Unilever policies

The implementation of and compliance with our governance structure is facilitated through a business-orientated policy framework. Unilever policies are universally applicable within the Unilever Group. They are mandatory and have been developed to ensure consistency in key areas within our worldwide operations. They cover operational and functional matters, and govern how we run our business, in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Unilever policies include: the Code of Business Principles, the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, the Compliance Manual for Listing Rules and Disclosure and Transparency Rules (including the Unilever Share Dealing Code), the Risk Management Policy, the Corporate Pensions Policy and the Accounting and Reporting Policy.

The Code of Business Principles is Unilever’s statement of values and represents the standard of conduct we require from all of our employees. Our Code of Ethics applies to the senior executive, financial and accounting officers and comprises the standards prescribed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Code of Business Principles Hotline is a confidential way for employees to submit concerns regarding accounting and auditing issues anonymously and handles all alleged violations of the Code of Business Principles. Copies of the Code of Business Principles, the Code of Ethics and the Share Dealing Code are posted on our website at www.unilever.com/investorcentre/corpgovernance

Unilever aims to share these standards and values with its suppliers and contractors through its Business Partner Code which, in turn, is based on its Code of Business Principles. It sets out standards on ten key points of business integrity, labour standards, consumer safety and the environment.

Read the rest of the Corporate governance section - Developments in corporate governance