30 Vodafone Group Plc Annual Report 2025
Strategic report
Governance
Financials
Other information
Purpose, sustainability and responsible business Everyone.Connected
We address Environmental, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) topics through our purpose strategy, with the goal of enabling an inclusive, sustainable and trusted digital society. This year we continued to simplify, evolve and embed our purpose strategy across our business, with a focus on ‘Protecting the Planet’ and ‘Empowering People’ in a digital society. These pillars are underpinned by our commitment of ‘Maintaining Trust’ in everything we do. ESG highlights 1 76% 4G population coverage (outdoor 1Mbps) in Africa
Our purpose is to connect everyone. We aim to build an inclusive, sustainable and trusted digital society where individuals and businesses can thrive. Protecting the Planet We help to protect the planet by reducing our environmental impact and helping society decarbonise. Tackling carbon emissions We are working to reach net zero GHG emissions across our 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 working to expand rural network coverage and address issues of affordability to increase smartphone and data access. Empowering customers We strive to provide relevant products and services to support our customers and businesses to thrive in a digital world. Supporting communities We seek to provide connectivity and support for vulnerable communities, including those affected by natural disasters.
full value chain by 2040. Promoting circularity
We are striving to ensure that our network equipment and device e-waste is reused, resold or sent for recycling. Enabling the clean industrial transition 3 We aim to provide technology and connectivity that help to enable society to transition to a more sustainable future.
77.1m customers connected to our financial inclusion services 100% network equipment e-waste reused, resold or sent for recycling 84% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2020
Read more on pages 34 to 38
Read more on pages 39 to 41
75% 5G population coverage (outdoor 1Mbps) in Europe 100% grid electricity purchased and used globally matched with renewable sources 2
Maintaining Trust Maintaining trust with our customers, employees, suppliers and the societies we serve is at the heart of everything we do. Business integrity
Human rights We seek to contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms. Responsible supply chain We manage relationships with our direct suppliers and evaluate their commitments to diversity, inclusion and the environment.
Health and safety Creating a safe working environment for everyone working for, and on behalf of Vodafone.
Security and resilience As a provider of critical national infrastructure and connectivity, we prioritise data privacy, cyber and asset security in everything we do.
We aim to ensure that our business operates ethically, lawfully and with integrity in everything we do.
Anti-bribery, corruption and fraud We have a policy of zero tolerance towards bribery, corruption and fraud.
Workplace equality We seek to develop a diverse and inclusive global workforce that reflects the customers and societies we serve.
Tax and economic contribution
Notes: 1. Continuing operations only.
As a major investor, taxpayer and employer, we make a significant contribution to the economies of the countries in which we operate.
2. Correct to zero decimal places. Less than 0.2% of electricity we use is not matched with renewable sources because credible renewable electricity purchasing mechanisms are currently unavailable in the locations where this electricity is used and these locations are not grid-connected to any markets where such mechanisms are available. 3. We previously referred to this as ‘Carbon Enablement’.
Read more on pages 42 to 52
Powered by FlippingBook