Unilever 2002 Annual Report Download - page 10

Unilever Annual Report & Accounts and Form 20-F 2002
Report of the Directors
Our code of business principles 7
Chairmen’s introduction
Unilever has earned a reputation for conducting its business
with integrity and with respect for the interests of those our
activities can affect. This reputation is an asset, just as real
as our people and brands.
Our first priority is to be a successful business and that
means investing for growth and balancing short-term and
long-term interests. It also means caring about our
consumers, employees and shareholders, our business
partners and the world in which we live.
To succeed requires the highest standards of behaviour from
all of us. The general principles contained in this Code set out
those standards. More detailed guidance tailored to the needs
of different countries and companies will build on these
principles as appropriate, but will not include any standards
less rigorous than those contained in this Code.
We want this Code to be more than a collection of high-
sounding statements. It must have practical value in our
day-to-day business and each one of us must follow these
principles in the spirit as well as the letter.
Antony Burgmans Niall FitzGerald
In this Code the expressions ’Unilever’ and ‘Unilever
companies’ are used for convenience and mean the
Unilever Group of companies comprising Unilever N.V.,
Unilever PLC and their respective subsidiary companies.
The Board of Unilever means the Directors of Unilever N.V.
and Unilever PLC.
Standard of conduct
We conduct our operations with honesty, integrity and
openness, and with respect for the human rights and interests
of our employees. We shall similarly respect the legitimate
interests of those with whom we have relationships.
Obeying the law
Unilever companies and our employees are required to
comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in
which we operate.
Employees
Unilever is committed to diversity in a working environment
where there is mutual trust and respect and where everyone
feels responsible for the performance and reputation of
our company.
We will recruit, employ and promote employees on the sole
basis of the qualifications and abilities needed for the work
to be performed. We are committed to safe and healthy
working conditions for all employees. We will not use
any form of forced, compulsory or child labour. We are
committed to working with employees to develop and
enhance each individual’s skills and capabilities. We respect
the dignity of the individual and the right of employees
to freedom of association. We will maintain good
communications with employees through company-based
information and consultation procedures.
Consumers
Unilever is committed to providing branded products and
services which consistently offer value in terms of price and
quality, and which are safe for their intended use. Products
and services will be accurately and properly labelled,
advertised and communicated.
Shareholders
Unilever will conduct its operations in accordance with
internationally accepted principles of good corporate
governance. We will provide timely, regular and reliable
information on our activities, structure, financial situation
and performance to all shareholders.
Business partners
Unilever is committed to establishing mutually beneficial
relations with our suppliers, customers and business partners.
In our business dealings we expect our partners to adhere
to business principles consistent with our own.