Corporate responsibility issues

Reporting matters

O2 affects to a varying degree the social and physical environment in which it operates. Some of these effects are no different from any other business’s operations, whereas others are significant and can have major implications for society and the future of our business. The latter are accounted for as ‘material’ corporate responsibility matters.

We report on both highly visible industry issues and areas that we have a minor effect on. Our corporate responsibility reporting is guided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2002 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, for which a cross-reference table is included online. Significant social, environmental and ethical issues that are specific to O2 are covered in detail in this online report and in its printed counterpart. Order your copy here.

During 2004/05 we commissioned research to review media articles on O2, information gained directly from O2 employees, and information gained through external dialogue, opinion-leader and market-research reports. The research established a priority list of key issues that we needed to report against. These key issues are described in the printed version of this report as well as online – to reach as many readers as possible.

Our assurance providers have reviewed our approach to corporate responsibility to ensure that our conclusions are consistent with available evidence and that we are reporting on the most material issues.

The majority of our report is reviewed by our assurance providers Ernst & Young LLP. Community investment-related information has been reviewed and verified by The Corporate Citizenship Company.