Stakeholder engagement
In a dynamic and complex operating environment, proactive and measurable stakeholder engagement is fundamental to our ability to create value.
We are aware that our corporate reputation is based on the extent to which we meet the legitimate interests and expectations of stakeholders. We appreciate the benefits derived from stakeholder dialogue and endeavour to maintain active and productive relationships, identifying and addressing relevant issues on an ongoing basis. This transparent approach allows us to mitigate risks, identify new business opportunities, deliver on our commitment to the communities in which we operate and maintain our integrity as a responsible corporate citizen that does not profit at the expense of the environments in which we operate.
As a response to changing circumstances, our stakeholder identification model was broadened during the year to include local and international NGOs and environment, social and governance ratings agencies in order to highlight consistency between Illovo’s Code of Conduct and Business Ethics which drive our own and the group’s vast array of supply chain integrity practices, and key aspects of the UN Global Compact. We also conducted an externally-managed communications perceptions audit among key internal and external stakeholders, including Illovo management, outgrowers, customers, suppliers, NGOs, unions, government agencies, community members and others. The results of the audit are being utilised to refresh the group’s communications strategies and management, with a view to enhancing our communication of the positive socio-economic benefits which we bring to communities across our countries of operation and thereby, to develop and improve existing stakeholder relationships.
The board retains oversight of stakeholder management, while implementation and monitoring of stakeholder engagement is undertaken at both group and country levels.
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