Here we outline some of the ways we are actively engaging and involving our key stakeholders in shaping our vision and programmes for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Our views A - Z
As a Partnership, where employees are Partners or co-owners of the business, we can be ambitious in our policies, the way we work and the way we do business. We value the trust our customers have placed in us over the years as a result of taking a stand on issues that matter, and we are proud to be recognised today as leaders in corporate social responsibility (CSR). As a responsible retailer, it is important to communicate clearly what these issues are, how they impact our business, and the position we take.
A
Accessibility
Additives
Age-related sales
Animal derivatives
Animal fur
Animal testing
Animal welfare
B
C
Carrier bags
Charitable giving donation policy
Chemicals of concern
Child labour
Climate change
Community investment
Conflict diamonds
D
Donation policy, see Charitable giving
Diamond sourcing, see Conflict diamonds
Accessibility
The John Lewis Partnership welcomes all customers: we are committed to ensuring that everyone can access our products and services. We treat our customers as individuals, responding to their particular needs. Shopping can be difficult for disabled customers if their needs aren't catered for: we aim to make the experience as easy and as pleasurable for them as for anyone else, and take all reasonable steps to ensure every customer receives the same high level of service.
The Partnership is committed to meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). We have integrated the principles of accessibility into the design, construction and operation of all our shops and continually strive to improve access and respond to customer feedback.
All our customer-facing Partners are trained to meet customer access needs and to help customers with their shopping. Our multi-channel approach shops, internet shopping, call centres and home delivery means everyone can access our goods and services in whichever way is easiest for them.
Website accessibility
Accessibility is just as important for our websites as it is for our shops. Read our online accessibility information .
Age-related sales
Society has deemed some product categories as unsuitable for young persons to purchase. To restrict their sale, retailers are required by law not to sell these products to persons under the prescribed age.
We take our duties as a responsible retailer very seriously and all our Partners are made aware of the need to watch out for under-age customers trying to buy products illegally, particularly knives, cigarettes and alcohol. We provide regular training to our Partners on proof-of-age identity documents.
Animal derivatives
Animal derivatives used in the manufacture of goods sold by John Lewis should be sourced within the framework of the Partnership principles on animal welfare as defined in our Responsible Sourcing Code of Practice. We expect our suppliers to be committed to providing the best conditions for animals at all stages of the supply chain, and to combating cruel practices.
Animal derivatives that are by- products of the food industry, where the animals have been farmed primarily for their milk and meat are allowed, with the exception of fur.
We do not permit by-products derived from endangered species, defined as those which appear on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES; www.cites.org) list or International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN; www.iucnredlist.org) Red list.
Animal fur
John Lewis is opposed to the farming and trapping of fur bearing animals because these practices pose serious animal welfare concerns. John Lewis operates a strict 'no fur' policy for all branded and own brand products. This includes farmed fur (such as mink and fox) and fur which may be a by-product of the food industry (such as rabbit).
John Lewis is a member of the Fur Free Retailer program (www.infurmation.com), administered by the Fur Free Alliance. This international program provides accurate customer information about a retailer's fur policy.
Animal testing
Even though the UK stopped licensing animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients in 1998, more than 35,000 animals in the European Union alone are used for testing cosmetics and toiletries every year. The John Lewis Partnership believes such practices are unethical and unnecessary and should be banned. Waitrose has been a corporate sponsor of FRAME (Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments) since 1996.
Waitrose own label household products, i.e. laundry, detergents and domestic cleaning products, are not tested on animals and do not contain any ingredients that have been tested on animals on behalf of Waitrose.
Our own brands
We do not test our own label cosmetics, toiletries, baby care or personal care products on animals, nor do we commission others to do so on our behalf. We operate a strict purchasing rule that ensures we do not buy any ingredient or product that has been tested on animals for cosmetic purposes by our own-label suppliers since 1990 in the case of Waitrose, and 1996 in the case of John Lewis.
Our own-label suppliers are required to complete a declaration that they adhere to our requirements on product and ingredient testing.
Supplier brands
Our branded suppliers have their own policies; however we encourage them to adopt an approach similar to our own-brand product policy.
Animal welfare
At Waitrose, traceability and animal welfare go hand in hand. We know precisely where our food comes from, that it has been produced to the highest standards, and that each of our suppliers respects their livestock. Waitrose is committed to providing the best conditions for animals at all stages of the supply chain, and to combating cruel practices.
For up-to-date information on animal welfare standards associated with Waitrose product ranges, including meat, fish, poultry and dairy, see the Waitrose website (www.waitrose.com).
In 2011, our dedication to animal welfare again earned us the 'Compassionate Supermarket of the Year' title from leading animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming (CIWF; www.ciwf.org.uk). We have previously been awarded this title three times, in 2004, 2006 and 2010. CIWF also commended our high standards of animal welfare with a 'Good Dairy Award' in 2011, a 'Good Chicken Award' in 2010, and a 'Good Egg Award' in 2007. We also came top in the supermarket category in the RSPCA Good Business Awards in 2005 and 2007
Read our views on animal derivatives and endangered species.
British sourcing
Waitrose's seasonal food policy includes a commitment to stocking and clearly promoting British products in season both in-store and through wider communications. Championing British starts at home: the Partnership has its own working farm on the Leckford Estate in Hampshire. All Waitrose beef, pork, bacon and fresh chicken are British, as are all venison, ducks, geese, eggs and own-brand dairy produce (including any dairy ingredients used in own-label yoghurts, dairy ice-cream, milk, cream, cheddar and butter.) Our strawberries between May and October are grown in the UK and during the British apple season, 70 per cent of our apples are sourced from the UK.
John Lewis is committed to British manufacturers. We are working to increase the number of its suppliers producing products in the UK and we increasingly source our own-brand products from UK manufacturers. Our own Herbert Parkinson business in Lancashire produces home textile products including woven fabric, pillows and duvets, and bespoke home furnishings. We also run an annual UK supplier showcase event.
Read our views on local and regional sourcing.
Carrier bags
Providing plastic carrier bags free to our customers has an impact on the environment and costs the Partnership money. While we need to provide bags for customers to take their purchases home, we aim to reduce customer use of single-use carrier bags by offering, encouraging and educating customers about more environmentally responsible alternatives. We are also committed to reducing the environmental impact of our bags.
As a signatory to a national Voluntary Code of Practice on Carrier Bags in February 2007, we worked with the Government-funded Waste Resources and Action Programme (WRAP) and other retailers to reduce the environmental impact of carrier bags by 50 per cent by Spring 2009. We achieved this target, and this contributed to the significant 48 per cent collective reduction achieved by all signatories of the agreement.
John Lewis has standard single-use carrier bags made from 95 per cent recycled material and continues to promote its reusable jute, organic cotton and recycled plastic bags as well as its Bag for Life. During 2011, Waitrose will make some big changes to its carrier bag range including increasing the recycled content to 50 per cent for its single-use bags and 100 per cent for its Bag for Life, as well as launching an exciting new range of reusable bags in the autumn. In 2011, John Lewis and Waitrose will implement local arrangements in line with regulatory charging requirements for single-use carrier bags in Wales.
'Bag for Life'
'Bag for Life' - Waitrose was the first supermarket to introduce a plastic 'Bag for Life' in 1997. Sold to customers for 10p, bags are replaced free of charge once they are worn out. All bags returned are recycled into plaswood furniture, damp proof membranes etc, which Waitrose often donates to shops or local community groups. We handed out nearly 4 million Bags for Life in 2007, an increase of 63 per cent. The bag has saved around 80 million plastic bags a year since it was introduced.
Quick Check - Customers who register with Waitrose's Quick Check facility, offered in almost 50 per cent of our shops are also provided with free reusable Quick Check bags when they register using the John Lewis Partnership credit card. For customers using an alternative credit card these bags are offered for purchase. These are made from jute
Charitable giving donation policy
Read about our donation policy and our views on community investment.
Chemicals of concern
The last few years have seen growing evidence to suggest that some chemicals contained in everyday products may have long-term effects on our health or the environment. Although they may be safe to use, they may contain, or be manufactured using, chemicals that remain in the environment for longer than was first suspected.
The Partnership will safeguard the well-being of its customers by ensuring all our own-brand products comply with all relevant chemical regulations, with a specific focus on Substances of Very High Concern as detailed under REACH (Regulation, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals) legislation.
Child labour
The John Lewis Partnership believes that children under the age of 15 should not have to work for a living. All children should have the opportunity to be in full-time education and not be compelled to undertake activities that can affect their physical and/or mental development. Our John Lewis Partnership Responsible Sourcing Code requires all our suppliers to make a firm commitment not to employ children.
Our Code of Practice states that:
- No children under the age of 15 (or older if stated by local laws) should be employed
- Workers aged between 15 and 18 should not work at night or in hazardous conditions
- If children are found to be working, the employer should provide appropriate remediation, which may include support to attend education
- The supplier should have a clear policy for dealing with under-age workers, even if none are employed.
Should any instance of child labour be identified, as a responsible retailer, we would work closely with our suppliers to develop a sensitive and sustainable solution that puts the welfare of the child first.
See our position on responsible sourcing for how we ensure our Code of Practice is carried out by suppliers.
Climate change
With rising global temperatures and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and with gas and electricity prices increasing, the John Lewis Partnership recognises the importance of reducing our carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
The Partnership has publicly committed to reducing absolute CO2e emissions from its operations by 15 per cent by 2020/21.
Find out more about how we are reducing emissions.
Find out more about what you can do.
Community investment
Our Constitution states that the John Lewis Partnership 'aims to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law, and to contribute to the well-being of the communities in which it operates'. We believe in working with local communities, and our shops actively forge links with local schools, organisations and community groups. We encourage Partners to get involved where their knowledge of local community needs can bring greater benefit both to business and to society.
Our commitment involves:
- devoting time to community initiatives and building community relationships;
- volunteering, fundraising and donating to charity;
- continuing our Golden Jubilee Trust secondment scheme;
- engaging with communities where new shops are being built to ensure integration; and
- offering sustainable employment opportunities in town centres.
Find out more about our community involvement.
Conflict diamonds
Conflict Diamonds are diamonds that have been traded illegally. Their proceeds are often used to fund conflict, terrorism and the suppression of communities.
The Kimberley Process Certification System was set up in 2002, to eradicate the trade in conflict diamonds. Since the Kimberley Process was established, the use of conflict diamonds has been significantly reduced.
As a retailer of fine jewellery and diamonds, John Lewis takes this issue very seriously. We require all our suppliers of diamond products to only buy diamonds and diamond jewellery from suppliers which can put a 'conflict free' warrantee on their invoices. Where suppliers are sourcing from old, second-hand or antique jewellery we require suppliers to provide us with written assurance that they do not knowingly sell conflict diamonds.