Shared responsibility for CSR
At Cadbury Schweppes we all take responsibility for realising the Company’s vision and strategy, but it begins at the top. Championing CSR requires leadership both internally within our own organisation and externally where our history and heritage, combined with our strong market position, means that we are well placed to offer that leadership.
Our Board Corporate and Social Responsibility Committee addresses all key aspects of CSR. It has been chaired since its inception by Baroness Wilcox, one of our non-executive directors.
CSR issues also regularly feature on the agenda of the Chief Executive’s Committee (CEC) and the Board. Senior steering and working groups oversee and review progress. At a Group level, these groups are:
- Food Issues Strategy Group and Food Issues Strategy into Action Group
- Environment Health & Safety Steering Group
- Human Rights & Ethical Trading Working Group
- Diversity & Inclusiveness Leadership Team
- The Cadbury Schweppes Foundation (which reviews corporate giving)
- Compliance Steering Group
CSR risks and opportunities are also taken into account through our Business Risk Review Process and through our annual Business Contract Process.
At Cadbury Schweppes it is the job of our management teams throughout our business to bring these commitments to CSR to life at local level and to embed them within the fabric and day-to-day operation of the business.
Making it real: Integrating CSR strategy in Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages
In May 2004, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages formed a CSR Council of senior leaders representing each of our five pillars of CSR and the different geographies and functions of the business. The aim of the Council is to align the regional approach with that of the overall Group and to embed CSR into the business, taking account of local market conditions.
Following a strategic review of existing CSR activities and consulting widely with colleagues, the Council set out a new approach for working with customers, suppliers, communities, colleagues, and the environment. The Council reports progress to its Regional Leadership Team on a quarterly basis.