Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Country Road is about taking a considered approach to the way we do business. Through our brand and employees we aim to implement and inspire social, ethical and environmental change within the world.

We focus on four areas of CSR – our people, community, environment and ethical trade.  In 2009/10, targets were defined with the aim of driving our CSR performance in each focal area within a 3 year period. This commitment was integrated into the corporate strategy and divisional plans in 2010/11. Progress is reviewed annually by the Executive Committee and reported to our key stakeholders via the CRSEE Review and Country Road website.

OUR PEOPLE

We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining an inspired, high performing workforce and providing a safe and healthy workplace.

EMPLOYEE OPINION

In order to further understand and address our employees’ priorities, an externally hosted alignment and engagement survey is conducted each year.  The results are analysed and reviewed and immediate action is taken to improve as necessary.

CAREER PATHS AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We focus on providing strong career path and development opportunities for our employees. The number of 'internal management appointments' is a key measure within the corporate strategy plan.

Succession planning meetings are conducted annually in line with our formal Individual Performance Management plans (IPM). These cover store management positions through to the executive level.

To foster talent within our workforce, we partner with the Australian Institute of Management to offer management and leadership development programs to our employees. Employees who complete the course requirements obtain a diploma of management or a graduate certificate in management. Additionally, we provide an annual training schedule which offers employees various core, technical, leadership and compliance training courses.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

We offer clothing discounts and allowances, flexible salary packaging, an employee referral program, training programs, short term incentive programs, an employee assistance program, corporate and social responsibility initiatives, volunteer leave as well as health programs.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy professional environment. We regard compliance with all legal requirements as the minimum standard and we work to actively promote well-being and safety by maintaining the very highest standards. We run various training programs to ensure employees understand their responsibilities with regards to workplace health and safety.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

We remain committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all regardless of age, career status, disability, industrial activity, physical features, political belief or activity, pregnancy, race, religion, gender or sexual preference.

We have formalised this commitment by implementing a Diversity Policy with measurable objectives. We report on our performance against these measures (further information is contained in the Corporate Governance Statement).

Each year we submit a report to the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) in accordance with EOWA's guidelines. This document accounts for our policies and conditions of service, human resources statistical information, a review of our workplace profile and our Employee Opinion Survey results.

COMMUNITY

We are committed to supporting the communities in which we work. In addition to pledging annual community donations and fundraising