Our Stakeholders
Stakeholder Identification
Key stakeholders are generally identified as people who are adversely or positively impacted by our operations, those who have an interest in what we do, or those who have an influence on what we do.
All sites are required to identify their key stakeholders and consider their expectations and concerns for all operational activities, across the life cycle of operations. Sites are also required to specifically consider any minority groups (such as Indigenous groups) and any social and cultural factors that may be critical to stakeholder engagement.
A regular review process is also a central requirement of stakeholder identification, to ensure that all appropriate groups and individuals are effectively identified and suitably engaged.
Stakeholder Engagement
We engage regularly with employees and contractors, local and Indigenous communities, shareholders and customers. As members of our workforce, our communities, supporters of our business and users of our products, we recognise that these stakeholders are core to our business.
We also recognise those who are important influencers of our business. These include the investment community, business partners, community organisations, unions, non-government organisations, suppliers, governments, media and industry associations.
Where stakeholder queries relate to a particular operation – for example, potential impact on the local community, employees and contractors, or local suppliers – engagement is facilitated by the relevant operation.
Where stakeholder queries relate to the broader sustainability challenges of BHP Billiton - for example, our ability to demonstrate progress against our public commitments to environmental and social performance - engagement is facilitated by the Corporate function.
See our list of stakeholders and how we engage with them.
Trust and Transparency
Every day we interact with numerous people from varied backgrounds. We are committed to maintaining and promoting dialogue with our stakeholders and remaining responsive to the global community's concerns and aspirations.
We recognise the importance of trust to relationship building. Being accountable is paramount, as is transparency in our public reporting. Our Charter, Sustainable Development Policy, HSEC Management Standards and Guide to Business Conduct all promote a commitment to acting with honesty, integrity and fairness in all our activities. We constantly aim for a greater level of engagement and interaction with stakeholders, particularly with the communities in which we operate.
Our Approach to Dialogue
Our approach to stakeholder engagement is directed by the requirements of our HSEC Management Standard 7, with the intent being 'Effective, transparent and open communication and consultation is maintained with stakeholders associated with Company activities. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in and contribute to sustainable development through HSEC performance improvement initiatives.'
Benefits of Dialogue
The information we receive from stakeholders helps refine the management of our activities and mitigate their potential impacts, in line with the goals set out in our Charter. Lessons from individual relationships are also shared with others, in effect strengthening our relationship with all stakeholders.
Stakeholder Grievances and Concerns
Mechanisms to address grievances and concerns have also been established. Operating sites are required to maintain a register of concerns, complaints and relevant external communications. Concerns and complaints are to be investigated as official incidents, using our standard investigation processes, and outcomes and actions are reported back to relevant stakeholders. The confidential Business Conduct Helpline and email address provide a further means for raising issues of actual or potential concern, such as harassment, conflict of interest, fraud or bribery.