In 2006 we initiated the process of developing a more structured approach, through the implementation of a group-wide CSR programme. A key achievement in 2007 has been the integration of CSR in our governance system, and the development of the operational capacity needed to implement CSR consistently across our major manufacturing sites. CSR is now addressed at key subsidiary level, with corporate support and reporting lines to the Board of Directors, where major policies are approved before implementation at the operational level.

Our CSR Core Committee (”the Committee”) oversees the development and implementation of CSR-related policies, programmes and activities. Its membership is drawn from senior management and our various operating subsidiaries, and is headed by a dedicated CSR Manager who reports directly to the Executive Vice Chairman, Mazen Darwazah. The Committee meets monthly and co-ordinates the management, implementation and dissemination of information to the subsidiary-based CSR champions for onward communication to our staff.

The formalisation of our approach to CSR has led to the development in 2007 of some of the first group-wide policies that will apply across all units. This process began in 2006, with implementation of a Code of Conduct, applicable to all employees, including Directors. In 2007, the Board approved additional Group-wide policies in areas such as Health & Safety and the Environment.

During 2007 we established an internal network of CSR Champions, starting with our main manufacturing facilities. This network is responsible for implementing CSR policies at a subsidiary level, as well as reporting to the Committee and CSR Manager. We now have CSR Champions in place at six sites– two in Jordan and one each in Portugal, Algeria, the US and Saudi Arabia. We are in the process of training and appointing a CSR Champion in Egypt and will be making appointments at our other newly acquired subsidiaries.

Our network of CSR Champions enables us to share the learning from our six priority sites, so we can improve the effectiveness of our CSR programmes across the Group. Two formal meetings of the CSR Champions were held in 2007 to ensure a consistent understanding of our approach and priorities, and to provide the information and resources they will need to achieve our goals. The first of these meetings was a training session held by our CSR Manager to provide an initial introduction to CSR. The second session was a facilitated workshop during which the CSR Champions reviewed activities to date, shared their experiences of implementing local CSR activities and developed future targets and work plans.

The company also has an Ethics Committee which aims to monitor the ethical integrity of the Group across all areas of our business, and is responsible for the review and approval of statements and policies on ethics, conduct, values and principles within the Group. This committee is chaired by Michael Ashton, an independent non-executive director.