At a glance
Strategic
Report
Corporate
Governance
Shareholders
and Investors
Financial
Statements
Additional
information
Sustainable development is an integral part of MegaFon’s business strategy. This principle shapes our approach to innovation, development and launch of new products. MegaFon’s Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors and Management Board collectively guide the strategic leadership behind our approach to sustainability, while selected employees take responsibility for implementing specific programmes and initiatives.
In line with international best practice, our social and environmental programmes, along with corporate governance initiatives, form an integral part of the Company’s general sustainability strategy. Being a responsible business means for MegaFon harmonising commercial, social, and environmental interests.
AA(s)
MegaFon’s rating for its corporate social responsibility policies and performance
Our sustainability goals complement our social mission to overcome communication barriers, unite people across Russia, and provide quick access to information in any situation.
MegaFon acknowledges the supremacy of law and complies with all Russian legal requirements. We adhere to generally accepted moral and ethical standards, endorse business transparency, respect human rights and support environmental initiatives. Our sustainability activities are guided by international regulations and standards, including the United Nations Global Compact and the Social Charter of Russian Business. Our reporting on sustainability makes part of the Company’s annual report, but takes into account specific standards: the Guidelines on Social Responsibility (ISO 26000) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) recommendations.
Efficient stakeholder interaction is a prerequisite for the implementation of a successful sustainability strategy. We need to know how the Company is perceived by stakeholders, what their needs are and what they expect from MegaFon’s business and its social, environmental and charity initiatives.
Our interaction with stakeholders is based on the principles of partnership, equality and respect.
MegaFon’s customers represent the largest group of stakeholders, and the Company’s prosperity and long-term reputation depend on them. We are not only responsible for the quality of our services, but also for compliance with the highest international standards of consumer relations.
MegaFon pays special attention to confidentiality, reliability of information about our products and services underpinned by the principle of responsible marketing, guaranteed security, and prompt response to requests and complaints and their amicable resolution.
MegaFon’s employee relations are based on respect and trust. We do all we can to encourage employees to realise their potential, ensure fair remuneration and equal rights, and guarantee their health and safety. Through ongoing dialogue, we study the level of staff engagement and loyalty and adjust our policies accordingly. Our employee engagement survey is the most important and efficient tool to explore employee expectations and motivation.
MegaFon operates across all Russian regions, so good communication with local communities is essential for us. Our policy of interaction with local communities is rooted in the principle of corporate citizenship. In addition to providing access to new technologies, we help improve the quality of life in the regions where the Company operates through social investments targeted at developing the education system, preserving cultural heritage and endorsing sustainability.
We are committed to continuous development of our business and growth of shareholder value. MegaFon adheres to best practices in corporate governance and cares for its reputation. We provide all our shareholders with equal access to information about the Company and its financial position, and we ensure absolute equality of shareholder rights. The main sources of information are mandatory disclosure documents, annual reports, financial statements, our corporate website and a dedicated website for investors.
We are aware of our responsibility to the state and society, and we strive to make the greatest possible contribution to the development of the Russian Federation in close coordination with federal and regional authorities and in line with the interests of society. MegaFon is actively involved in modernisation of Russia’s telecommunications infrastructure and development of an information space, as well as protection of public safety including support in national emergencies. The Company is a member of working groups and commissions dealing with regulation in the telecoms industry. We do not support any political parties or political figures; at the same time the Company’s voluntary contribution to the prosperity of Russia goes beyond the minimum legal requirements and includes large-scale charity and sponsorship initiatives.
As a reliable and responsible partner, MegaFon aims to ensure timely performance of its obligations to counterparties. We support transparency, fair competition and anti-corruption efforts. We do not tolerate unfair competition and do not get involved in collusive practices. The Company is committed to establishing long-term business relationships and provides its partners with all relevant information, while always remaining open to dialogue and willing to consider its counterparty’s position.
As a member of a number of industry associations and unions, MegaFon is actively involved in the development of the Russian telecoms industry. We engage in the elaboration of telecommunications standards, and through our own example aim to encourage increased investment in sustainability among our corporate partners.
Since 2013
MegaFon has followed the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
In its operations, MegaFon is governed by generally accepted standards of business ethics and the principles of legal compliance, fairness and integrity in business operations. MegaFon highly values its reputation and strictly adheres to Russian anti-corruption regulations, such as the Federal Law On Countering Corruption and the Methodical Recommendations of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection adopted in 2013. In 2014, we also joined the Anti-Corruption Charter of Russian Business.
Since 2013 MegaFon has followed the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which was approved by the Board of Directors as a fundamental document defining the Company’s standards and principles and rules of business conduct for our employees and members of the Board of Directors. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics equally applies to subsidiaries in which MegaFon has a 100% interest.
The Code details the general principles of interaction with key stakeholders and specific requirements for employees. The Code determines the Company’s position in countering corruption, discrimination and misbehaviour, and proclaims the need to ensure legal compliance, integrity, equal rights, and informational transparency.
“We do not tolerate any form of bribery or corruption, and in addition we expect our partners to follow the
same principles. Company employees should not promise, allow or give bribes of any kind, nor should they request, agree to receive or accept them.”
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
In addition, MegaFon has in place an Anti-Corruption Policy, the document that defines our policy on corruption and corruption risks. This Policy provides, inter alia, guidance to be followed by all MegaFon employees before accepting gifts from, or making gifts to, suppliers or other third parties. This guidance is set out in more detail in MegaFon’s Gifts and Hospitality Policy.
We provide training sessions to employees for them to clearly understand the Anti-Corruption Policy and adopt appropriate behaviour in controversial and potentially risky situations connected with gifts, conflicts of interest, etc.
We have in place a “Direct Line” through which MegaFon employees and other stakeholders can receive guidance as to whether a particular action is deemed corrupt, or can discreetly (and, if required, anonymously) report violations. Through this “Direct Line” employees can also get advice on the terms of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Direct Line usage statistics and information on the most important issues are communicated to the Audit Committee. The “Direct Line” is available 24/7.