People
We expect companies to respect human and children's rights, and to be aware of how they manage human capital. We also expect companies to understand and address relevant consumer-related risks.
We expect companies to
- comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- have policies to ensure respect for human and children's rights
- understand the social consequences of their operations and have clear responsibilities for this work
- engage in meaningful consultation with potentially affected groups and other relevant stakeholders
- integrate relevant actions into corporate strategy, risk management and investment plans
- be aware of how they can best manage their human resources
- understand and address relevant consumer-related risks
- report on the above
Human rights
All companies have a responsibility to respect human rights. Companies’ operations have impacts on their employees, contract workers, workers in their supply chains, customers, local communities and the environment, as well as end-users of their products or services. Some business models may entail an increased risk of negative impacts on human rights. We expect companies to respect human rights and integrate relevant actions into their corporate strategy, risk management and reporting.
All companies have a responsibility to respect human rights.
Children's rights
All companies have a responsibility to respect children’s rights. Companies can have impacts on children’s rights through their own operations, supply chains and other business relationships, through their interaction with the communities where they operate, and through the marketing and use of their products or services.
Child labour is one example of how companies can violate children's rights. Other areas where companies may have negative impacts on children’s rights include abuse, education, decent work/earnings opportunities for parents, health care, clean water, nutrition, the right not to be estranged from family, product safety and marketing to children.
Human capital management
Strategic management of human capital – human resources – is increasingly important for companies’ value creation and profitability. We expect companies to pursue business opportunities and address risks relating to human capital management in both their own operations and their value chains.
The way companies manage their human capital has implications for the fund’s long-term return. Companies that manage their human capital well, and make good use of their employees’ knowledge, talents and experience, may experience increased productivity and innovation.
Strategic management of human capital – human resources – is increasingly important for companies’ value creation and profitability.
Consumer interests
We expect companies to understand and address relevant consumer-related risks, to integrate consumer interest considerations into their corporate governance and strategies, and to be transparent about their approach to these issues.
