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Global minimum standards
Novozymes' business units undertake annual self-assessments to document compliance with a number of social minimum standards based on international conventions on human rights and labour standards. The self-assessments cover freedom of association, non-discrimination, working hours, salary and benefits, disciplinary measures, child labour and forced labour. They are undertaken using web-based tools and include an account of relevant management systems. In 2006 self-assessments made it possible to improve actions at local level by identifying good practice in a number of areas and sharing experience among business units.
Local strategies for social responsibility
As well as ensuring compliance with global minimum standards, Novozymes' largest business units have again developed local social responsibility strategies in 2006. These strategies are by their nature very different, as conditions and culture vary across the countries where Novozymes is doing business.
Social audits
Audits of business units' compliance with internationally recognised human rights and labour standards became an integrated part of the internal auditing programme in 2006. This means that, as part of the audit planning, Novozymes’ internal audit panel now selects business units which will also be audited with regard to their compliance with human rights and labour standards. The audit panel has been trained in the special challenges involved in performing these audits.
See Financial, environmental and social discussion.
Improved occupational health and safety
The tendency towards a lower frequency of occupational accidents continued in 2006.
See Financial, environmental and social discussion.
See also Report of the Board of directors.
See also Environmental, social and knowledge data.
Focus on diversity
Diversity and equal opportunities were a special focus area for Novozymes in 2006. A number of activities took place throughout the year, for example seminars and courses for various groups of managers. Tools were also developed, as well as communication with employees on the opportunities for working with diversity as a business asset.
See Financial, environmental and social discussion.
See also Environmental, social and knowledge data.
Evaluation of suppliers
Again in 2006 80% of suppliers of raw materials for enzyme production (measured in purchasing value) carried out self-assessments to document compliance with a number of social minimum standards based on international conventions. These are the same minimum standards which form the basis for internal self-assessment at Novozymes' business units (see Global minimum standards).
See also Report of the Board of directors.
See also Risk factors.
See also Responsible purchasing under Sustainability themes at www.novozymes.com. |
