Standards

We have a single control framework that describes how Shell is organised and managed. It includes the Shell General Business Principles, Code of Conduct and our Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) standards. The Shell Control Framework applies to all Shell companies and joint ventures we control, although in practice we may agree that a joint venture may operate to materially equivalent principles and standards.

Our Business Principles, which we laid down more than 30 years ago, describe our objectives, core values, responsibilities and the way we do business. They commit us to contribute to sustainable development and support fundamental human rights. They also forbid bribery, fraud and anti-competitive behaviour. The Code of Conduct, issued in 2006, offers staff detailed instructions on how to work in accordance with our Business Principles.

In companies we control, our HSSE standards include requirements for biodiversity, managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, environmental management, health management, road and process safety, and ship quality.

We also require contractors to manage HSSE in line with our standards and expect them to follow our Business Principles or their equivalent when working for us. Suppliers and joint ventures we do not control are encouraged to adopt and follow business principles and high-level HSSE standards equivalent to our own. If our expectations cannot be met in a reasonable time, we review these relationships. This can involve actions up to and including ending the relationship.