Human Rights

We believe that respecting human rights should be a part of everyone’s daily work, in every country and throughout our entire supply chain. In 2014, we became a signatory to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and remain committed to adhering to this fundamental right across our supply chain.

Our global zero harm program embraces a holistic approach to the health, well-being, and safety of our employees. It ensures that no one deviates from their values and that everyone returns home in good health and safety.

By using our voice on human rights, we shape just and inclusive communities wherever we operate.

Diageo ensures fostering a fair and respectful working environment for its employees by integrating respect for human rights into its Code of Business Conduct. Acting in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Diageo strives to adhere to human rights in its own operations and throughout its supply chain, ensuring it does not contribute to or support the violation of others' rights.

This approach is grounded in company policies and guidelines, and supports Diageo’s 'Spirit of Progress' plan. Responsibility for human rights is led by the Executive Committee members of Diageo.  Participating in the Global Human Rights Steering Committee, the Executive Board formulates the human rights strategy and oversees its execution. The global strategy undergoes periodical review by the Audit Committee of the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee of the Executive Board. Local human rights risks are managed by local Risk Management Committees.

The company employs means like self-assessment questionnaires to evaluate risks in its direct operations, third-party audits for high-risk operations, and detailed analysis for groups identified as at risk. If significant human rights concerns are identified during assessments, or if it is recommended that the approach be strengthened, comprehensive action plans are developed with external experts.

A dedicated Responsible Sourcing Team is established to oversee and implement the human rights approach across the supply chain. The company evaluates the effectiveness of its human rights management using its internal audit framework, global audit and risk team, and third-party assessments. It also tracks trends in violations and complaints and develops risk mitigation plans.

Diageo helps its employees integrate human rights into their work through general awareness training. It provides specialized training for functions directly related to risk management. A  grievance and whistleblowing mechanism is in place for employees, business partners, and communities, available in over 20 languages and accessible through various channels such as email, phone, and web. This service is overseen by the global business integrity team, ensuring that all allegations are addressed appropriately, confidentially, and fairly. Confirmed violations are addressed promptly, and if necessary, key takeaways are shared to prevent recurrence.

Diageo seeks the opinions of its employees and stakeholders via various channels to understand and meet their expectations. Stakeholders are consulted through methods such as conducting employee interviews, analyzing  grievance data, and holding community discussions. This approach ensures that Diageo is company that does not only understands its stakeholders but also meets their expectations. These practices are integral to the company's "from seed to glass" approach to doing business the right way.