Our company-wide security standards define how we protect our people and assets, while respecting the rights of others, including local communities. For example, armed security is only permitted when required by law or where there is no other acceptable way to manage the risks. The standards set strict guidelines on the use of force.
In 2007, armed security was used in approximately 15% of countries in which we operate, two-thirds of the time through security companies we hire. Last year we were able to phase out the use of armed guards at all our service stations in the Philippines by improving safety conditions, for example through better lighting and changes in the way we store cash on site.
We strengthened our security standards in 2007 to set clearer and more specific expectations for our operations worldwide and to include the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. The Voluntary Principles were developed by NGOs, governments and companies as a guide for companies working in extractive industries like oil and gas, and minerals mining.
Our revised security standards now require all operations to manage their security risks in the same way, based on a standard risk assessment, which must be reviewed annually. The assessment covers a number of items highlighted in the Voluntary Principles, including background checks on security staff to make sure they have no past record of human rights abuse and that they have been trained in using these principles.
We now require all of our approximately 300 security staff worldwide to follow a standard training programme, which assesses whether they have the necessary skills to carry out their duties. We have strengthened the requirements that must be included in our contracts with private security companies, referencing the Voluntary Principles and being clearer about our need for contractors to investigate accusations of human rights violations promptly and take disciplinary action if required. We now also use the Voluntary Principles when working with government security forces.
UCHE OFILI (LEFT) AT CLEEN
FOUNDATION TRAINING
“I supervise the security of a Shell oil and gas project in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The project is located in a dangerous area that experiences militancy, kidnapping, vehicle hijacking and community unrest. These issues have led to the site being shut down on several occasions for the safety of employees. Working in these tense conditions means we as security staff must know how to handle risks safely and responsibly.
In 2007, I attended a three-day training session on human rights organised by Shell and delivered by the CLEEN Foundation, a leading Nigerian NGO. It not only reminded me how important it is that host communities should have their human rights respected at all times. It also taught me that it is important to understand the causes of a protestor or militant’s actions in order to understand how to properly respond to the risk they pose to our site. More courses like this, explaining how the Voluntary Principles apply to Shell operations, would help. So would refreshers to keep my staff up to date on conflict resolution.”
UCHE OFILI
SECURITY SUPERVISOR
THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NIGERIA
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