We use CR to manage issues such as measuring and improving performance on environmental impacts, health and safety and employee and community engagement.

The Group Chief Executive chairs the Corporate and Social Responsibility Committee which also includes an independent non-executive Director, the Group Legal Counsel and up to three senior executives from within the Group.

An audit of Group-wide activity in 2009 helped to benchmark existing activity and will be used to inform future actions.

Although we have not historically measured our performance against non-financial targets or indicators, this is something that will be implemented during 2010 as explained in Measuring our performance.

In 2009, the Group became a member of the Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC). Membership mandates the adoption of EICC’s code of conduct, which, in 2010 and beyond, will be embedded throughout our operating companies. This year also saw the Group become a member of Business in the Community.

Approximately half of the Group’s operating companies have ISO9001 accreditation, with around 40 per cent holding ISO14001 accreditation. All operating companies are encouraged to gain accreditation to adopt these standards as a baseline for non-financial management.

People and culture

A talented, engaged workforce is central to our ability to deliver world-class products. We focus on making TT electronics a place where people feel supported, can develop their skills and have a clear understanding of the Group’s business objectives.

In 2009, we launched a set of Group values, which seek to define what the organisation stands for and to bring employees together under a clear common purpose. The values focus on themes such as integrity, excellence, innovation and teamwork. However, they also acknowledge our commitment to delivering customer value through the retention and development of high quality people.

Health and safety

Providing a workplace where our employees feel safe is not only a legal obligation, but a fundamental factor in building their engagement with the Group. We aim to reduce the frequency of accidents through management intervention, awareness campaigns and a culture that encourages employees to raise concerns about workplace safety.

Low-carbon technology

Our expertise in technological innovation ensures that we are well positioned to support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Work to date has seen several businesses within the Group deliver solutions to increase energy efficiency or renewable energy production. For example, in 2009 we established a team to look at opportunities in electric and hybrid vehicles and we are already working with customers to increase the efficiency of the systems we design and build for them.

Environment

Above and beyond the commitment to ISO14001 already described, we are focused on efficiency and waste reduction together with reducing the use of potentially dangerous, volatile or environmentally damaging chemicals.

Community engagement

In 2009, the Group contributed £53,000 to charitable causes in addition to giving-in-kind through employee time.

We are immensely proud of the causes our employees support. During the year, these included blood donation services, substance abuse centres, medical research charities and children’s charities. This work helps us to attract and retain talent, by engaging existing employees and building a local reputation as an employer of choice. In 2010, a more robust structure will be implemented around community engagement to ensure that it meets the needs of our business and continues to inspire our people.