Policies and Management Systems – Business Integrity and Ethics
A reputation for integrity has been a cornerstone of Johnson Matthey’s business since Percival Norton Johnson founded it in 1817. The company strives to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct and corporate responsibility worldwide through the application of the principles within its Business Integrity and Ethics Policy.
Read our Business Integrity and Ethics Policy
International Business and Human Rights
Most Johnson Matthey operations are conducted in developed nations, but a small number of ‘at risk’ countries have emerged as significant growth opportunities for our business in recent years. While the protection of human rights and enhancement of labour conditions are largely the responsibility of governments and international bodies, we recognise our responsibility to conduct our business so as to protect the rights of individuals.
We support the principles defined within the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organisation Core Conventions, including the conventions in relation to child labour, forced labour, non-discrimination, freedom of association and collective bargaining. Compliance with and respect for these core principles are integrated within the risk assessment procedures and impact assessments which are undertaken when entering into business in a new territory and within the due diligence processes when making an acquisition or entering a joint venture.
While we are confident of the performance of our own operations, we recognise that business practices in the supply chain are not always transparent and represent a risk that must be managed. Every effort is made to ensure the issues are managed effectively.
Management of the supply chain and contractor activities is a core component of the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series of standards. Supply chain and contractor management questionnaires are a requirement of achieving and maintaining registration and as such, ISO registered Johnson Matthey sites require the completion of appropriate questionnaires. For those sites without ISO registration, the group EHS management system provides policy and guidance on both supply chain management and contractor control.
Ethical Management
The Johnson Matthey ethical policy is integrated into the Group Control Manual and is available to employees at all sites. Measures are in place to identify and prevent fraud or money laundering through activities undertaken by Johnson Matthey or on behalf of customers.
Johnson Matthey facilities have established policies and procedures through which employees can raise employment related issues for consideration and resolution. In the US a confidential and secure website and telephone helpline was established in 2006 to give employees an additional means to raise any issue of personal concern. These confidential reporting arrangements have been extended to all Johnson Matthey employees worldwide during 2007.
The group control self assessment process assesses the implementation of the ethical policy. Implementation is also assessed as part of the internal audit programme.
