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ethical policy
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Our Ethical Policy
This is the Ethical Policy of The Co-operative Bank and smile.co.uk. It is based on extensive consultation
with our customers and reflects their ethical concerns about how their money should and should not be
invested. It also informs our choice of partners and suppliers.
Human Rights
Through our investments, we seek to support the principles of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In line with this, we will not invest in:
- any government or business which fails to uphold basic human
rights within its sphere of influence
- any business whose links to an oppressive regime are a continuing
cause for concern.
The Arms Trade
We will not invest in any business involved in:
- the manufacture or transfer of armaments to oppressive regimes
- the manufacture of torture equipment or other equipment that is
used in the violation of human rights.
Corporate Responsibility and Global Trade
We advocate support for the Fundamental International Labour
Organisation Conventions. In line with these, we will seek to
support businesses which take a responsible position with regard to:
- fair trade
- labour rights in their own operations and through their supply
chains in developing countries.
We will not support:
- irresponsible marketing practices in developing countries
- tobacco product manufacture
- currency speculation.
Genetic Modification
We will not invest in businesses involved in the development of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs), where, in particular, the
following issues are evident:
- uncontrolled release of GMOs into the environment
- any negative impacts on developing countries;
in particular, the imposition of 'Terminator' technologies
- patenting; in particular, of indigenous knowledge
- cloning; in particular, of animals for non-medical purposes.
Social Enterprise
We will seek to support charities and the broad range of
organisations involved in the Social Enterprise sector, including:
- co-operatives
- credit unions
- community finance initiatives.
Ecological Impact
In line with the principles of our Ecological Mission Statement, we will
not invest in any business whose core activity contributes to:
- global climate change, through the extraction or production of
fossil fuels
- the manufacture of chemicals which are persistent in the
environment and linked to long term health concerns
- the unsustainable harvest of natural resources, including timber
and fish.
Furthermore, we will seek to support businesses involved in:
- recycling and sustainable waste management
- renewable energy and energy efficiency
- sustainable natural products and services, including timber and
organic produce
- the pursuit of ecological sustainability.
Animal Welfare
We will not invest in any business involved in:
- animal testing of cosmetic or household products or ingredients
- intensive farming methods, for example, caged egg production
- blood sports, which involve the use of animals or birds to catch,
fight or kill each other
- the fur trade.
Furthermore, we will seek to support businesses involved in:
- the development of alternatives to animal experimentation
- farming methods which promote animal welfare, for example,
free range farming.
Customer Consultation
- We will regularly reappraise customers' views on these and
other issues and develop our Ethical Policy accordingly.
- From time to time, we will seek to represent our customers'
views on the issues contained within our Ethical Policy and other
ethical issues, through, for example, our campaigning activities.
- On occasion, we will make decisions on specific business,
involving ethical issues not included in our Ethical Policy.
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For further information on our Ethical Policy visit the bank's website:
www.co-operativebank.co.uk/ethics
To follow any of the links mentioned within the Partnership Report 2001,
please visit the links page. |
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