Dialogue

We’re open for dialogue

From extensive consumer research to consultation with shareholders, we actively seek opinions and stimulate debate. By doing so, we strengthen our capacity to address what matters to our stakeholders.

Customers and consumers: To build on the understanding we already gain through regular dialogue with our customers, we are in the sixth year of our annual global survey into attitudes towards saving. In 2008 we surveyed 28,500 people in 25 markets, bringing the total to over 100,000 responses since we started. Deepening our understanding is helping us to address barriers to saving and alleviate knowledge gaps and low confidence.

Employees: Every year, we ask our employees for their opinions in our global survey. The survey results influence our strategy and some questions are linked directly to directors’ remuneration. Forums, networks, performance reviews, grievance procedures and trade union representation are other channels open to our employees. Nearly three-quarters of our people say Aviva is a great place to work.

Communities: At group level, collaboration with key charitable partners helped shape a new community strategy this year. For example, our work with Oxfam through the 365 Alliance has enabled us to respond effectively to people’s life traumas – a key focus of our community investment plans. We also liaise with regional community groups and networks to help us translate our global plans into local activities.

Shareholders and investors: There is ongoing dialogue between Aviva’s directors and our major institutional shareholders and we seek the views of major investors. In 2008 our group CR director, Louella Eastman, met more than 20 investors and SRI analysts. Our AGM, together with our annual reports, are designed to enable shareholders and investors to have a balanced and clear view of the group’s activities and prospects.

Companies in which we invest: As a major investor, we monitor the governance of the companies in which we invest and exercise the voting rights attached to our own shareholdings in the UK. As part of Aviva Investors’ governance, an independent advisory committee of senior CR experts advises the company’s sustainable and responsible investment team on strategy and best practice.

Suppliers: We are clear and consistent with our suppliers about what we expect of them and what they can expect of us. Through The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, we are contributing to more standardised, best practice approaches for the financial services sector.