At Currys we're fully committed to operating a responsible business. We talk to our stakeholders about their expectations, we search out best practice and we reflect these in the decisions we make.
An Environment, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) Committee is in place to oversee all ESG activities carried out across the Group. Representatives from all countries and all levels attend this forum and provide updates.
The ESG Committee is attended by a Non-Executive Director of the Board, Andrea Gisle Joosen. It's chaired by our General Counsel and Company Secretary and it reports into the Executive Committee.
The Board also receive regular and comprehensive updates on ESG matters within the CEO report at Board meetings.
Read the Terms of Reference for the ESG Committee
Read more about Governance at Currys.
At Currys we take a systematic approach to ESG risk management - and we've benchmarked this approach against other leading organisations to make sure it’s as robust as can be.
Sustainability is included in the Currys Group's 'Principal Risk Register', which is monitored by the ESG Committee and the Executive Committee.
As part of our risk assessment, we work with internal stakeholders to consider the short, medium and long-term impacts of climate change - with the aim of identifying emerging risks and opportunities that could affect us.
We're also proud to have responded to the CDP questionnaire on climate change since 2016, which includes disclosing climate-related risks and opportunities. This work is also informing our business continuity plans, and has formed part of our implementation of the recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’). All the insights we've gained from this have been incorporated into our ESG Risk Register.
The Group has an internal audit department which conducts audits of selected business processes and functions. The Group’s internal audit plan sets out the internal audit programme for the year which is agreed by the Audit Committee. The internal audit plans are prepared taking into account the principal risks across the Group with input from management and the Audit Committee. In 2021/22 an Internal Audit of ESG was conducted and we are using the results to drive further improvements in our measurement and reporting of material issues. Read more about the role of Internal Audit in our Annual Report.
Further assurance is provided through the use of international standards and external data verification services. Read more in our Policies and Disclosures.
Our Sustainability and Social Impact strategy is signed off by our Group Chief Executive and approved by our Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') Committee.
Our three strategic priorities for the Group are:
- We will improve our use of resources and create circular business models
- We will help eradicate digital poverty
- We will achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
The strategy is driven and delivered by our colleagues, including subject-matter experts who are fully integrated across our business. Their work is coordinated by our Director of Group Sustainability and overseen by the ESG Committee.
Running a responsible business is a constant work in progress and there’s always more we can do. For example, we’ve added two new environmental targets onto our annual bonus scorecard. The environmental metrics are e-waste collection volumes (5%) and progress to net zero (5%). This is to show customers we’re serious about our environmental responsibilities, to inspire more super engaged colleagues, and to build a business investors feel good about investing in. Read more about our remuneration in our Annual Report.
Our people are at the centre of who we are because it makes us what we are.
Our colleagues are our greatest advantage and are critical and central to the success of our business strategy and the realisation of our Vision. We are committed to developing our colleagues and helping them build skills for life.
Through their own individual development plan, colleagues are encouraged to think about their career and how they want to develop. Our blended approach to learning and development includes on-the-job training, online learning platforms, virtual programmes, and Lunch and Learns. And this includes content on a range of environmental and social topics.
Read more about our colleagues in People & Careers.
Read the Sustainable Business chapter of our 2020/21 Annual Report & Accounts.
Our key focus areas
We help our customers reduce their environmental impact
We're really proud that because of our focus on keeping tech working we repair 1.9 million products a year.
We encourage everyone to bring their old or unwanted tech into our stores to be recycled or reused – whether they bought it from us or not.
We work with our suppliers to ensure our products are sourced responsibly
We partner with charitable organisations to bring the benefits of amazing technology to those who might otherwise be excluded
We want everyone to be able to enjoy equal access to the benefits of technology
We are taking action to reduce our environment impact like through our Newark, UK solar PV installation
We will achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and 100% electric or alternative fuel vehicles by 2030
Key facts
We're proud of the achievements and commitments we've made
£ 1000000
donated to tackle the digital divide
104173
tonnes of e-waste recycled and reused in 2020
2040
We will achieve net zero emissions by this date
