The Corporate Governance Framework and practices of Woolworths Group are set out in a number of key documents and policies. A summary of these documents and policies, along with copies of the documents, policies and charters are set out below.
The Woolworths Group Constitution outlines the rules and principles governing our business.
The current Constitution was proposed and adopted by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 16 November 2007. It was later amended following the 2009 AGM, the 2010 AGM, the 2017 AGM and the 2019 AGM.
The Board of Directors act on behalf of the shareholders in supervising the Company and in upholding good corporate governance. The Group Executive Committee is responsible for management decisions and operations.
Information on the role and composition of the Board of Directors and of the Group Executive Committee can be found below.
The Board Charter sets out the role, structure, and processes of the Woolworths Group Board or Directors.
It outlines their powers, their responsibilities, and how they can best represent the interests of our shareholders, while regarding international best practice and applicable laws.
The Board of Directors has established four Committees – each designed in accordance with the Charter to help the Board deliver on its responsibilities.
Each Committee assists the Board by allowing Directors to focus on one specific area of governance, while reporting on all decisions and making necessary recommendations to the Board.
In order to maintain our commitment to and ensure we’re always operating within a place of moral, legal and ethical integrity, we have developed a rigorous and mandatory Code of Conduct.
This code is a principle we adhere to without exception, and we expect each and every one of our team members to adopt it as their own.
Woolworths Group Limited has a Continuous Disclosure Policy. The purpose of the Policy is to:
- Assist the Company in complying with its continuous disclosure obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX Listing Rules;
- Establish a framework to enable Woolworths to provide shareholders and the market with timely, direct and equal access to relevant information about the Company; and
- Promote investor confidence in the integrity of Woolworths and its securities through the application of disclosure procedures by its directors and employees.
The Woolworths Group Limited Continuous Disclosure Policy is available below.
Woolworths values its reputation for excellence in corporate governance, compliance and fair dealing in its securities, including shares, options and performance rights.
The Woolworths Group Securities Trading Policy promotes and maintains the Company’s reputation.
The Policy summarises the law relating to insider trading and details the Company’s requirements with regards to dealings in the securities of both Woolworths and, where applicable, other companies. The Policy applies to Group directors, officers and employees, as well as certain consultants and contractors.
The objectives of the Policy are:
- To ensure that all Woolworths personnel comply with the law at all times: and
- To ensure that dealings in securities by Woolworths personnel, particularly in relation to Inside Information regarding both Woolworths and other entities with which Woolworths deals, are above reproach.
The Policy also aims to assist Woolworths in its disclosure and reporting requirements.
We are 100% committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates and embraces diversity in all its forms.
Through a range of initiatives, we aim to promote equal opportunities in every facet of our business with a particular focus on indigenous employment and nurturing women in management.
We care about the physical and psychological safety and health of our customers, team and business partners. We are committed to creating a safe work environment, where people arrive home from work and shopping free from injuries and illness.
Our team is a top priority at Woolworths Group. This is why we strive to create a supportive environment that ensures everyone can feel valued, respected and have the opportunity to thrive.
As part of this commitment, our Team Member Speak Up service offers an independent avenue (external to Woolworths Group) where you can confidentially raise matters if you ever feel that a concern you have can’t be dealt with internally.
To raise a concern online, please go to the Speak Up website.
At Woolworths, we are committed to open and positive relationships with all of our suppliers.
We recognise, however, that a situation may arise where a supplier feels an important concern can’t be dealt with directly with us, and where the supplier would prefer to use an independent and confidential avenue for raising the concern. We have created the Supplier Speak Up Service for this purpose.
Suppliers (or their workers) can contact Supplier Speak Up online or by the toll-free numbers below. If required, interpreters are available in other languages in addition to those countries listed below.
To raise a concern online, please go to the Speak Up website.
Australia (Suppliers) 1800 772 173
New Zealand 0800 393 76736
Supplier Speak Up Policy: English
Thailand 1800-013-018
Supplier Speak Up policy: Thai ไทย
China (Mainland) 400-6-612-693
China (HongKong) 800-96-0016
Supplier Speak Up policy: Chinese (simplified) 汉语[S]
Bangladesh 0800-0000333
Supplier Speak Up policy: Bengali বাংলা
India
First dial India's Direct Access Code: 000-117
At the English AT&T prompt, dial: (844) 476-9151
Supplier Speak Up policy: Bengali বাংলা
Supplier Speak Up policy: Hindi
Other languages:
Supplier Speak Up policy: Malay
Supplier Speak Up policy: Korean
Supplier Speak Up policy: Arabic
As a business we pride ourselves on the quality of relationships we have with the organisations and people we do business with, and the difference we make together in creating better experiences for our customers. Our business is diverse and involves partners, suppliers and stakeholders inside and outside of Australia. One of our Core Values is ‘we do the right thing’. Our Fraud, Anti Bribery and Corruption Policy (FABC Policy) addresses the key principles that must be adhered to in regard to Fraud, Bribery & Corruption, Facilitation Payments, Gifts & Entertainment and Political Donations.
Read the full policy here.
Woolworths Group is committed to making it simpler for suppliers when working with the Group. How Woolworths Group deals with payments is captured in the supply agreements.
Woolworths Group is a voluntary signatory to the ACCC’s Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and the Business Council of Australia’s Supplier Payments Code. Under the Supplier Payments Code, Woolworths Group has committed to pay suppliers on time and to shorter payment periods for small suppliers. The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct also outlines specific requirements in relation to payments being made within a reasonable time. Each of these aspects has been reflected in the Woolworths Group Terms.
Woolworths Group is committed to building strong long-term partnerships with our suppliers through fair and equitable dealings. Woolworths recognises that payment terms are an important component of our commercial arrangements with small suppliers.
Any supplier that satisfies Woolworths’ “small supplier” definition and follows the best practice procedures outlined in this policy can submit a request for a change to payment terms via the registration form. If you require further assistance please contact Woolworths Trade Relations via email at traderelations@woolworths.com.au
Download the Small Supplier Payment Policy and registration form here.
The Woolworths Group Board is responsible for reviewing, appraising and approving the Group's climate change strategy, targets and material investments to manage actual or potential climate-related impacts to the Group. The Board does so on recommendation from its Sustainability Committee. The Sustainability Committee reviews and monitors performance against our climate strategy and targets, reviews effectiveness of Group frameworks and policies in relation to climate change, and provides external perspectives of climate matters within the investment landscape.
The Board may invite Eligible Employees to participate in a grant of Rights, Options, and/or Restricted Shares.