Code of conduct | About BP | BP

As Tony Hayward affirms: Our reputation depends on us sailing our personal yacht while the limited oil reserves of our planet are depleted, and the oil is still spewing into the Gulf in larger amounts obliterating the sun for millions of birds, fish, and marine mammals.

Code of conduct | About BP | BP

As one of the world’s leading companies, we have a responsibility to set high standards: to be, and be seen to be, a business which is committed to integrity. In a complex global business environment like ours, that’s not always easy. Our code of conduct is designed to help us achieve this.

Our code of conduct is the cornerstone of our commitment to integrity. As Tony Hayward, the group chief executive, affirms: “Our reputation, and therefore our future as a business, depends on each of us, everywhere, every day, taking personal responsibility for the conduct of BP’s business”. The BP code of conduct is an essential tool to help our people meet this aspiration. The code summarizes our standards for the way we behave. All our employees must follow the code of conduct. It clearly defines what we expect of our business and our people, regardless of location and background. Ultimately it is about helping BP people to do the right thing.

The code includes many examples of how our group values should be applied in specific situations. The level of detail and practical approach signal our determination to embed our values and a culture of integrity more firmly in our group.

What does the code cover?

The code covers five key areas of our business operations:

• health, safety, security and the environment – fundamental rules and guidance to help us protect the natural environment, the safety of the communities in which we operate, and the health, safety and security of our people
• employees – covering fair treatment and equal opportunity, providing guidance for dealing with cases of harassment or abuse and for protecting privacy and employee confidentiality
• business partners – providing detailed guidance on giving and receiving gifts and entertainment, conflicts of interest, competition, trade restrictions, money laundering and working with suppliers
• governments and communities – covering such areas as bribery, dealing with governments, community engagement, external communications and political activity
• company assets and financial integrity – containing guidance about accurate and complete records and reporting, protecting company property, intellectual property, insider trading and digital systems

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