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SCi has a strong commitment to its customers, shareholders, employees and, in a wider context, to local communities and the environment generally. The Board also recognises that in today's business world, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the maximisation of long-term shareholder value are not incompatible but increasingly inter-dependent. Accordingly, and in taking ultimate responsibility for enhancing its good corporate citizenship status with all stakeholders, the Board is committed to developing and implementing CSR policies and best conduct practices which are targeted at:
- complying with local laws and regulations;
- providing safe and healthy working conditions;
- promoting equality, fairness and ethical behaviour;
- maintaining corporate integrity and reputation;
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- caring for the environment and participating in the community;
The framework that embraces the commitments outlined above comprise the following key elements:
EMPLOYMENT POLICY AND EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
The Group's employees are integral to the success of the business and, as a result, the Group pursues employment practices which are designed to attract, retain and develop this talent to ensure the Group retains its strong market position with motivated and satisfied employees. The Board and senior managers take responsibility for employment matters and have established suitable policies and guidelines. Wherever possible, the Group seeks to benchmark itself against industry best practice.
It is the Group's policy to give all staff an opportunity to share in the future success of the business. Historically this has been achieved through the SCi Share Option Plan, which is due to expire in 2006. The Board is currently considering an appropriate structure for future equity incentive arrangements for the enlarged Group and will put forward proposals to shareholders in due course. Employees receive regular updates on corporate performance and developments through various formal and informal channels of communication, including the Group's website and internal intranet. The Group assists its employees in achieving an appropriate work/life balance, by measures including policies on parental, maternity and paternity leave and flexible working where appropriate. Workplace discrimination or harassment is not tolerated and the Group is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees.
DISABLED EMPLOYEES
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled every effort is made to ensure that their employment with the Group continues and that appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Group that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical with that of other employees.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Chief Executive is the director responsible to the Board for the health, safety and environmental performance of the Group.
Pursuant to the Group's Health and Safety policy statement, local management has been delegated responsibility for practical day-to-day compliance with relevant legislation at operating unit level. This includes the requirement for a local policy statement, the provision of appropriate related training as well as the communication to all employees of the need to create and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL
In appreciating the importance of good environmental practice, SCi seeks to ensure that its operations and products cause the minimum detrimental impact to the environment. The Group's objective is to comply with environmental legislation in all countries where it operates and to promote effective resource management, energy efficiency, waste minimisation and recycling initiatives throughout the business. The entertainment software sector is, however, traditionally of low environmental impact.
COMMUNITY
SCi aims to partner with local communities in which it operates by supporting local initiatives and charitable events. Consequently, each business unit is free to undertake community activities which are aligned with the needs of their local environment. SCi encourages its employees to participate as volunteers in such activities and supports these initiatives through cash donations and in giving free gifts, employee time and other contributions.
ETHICAL STANDARDS
SCi strives to observe high standards of moral, legal and ethical behaviour in all its business activities. The key message to all employees (and other interested parties) is that they must observe a code of conduct based on honesty, integrity and fair dealing at all times.
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