Our Approach to Dialogue
Maintaining constructive stakeholder relationships is a critical part of our journey towards sustainable development.
The relationships we build can be compared to the crafting of a rope, as illustrated in the figure below.
The core of the rope consists of those stakeholders with whom we engage regularly — employees and contractors, local and indigenous communities, shareholders and customers. The rope's sheath comprises those who are important influencers but with whom we do not have such regular contact — investment community, business partners, community organisations, unions, non-government organisations, suppliers, governments, media and industry associations.
The information we receive from stakeholders helps refine the management of our activities and 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. All these aspects therefore contribute to enhancing the integrity of the rope.
BHP Billiton Stakeholder Relationships
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 BHP Billiton activities. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in and contribute to sustainable development through HSEC performance improvement initiatives.'
Specifically, HSEC Management Standard 7 requires:
- systems to identify stakeholders
- consideration of local, social and cultural contexts in engagement mechanisms
- regular communication on HSEC matters, risks, plans and performance
- employee and contractor participation in the development, implementation and review of HSEC initiatives and programs
- regular management of the effectiveness of communication, consultation and participation processes.
Additionally, mechanisms to address grievances and concerns should also be established. Sites are required to maintain a register of concerns, complaints and relevant external communications. We require concerns and complaints to be investigated as incidents, using our standard investigation processes, and outcomes and actions are reported back to relevant stakeholders. Further details on our approach to employee grievances are discussed in Grievance Procedures in employee relations.
Refer to Our Stakeholders for a detailed discussion on who our stakeholders are and how we engage with them.
