Vodafone 2024 Annual Report

32 Vodafone Group Plc Annual Report 2024

Strategic report

Governance

Financials

Other information

This year we have simplified and evolved our Purpose strategy to focus on ‘Empowering People’ and ‘Protecting the Planet’ in a digital society. This is underpinned by our commitment to ‘Maintaining Trust’ in everything we do. This evolution from our previous three-pillar Purpose approach reflects the importance of creating a digital society as Vodafone’s overarching aim, with a special focus on efforts to ensure the digital society is inclusive and sustainable. Our purpose is to connect for a better future. We aim to build an inclusive, sustainable and trusted digital society where individuals and businesses can thrive. Our approach to ESG We connect for a better future Purpose, sustainability and responsible business We address Environmental, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) topics through our Purpose strategy, with the goal of enabling an inclusive, sustainable and trusted digital society.

Empowering People We want everyone to fully benefit from the digital society, regardless of who they are or where they live. Closing the digital divide We are implementing new technology to roll out our network to rural locations and increase access to smartphones in our markets. Supporting communities We provide relevant products and services which aim to address societal challenges such as gender equality, financial inclusion and digital skills, helping to increase productivity and enabling small businesses to thrive. Supporting vulnerable communities We provide connectivity and services to some of the most vulnerable groups including refugees, those experiencing abuse or poverty, and after natural disasters.

Protecting the Planet We help to protect our planet by reducing our environmental impact and helping society decarbonise. Net zero We are working to reach net zero GHG emissions across our full value chain by 2040. Enablement We are helping to enable our customers to reduce their own carbon emissions by 350 million tonnes between 2020 and 2030. E-waste We are driving action with the aim of ensuring our network and device waste is reused, resold or recycled. Read more on pages 38 to 42

Read more on pages 35 to 37

Maintaining Trust Maintaining trust with our customers, employees, suppliers and the societies we serve is at the heart of everything we do.

Customers Customers trust us with their data and maintaining this trust is critical. Data privacy We respect the privacy preferences of our customers and help improve society through the responsible use of data. Cyber security As a provider of critical national infrastructure and connectivity that is relied upon by millions of customers, we prioritise cyber and information security across everything that we do.

Employees We create a safe and inclusive environment for our colleagues. Health and safety Creating a safe working environment for everyone working for, and on behalf of Vodafone. Workplace equality We seek to develop a diverse and inclusive global workforce that reflects the customers and societies we serve.

Society We aim to ensure that our business operates ethically, lawfully and with integrity. Human rights We seek to contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms. Tax and economic contribution As a major investor, taxpayer and employer, we make a significant contribution to the economies of the countries in which we operate. Anti-bribery, corruption and fraud We have a policy of zero tolerance towards bribery, corruption and fraud.

Suppliers We collaborate with our suppliers to promote sustainable and responsible business practices along the entire value chain. Responsible supply chain We manage relationships with our direct suppliers and evaluate their commitments to diversity, inclusion and the environment.

Read more on pages 15 to 20

Read more on pages 45 to 51

Read more on pages 51 to 53

Read more on page 52

Click or scan to learn more about how we help improve digital inclusion: investors.vodafone.com/videos

Click or scan to learn more about our net zero goal: investors.vodafone.com/videos

Click or scan to learn more about our approach to data privacy: investors.vodafone.com/videos

Click or scan to learn more about our approach to cyber security: investors.vodafone.com/videos

Click or scan to learn more about our human rights approach: investors.vodafone.com/videos

Click or scan to learn more about our approach to tax: investors.vodafone.com/videos

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