Our Standards of Ethical Business Conduct provide a common set of practical guidelines to help ensure that our behaviours are lawful, comply with our policies and licences and follow the values set out in our Framework and our core values.

In 2008/09, there were 11.3 substantiated breaches per 1,000 employees compared with 11.6 in 2007/08 and 8.0 in 2006/07. Offences include such things as fraud, internet and email abuse, drugs and alcohol abuse and misuse of company vehicles and other assets.

We take all breaches very seriously and disciplinary action can range from a verbal warning to dismissal.

In our 2009 employee survey, 66% (2008: 61%) of respondents considered something would be done if they reported an inappropriate business practice or an ethical issue.