out on a quarterly basis, ; Investor road shows are carried out prior to every undertaken PIP launch ;
On-going through phone calls and websites Current level of engagement: Meetings, discussions, phone calls, newsletters and circulars, presentations and briefings, advisory meetings, membership on national committees, lobbying activities via chambers of commerce. Frequency of engagement: Engagement with the Government is carried out on an on-going basis through newsletters and circulars. The Senior Management are members of Bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce who meet on a monthly basis. Employees Executives, Nonconsecutive, Directors Community around us Neighbors, Local Communities, Community Leaders
Investors Shareholders, Institutional Investors, Fund Managers and Analysts, Institutions, Multilateral Finance Agencies Government Enid nag Government of Sir Lankan, Government Departments and Institutions 30 Stakeholder Legal & Regulatory Bodies Stakeholder sub-category Local Authorities, Municipal Councils, Bribery Commission, Consumer Affairs Authority, Inland Revenue, Customs Department, Securities and Exchange Commission, Colombo Stock Exchange, Tourist Board Business Partners, Joint Venture Partners, Principals Regular meetings, periodic disclosures, correspondence, representation wrought chambers of commerce and trade associations.
Frequency of engagement: Engagement with the Legal & Regulatory Bodies is carried out on an on-going basis as the Senior Management are members of Regulatory Bodies such as the Tourist Board and Colombo Stock Exchange who meet on a monthly basis. Business Partners / Principals Current level of engagement: Regular meetings, distributor conferences, correspondence, monthly market reports, conference calls and e-mails, circulars, membership in industry associations.
Frequency of engagement: Engagement with the Business Partners / Principals is carried on, ; Monthly axis through monthly market reports, ; Annually though distributor conferences, ; On-going through conference calls, e-mails and circulars Current level Of engagement: Correspondence, website, press releases, media briefings, discussions, participation at NAG forums, media coverage, certification and accreditation.
Frequency of engagement: Engagement with the Society / Pressure Groups / Media is carried out on an on-going basis through website, press releases and media briefings. Current level of engagement: Communication through membership of chambers of commerce and trade associations, conferences, discussion forums. Frequency of engagement: Engagement with the Industry Peers ‘Competitors is carried out on a monthly basis as the Senior Management who are members of the Chamber of Commerce attends the monthly meetings.
Through stakeholder engagement and analysis, we have been able to determine our most significant stakeholders, understand our economic, environmental and social impacts and stakeholder influences on our organization, and develop responses to issues that are material to our businesses from a sustainability perspective. 31 In 2009, we undertook an internal stakeholder analysis. We required all operational business units to identify their key stakeholders by proportioning the issues relevant to each stakeholder group on the basis of materiality.
Following the guidelines articulated in the AAA 1 000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard, we determined the materiality of issues on the basis of impact on short term financial performance and legal compliance, links to corporate policies and commitments, stakeholder concerns, and relevance to best practices and norms established by peers and society. For procrastination purposes, the Issues identified through this process were ranked according to impact and probability of occurrence. The exercise enabled business units to determine material issues critical to their businesses and analyses these issues from a triple bottom line perspective.
The process also required business units to document their current level of engagement with key stakeholders, establish risk control or mitigation strategies and plan for future engagement. We also engaged independent consultants to determine and priorities stakeholder groups for each business unit through an extensive consultation process. The independent consultants also conducted an external stakeholder analysis to identify and priorities the issues and encores articulated by stakeholders on the basis of materiality.
The outcomes of both these processes were aligned to sustainability by linking the most material issues and stakeholder groups to the sustainability performance indicators established under the Global Reporting Initiative framework.