Our activities

Revision of policies and code of conduct:
The business ethics policy, the Supply Management Policy, the Corporate Code of Conduct and other specific governing documents have been revised to ensure appropriate attention to human rights risks and the reflection of UN Global Compact principles 1 and 2.

Working with suppliers and third parties:
Aker Solutions work with our suppliers to support the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights. All third parties shall be informed about Aker Solutions’ Code of Conduct and our expectations to them about aligning their conduct with Aker Solutions’ Policies. We are also in the process of integrating the commitment to Human Rights into our suppliers pre-qualifications procedures.

Human rights considerations in bidding activities:
Aker Solutions is a large supplier to the oil and gas industry, and we strive to ensure that the projects we support and supply with our technology and services are consistent with our business ethics policy and our support of human rights. In 2010 we implemented a project review system for bidding activities in high-risk countries. With the publication of our country risk standard, we initiated an information campaign. Intranet articles described the risks and the management system, and managers were trained on the implementation. Specific information sessions have been arranged for new business teams and tender managers, and for locations working towards high-risk markets. Along with the increased information we have seen an increase in approaches from our different business units, with questions and notifications for new tender opportunities. We consider this to be a positive sign of increased awareness in the organisation.

Training and awareness-raising:
Our interactive computer based learning tool on Corporate Responsibility has been in place since 2007. The code of conduct is distributed to all new employees and has also been made available on our webpages. A business ethics programme is under development and will be implemented from mid October 2011. Employees are encouraged to apply their skills and knowledge for the benefit of the communities in which they live and work.

Partnering with Red Cross:
Aker Solutions remains a global partner of the Norwegian Red Cross. Our main focus is in offering relief and emergency aid in the event of catastrophes. The partnership encompasses financial support, knowledge exchange, sharing of expertise and best practice, and volunteering of Aker Solutions Employees in Red Cross projects. We encourage our employees to take part in voluntary work.

Sponsorship:
Aker Solutions supports local sports activities and other social initiatives in the societies where we are present. No charitable donations are made to political or religious organisations and all charitable donations must be approved in advance by Aker Solutions’ Board of Directors.

Building on local capabilities:
Aker Solutions is committed to building on local capabilities and sharing our technology with the markets we enter. We believe that we benefit from drawing on local resources to create jobs, customise product strategies, and work with local governments.

• We have been increasing our capacity in the Asia Pacific region. Currently we employ approximately 4 000 people in the region, including around 1000 located in Malaysia. Of those 1000, most work at the high-tech manufacturing centre we established in 2007. Nearly 100 of the engineers and technicians employed at the centre at Port Klang were trained at our Norwegian and British Subsea facilities. The centre has also created opportunities for local vendors who supply the centre with components and services.
• Our Subsea operations in Brazil have more than 1000 people in an almost exclusively Brazilian workforce.
• In Angola we have developed West Africa’s most advanced Subsea base. To promote the effective sharing of our know-how in the region, an active training programme has brought employees from the region to be trained at other Aker Solutions facilities.
• We are also implementing local graduate programmes in key regions as US, Brazil and Norway, and similar efforts with local employees in several other countries