The board is ultimately responsible to the company’s shareholders for the group's corporate governance, strategic objectives and the stewardship of the company's resources. Board responsibility for EHS rests with the Chief Executive. The group Director of Environment, Health and Safety is responsible for the function and reports to the Chief Executive. The board undertakes a formal review of EHS performance annually, delegating specific responsibility for EHS matters to the Environment, Health and Safety Committee (EHSC).

The EHSC is chaired by the Director of EHS and reports to the Chief Executive’s Committee. Divisional directors responsible for the group’s manufacturing operations are members of the Committee. The EHSC meets every two months to review EHS performance and consider key policy and operational issues.

Performance is monitored using monthly information on significant events, health and safety statistics and detailed site audit reports. The Audit Committee considers risks associated with EHS and monitors performance through the group control self-assessment process administered by the internal audit function. Ultimately EHS performance is dependent upon leadership from the top, accountability at divisional and line management level and individuals taking a responsible attitude to their own health and safety performance at work.

Johnson Matthey is committed to managing these activities to provide the highest level of protection to the environment and to safeguard the health and safety of employees, customers and the community. Assessing and controlling the risks though professional management also minimises the financial implications for the company, protecting shareholder interests. Certain risks are insured, but this is no substitute for sound management of the function.

Our EHS management system provides guiding principles to ensure high standards are achieved at all sites around the world. It also promotes continuous improvement based on careful risk assessment. The corporate policy statement, widely disseminated within the business, is signed by the Chief Executive and fully endorsed by the board.