Page 7 An engaging Partnership


(Picture of John Lewis Store)


Local communities
We are committed to contributing to the communities in which we operate, and we aim to build long-term relationships with local community and interest groups. For example, our Community Liaison Co-ordinators work with shop Partners to develop effective community involvement plans. We also carry out public consultations before finalising planning applications for all new shops and refurbishments.


Industry and other organisations
(Picture of garden furniture)
(Picture of a washing machine)

We actively participate in a number of industry groups and forums, and sit on various policy advisory and working groups covering issues from climate change to chemicals. We support the work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on issues such as sustainable timber (Greenpeace, Forestry Stewardship Council), energy efficient products (Energy Saving Trust) and the regulation of the cotton industry (Environmental Justice Foundation).

In October 2007, in conjunction with sustainable development charity Forum for the Future, we held a senior managers CSR conference. The purpose of this event was to build awareness and understanding of the importance of sustainability to long-term business performance, and to debate how the Partnership could respond to the dilemmas associated with the sustainability agenda.

"You are famous for being Never Knowingly Undersold. Will you be able to say to your consumers 'we are never knowingly unsustainable'?" Jill Rutter Director of Strategy and Sustainable Development, Defra

"Retailers will always want to sell more. But for sustainable development, we need them to sell more of the sustainable products and services and less of the unsustainable ones." Tom Berry Principal Sustainability Advisor, Forum for the Future

"What can you do" Maybe become 'waste-neutral'" Or at the very least, move along the waste hierarchy, and understand how you can produce less waste. This extends to construction, with opportunities to use recycled and reclaimed materials in new buildings." Mark Barthel Special Advisor on Retail, Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP)


Government and other authorities
(Picture montage of kitchen appliances)

We work closely with Government, local authorities and regulators such as the Environment Agency and the Health & Safety Executive to make sure we operate within the law. We also engage in regular dialogue with policymakers over legislation in areas that may have an impact on our business, such as packaging, carrier bags, energy efficient products, and electrical and electronic waste.