corporate responsibility and sustainability - cobham plc · pdf fileannual risk assessment....
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Message from Chief Executive Officer
Message from Director, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
2 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
This report summarises
the improvements we
have made during 2010
and sets out what we
plan to achieve during
2011. Corporate
responsibility and
sustainability (CR&S)
is a key driver of shareholder value requiring
integration into all that we do. As Chief
Executive Officer, I ensure that the Board is
kept informed of our progress and takes
account of any material issues during its
annual risk assessment.
Most notably during 2010 we launched the
Excellence in Delivery (EiD) programme which
will transform Cobham by streamlining our
operations and enabling our people to delight
our customers. As part of this programme we
are integrating CR&S into every aspect of our
At Cobham we
recognize that acting
responsibly and
sustainably creates
value. We are working
to make this part of
everything we do. We
will achieve this
through improving key stakeholder
relationships, finding innovative uses of our
technology for positive social and
environmental impact, striving for the
highest ethical standards, developing our
people, pursuing zero harm and engaging in
our communities.
Against a tougher economic backdrop in
2010 we made progress towards our goals
in a number of key areas including:
• Benchmarking ourselves using the
Business in the Community Corporate
Responsibility Index
• Researching our key stakeholder groups
• Commencing the Excellence in Delivery
business. I am very encouraged by the
results to date.
We are proud of our company and the
products and services that we provide
– they keep people safe and improve
communications. Our CR&S programmes are
designed to improve our performance in a
responsible, sustainable manner and look
forward to sharing with you our progress in
the next report. In the interim, I welcome
your feedback.
programme to deliver value for customers
and making Cobham a better place to work
for its employees
• Completing the appointment of ethics
officers in all our business units and ethical
awareness training for 99% of our employees
• Continuing to invest in developing leadership
and mission critical workforce talent
programmes
• Rolling out our standardised safety, health
and environment management approach
• Conducting a strategic review of the Group’s
community involvement activities.
During 2011 we will build on this work with a
focus on integrating CR&S into our
standardised operating processes.
Front cover image An employee from Cobham plc in Wimborne volunteered at Kings World trust for Children, a charity that provides a caring home, an education and skills training for orphan and homeless children in Southern India. In addition to the voluntary work, Cobham employees donated £1,200 to the Trust.
See page 25 for more on “Being part of our communities”
Contents
Messages 2Chief Executive Officer 2
Director, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability 2
Our corporate responsibility and sustainability reporting 3
Cobham at a glance 4
Vision, strategy and governance 6Vision 6
Strategy 6
Governance 7
Enhancing stakeholder engagement 8
Creating value through innovation with insight 10
Competing for high performing talent 14Talent development 14
Diversity and equality 16
Acting ethically towards all our stakeholders 17
Pursuing zero harm 18Flight safety 19
Occupational safety and health 20
Environmental management 21
Energy and carbon emissions 22
Water consumption 22
Waste generation 22
Product stewardship 24
Being part of our communities 25
Performance summary 27
Cobham’s products and services have been at the heart of sophisticated military and civil systems for more than 75 years, keeping people safe, improving communications, and enhancing the capability of land, marine, air and space platforms. The Group has three divisions employing more than 11,000 people on five continents, with customers and partners in more than 100 countries and annual revenue of some £1.9bn/$3bn.
James StreaterDirector, Corporate Responsibility
and Sustainability
Andy StevensChief Executive Officer
Messages
Our corporate responsibility and sustainability reporting
3www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Cobham is committed to publicly reporting on its corporate responsibility and sustainability performance. It is recognised that our performance is of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including our employees, customers and shareholders.
to improve its reporting towards best practice in
terms of materiality, inclusiveness, accuracy and
completeness and strives to provide a balanced
approach that highlights its successes,
challenges and development needs as well as
allowing comparability of our performance
through time.
Cobham collects general corporate
responsibility and sustainability information
from its business units on an annual basis and
health and safety information on a quarterly
basis. The information collected is based on the
information requirements necessary to manage
performance and to respond to external
questionnaires. The Global Reporting Initiative
was used as the starting point of identifying the
relevant information to collect and this has been
tailored to meet the needs of the business.
Cobham’s reporting is currently self-declared
and based on internal data verification of annual
data returns provided by its business units
across the globe. This year, data from 100% of
wholly owned business units was reviewed for
omissions, errors and significant variation (5%)
from previous years reporting which have been
checked by the corporate responsibility and
sustainability team with the business units.
As the Group’s reporting improves we
occasionally discover incorrect data,
methodologies or assumptions. All such errors
are identified within the report. The Company is
currently undertaking an external assurance
readiness programme on greenhouse gas
reporting with a view to seeking independent
assurance on this data in 2011.
During 2010 Cobham has reported publicly on
its corporate responsibility and sustainability
performance through a number of channels
including:
• Cobham’s 2010 annual report and accounts
which provides a summary of our key
performance indicators linked to the key
sustainability risks faced by the Group
• This annual corporate responsibility and
sustainability report which provides more
detail on our vision, strategy, governance and
management approach to corporate
responsibility and sustainability
• The corporate responsibility pages of the
Cobham website (www.cobham.com) which
provide key extracts from the annual
corporate responsibility and sustainability
report
• Responses to publicly available surveys such
as the Carbon Disclosure Project
This report covers all wholly owned operational
activities over which Cobham has management
control for the financial year ended 31
December 2010. Data is consolidated for the
Group and reconciled for any acquisitions and
divestitures that take place through the course
of the year. There have been no significant
changes in size, ownership or activities that
materially influence the scope or boundary of
this report in comparison to the previous report
for the financial year ended 31 December 2009.
The content of this report has been defined in
response to the corporate responsibility and
sustainability risks facing the Group as well as
the interests and expectations of a range of
interested stakeholders. Cobham is committed
Total revenue
£1,902.6m (2009: £1,880.4m)
+1.2%Total Carbon Footprint
465,826 tonnes CO2e (2009: 476,148 tonnes CO
2e)
-2.2%Talent
30% of all senior positions were filled through capable internal candidates
Ethics
99.9% of employees had received ethical awareness training
99.3% completed their annual re-certification
Health and Safety
0 Fatalities (2009: 0)
-15.7% Major Accident Incident Rate (MAIR)2010: 565 (2009: 670)
-33.7% Lost Working Days2010: 2,212 (2009: 3,336)
Our co
rpo
rate respo
nsibility an
d sustainability rep
ortin
g
23%of Group revenue
(2009: 26%)
45%of Group revenue
(2009: 46%)
21%of Group
trading profit(2009: 25%)
49%of Group
trading profit(2009: 49%)
Cobham at a glance
Technology Divisions
2010 Highlights
Defence SystemsAvionics and Surveillance
Supporting people and platforms to see and be seen Providing a 360 degree mission perspective to decision makers
Capabilities Avionics – integrated systems and communication solutions• Surveillance solutions – audio, visual, tracking, locating, cellular, •
sensor, covert surveillance and search and rescue solutions for government and civil agencies
SATCOM – land, marine and airborne communication systems•
Capabilities Sensor systems – radar, communication and electronic warfare•Antenna systems – microwave antennas, composites and masts• Defence communications – tactical communication, command •
and control systems Analytic solutions – high end scientific, engineering and technical •
assistance for defence and national security
Operating locationsUSA, UK, Canada, Denmark, France, South Africa
Operating locationsUSA, UK, Mexico, Finland, Sweden
Revenue2
£447.4m(2009: £487.3m)
Revenue2
£859.2m(2009: £873.0m)
Trading profit
£72.2m(2009: £84.6m)
Trading profit
£169.0m(2009: £164.4m)
Employees1
2,651 (2009: 2,947)
Employees1
5,134 (2009: 5,325)
FebruaryCobham was awarded a contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to manufacture advanced composite components and assemblies for the main rotor blades of the United States Marine Corps’ CH-53K Heavy Lift Replacement Helicopter.3
JanuaryCobham’s HeliSAS® Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot received Technical Standard Order certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration.
MarchCobham launched the inaugural Sir Alan Cobham Awards programme, with over 500 employees recognised across five categories.
AprilTwo Cobham businesses were honoured in the2010 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise; one each in the categories of International Trade and Innovation.
MayCobham was awarded a contract for US$46m from Naval Air Systems Command to manufacture the AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Transmitter, designed to protect strike aircraft, ships, and ground troops by disrupting enemy radar and communications.3
JuneCobham was awarded a $17m contract from Raytheon Missile Systems to manufacture microwave modules used in a ground- to-ground or air-to-ground missile applications.
Image courtesy of Raytheon.
4 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Co
bham
at a glance
18%of Group revenue
(2009: 17%)
14%of Group revenue
(2009: 12%)
20%of Group
trading profit(2009: 17%)
10%of Group
trading profit(2009: 9%)
Service Division
Mission Systems Aviation Services
Mission systems for extreme environments Outsourced aviation services
Capabilities Air-to-air refuelling systems• Weapons carriage and release systems• Safety and survival systems• Weapons systems• Space systems•
CapabilitiesWarfare training• Special mission operations• Flight inspection services• Support services• Airline – outsourced commercial aviation• Freight services• Aerospace engineering•
Operating locationsUSA, UK
Operating locationsUK, Australia, Germany
Revenue2
£344.1m(2009: £317.0m)
Revenue2
£273.5m(2009: £230.9m)
Trading profit
£69.2m(2009: £56.8m)
Trading profit
£36.4m(2009: £31.3m)
Employees1
1,474(2009: 1,533)
Employees1
1,644(2009: 1,733)
1 At year end2 Includes interdivisional trading.3 Use of this Department of Defense image does not
imply Department of Defense endorsement
JulySelected as a major subcontractor to demonstrate autonomous aerial refuelling between two unmanned NASA Global Hawk aircraft.3
AugustCobham delivered its 100th Low Band Transmitter to US Navy ahead of schedule. A system heavily used in current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Image courtesy of Russell Hill.
SeptemberSelected as as partner for the Cabin Core System on China’s indigenous narrow body airliner, the COMAC C919.
OctoberAwarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract worth up to $1.6bn to provide advisory and assistance services to the US Missile Defense Agency.3
NovemberMichael Wareing appointed as a non-executive director with effect from 1 December 2010.
DecemberAnnounced acquisition of RVision Inc., an advanced electro-optical and infrared imaging systems specialist for up to US$48m.
5www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Co
bham
at a glance
Vision, strategy and governance
Vision
Strategy
At Cobham, corporate responsibility and sustainability means building trust with key stakeholders,
future proofing the business against changes in society, resource availability and technology as
well as being responsible towards society and the environment. Cobham’s vision for corporate
responsibility and sustainability to:
• Be fully INTEgRATED into corporate governance, strategy, performance management,
reporting and assurance
• Act ethically and RESPONSIBLy with all stakeholders
• INSPIRE and motivate employees
• Work SMARTER, not harder
Achieving this vision will add value to all Cobham’s stakeholders.
Cobham’s strategy for corporate responsibility and sustainability is primarily to enhance its
stakeholder engagement and to fully integrate responsible business practices into core
business systems (PROCESSES). The second key theme is to engage and educate employees
in what corporate responsibility and sustainability means to Cobham and how they can each
contribute (PEOPLE). The third element is to provide challenging and rewarding work in great
locations (PLACES) and lastly to develop innovative technology that protects lives and
livelihoods (PRODUCTS).
We continued to improve on the majority of our key performance indicators despite the challenging economic situation.
Processes
People
Places
Products
• Stakeholder engagement
• Standard operating framework
• Life cycle management
• Management systems
• Staff and talent management programmes
• Organisational design
• Learning and development
• Employee engagement
• Customer and end user requirements
• Product stewardship
• Supply chain management
• Geographic footprint
• Green buildings
• Logistics and distribution
• Community engagement
Cobham’s vision for corporate responsibility and sustainability is aligned with our corporate vision, values and strategic objectives.
“The corporate responsibility and sustainability programme assists Cobham Aviation Services in gauging the current health
of the organisation and ensuring continuous improvement against our targets. It is an integral part of the day to day business and our commitment to the environment and the community” Peter Nottage, Vice President Cobham Aviation Services
6 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
“As a company, Cobham’s long term success is dependent upon our ability to build trust with our key stakeholders. Our corporate responsibility and sustainability programme plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining this bond of trust and I am personally committed to its success.” Randy N. Morgan, President, Cobham Analytic Solutions
Visio
n, strategy an
d governan
ce
Governance
Cobham is fully committed to the highest
standards of corporate governance which is
based on its core values of trust, talent and
technology and supported by it’s code of
business conduct. The approach towards the
governance of Cobham’s corporate
responsibility and sustainability is set out in the
corporate responsibility and sustainability
framework, with the overall direction steered
by the corporate responsibility and
sustainability committee. The committee is
chaired by the Chief Executive, who has overall
accountability for such matters, with
membership including the Executive Vice
President of Human Resources, Chief of Staff,
Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President
Cobham Corporate North America and
Director of Corporate Responsibility and
Sustainability, the latter having responsibility
for development and implementation of
the strategy.
The purpose of the corporate responsibility
and sustainability committee is to assist the
Group in discharging its duties to promote the
success of the company for the benefit of its
stakeholders and have regard to the matters,
among other things, noted in Section 172 (1)
(a-f) of the UK Companies Act 2006. In
particular, the committee is required to
consider the risks and opportunities relating to
its key focus areas of:
• Enhancing stakeholder engagement
• Attracting and retaining talent
• Acting ethically towards its stakeholders
• Pursuing zero harm
Cobham’s governance reflects the importance of corporate responsibility and sustainability as a core business strategy by embedding it within our governance policies and integrating it into our business processes.
Cobham plc announced the appointment of Michael Wareing as a non-executive director with effect from 1 December 2010. Michael also became chairman of the audit committee in May 2011.Amongst Michael’s other commitments, he is a member of the board of Business in the Community and co-chairman of Business in the Community international (formerly the Global Partner Network) which promotes best practice in corporate social responsibility.
Cobham joined Business in the Community in 2010 and participated in the Corporate Responsibility Index for the first time seeking to benchmark itself against UK and sector peers. Feedback from this process will be reviewed by Cobham’s corporate responsibility and sustainability committee to support development of the strategy going forward.
“Business in the Community’s CR Index is the UK’s leading voluntary benchmark of Corporate Responsibility (CR). It helps companies to integrate and improve CR throughout their operations by providing a systematic approach to managing, measuring and reporting on business impacts in society and on the environment” – BITC CR Index website
The committee is authorised by the Group
Executive to:
• Review the effectiveness of processes and
controls for identifying and managing
corporate responsibility and sustainability
risks and opportunities that could
materially affect the Group’s business
performance and reputation
• Review and challenge the performance in
line with the Group’s corporate
responsibility and sustainability vision,
strategy, policies and performance
standards
• Maintain oversight of the strategy and key
policies, noting any recommendations and
inputs from the Board and the Group
Executive
• Monitor the integrity and effectiveness of
the non-financial statements and any
other formal communications relating to
the Group’s corporate responsibility and
sustainability performance.
The corporate responsibility and
sustainability committee is supported by two
subcommittees: the business ethics and
compliance committee and the safety, health
and environment committee.
Resources for corporate responsibility and
sustainability were enhanced during 2010 by
a dedicated full time analyst. A more
extensive assurance program will be planned
for 2011 including those in Cobham’s internal
audit team.
7www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Visio
n, strategy an
d governan
ce
8 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Enhancing stakeholder engagement
Linking key stakeholder issues with shareholder value through corporate strategy and operational performance.
During 2010 Cobham engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders at differing frequencies and through different media. The table below identifies
who we engaged with, the method, how often and the more important issues identified.
Engagement with our stakeholders in 2010
Stakeholders Method of Engagement Frequency Summary of material issues
Customers Formal and informal As required Technological innovation
Quality, cost and delivery
Through life costs
Hazardous materials
Shareholders Financial and non-financial reporting
Annual general meeting
Face to face, telephonic correspondence
with a variety of shareholders
Quarterly and annually
Annually
As required
Defence budget impacts
Business ethics
Staff and talent shortage
Regulators Face to face or telephonic discussion
Written correspondence
As required Legal compliance
Government
(UK & US)
Face to face discussions with government
and elected representatives
As required Future military spending
Contribution to local communities
Contribution to technological innovation
US Government
lobbyists
Face to face discussions As required Industry’s position on key issues
Employees Team Briefings
Employee magazine (Cobham Update)
Intranet
Focus groups
Ethics hotline
Monthly
Quarterly
As required
As required
As required
Corporate strategy
Excellence in Delivery programme
Business ethics
Safety, health and environment
Industry bodies Meetings As required Industry insights and good practice
Impacts of current and pending legislation
Industry’s position on key issues
Industry-wide environmental initiatives
Investment
community
Investor roadshows, face to face and
telephonic discussions
Investor surveys (EIRiS, Bloomberg,
Governance Metrics International,
Carbon Disclosure Project)
As required Defence budget impacts
Staff and talent shortage
Governance issues
Risks and opportunities arising from
climate change
Local communities Press releases
Charitable support
As required Job creation and restructuring
Licence to operate
Enh
ancin
g stakeho
lder en
gagemen
t
“I am personally committed to having an integrated, responsible and sustainable approach to our
operations as this will help us to better serve our stakeholder community” Fred Cahill, Vice President, Cobham Antenna Systems
9www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Cobham understands that building trust with its key stakeholders is essential to growth, operational excellence and long-term value. During 2010,
Cobham conducted a mapping exercise to review its key stakeholder groups, their relative influence and the materiality of their issues to the business.
This exercise identified that Cobham’s primary stakeholder groups comprise the following:
The priority issues identified as important to
both these stakeholder groups and Cobham
included:
• Business ethics, governance and regulation
• Occupational health and safety
• Employee wellbeing
• Community/licence to operate
• Energy efficiency and carbon emissions
• Supply chain management
• Diversity and equality
Stakeholder classification Stakeholder group Stakeholder strategy
Business critical Employees, customers, business partners, shareholders, potential investors, government, regulators, investment analysts, banking community, local communities
Review, maintain and/or enhance existing engagement activities with these groups
Influencers Suppliers, strategic advisors, PR consultants, media, investor research agencies
Monitor and respond to concerns of key influencers
Interested Potential recruits, brokers, NGOs Keep informed on relevant key issues
Other areas of interest to stakeholders
included:
• Potential for involvement in controversial
weapons
• Waste and recycling
• Water management
While these issues are considered important
they are considered of lower materiality due
their potential impact on the business.
AWARDS Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability2008
The most important thing we build is trust
Cobham Technical Services in Leatherhead was a finalist in the
prestigious 2010 MacRobert Award from
the Royal Academy of Engineering, for its
innovative MINEHOUND dual-sensor
mine detector. MINEHOUND is a
hand-held mine detector incorporating
Cobham’s leading-edge ultra wideband
ground penetrating radar and a
high-performance metal detector
developed by Cobham’s manufacturing
partner for the product, Vallon GmbH,
and was previously featured on the front
cover of our 2008 corporate responsibility
and sustainability report.
AWARDS
Enh
ancin
g stakeho
lder en
gagemen
t
Concord
San Diego
Davenport
Marlow
Troyes
Wimborne
WhiteleyNashua
Lansdale
Prescott
Orchard Park
Exeter
Lowell
San Jose
10 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Creating value through innovation with insight
Cobham creates value through innovation of technologies in the commercial aerospace, defence and security markets through deep customer insight and engineering excellence.
Cobham’s strategy is to create superior
shareholder value by growing market share over
time in attractive segments of the global
commercial aerospace, defence and security
markets where it can achieve scale and leading
market positions. Many of the Group’s products
and services are focused on enhancing
communications and protecting the lives and
livelihoods of civil and military personnel and
assets in hostile and challenging environments.
Engagement with customers and end users has
led to the development of distinctive
technologies and the strengthening of market
positions through acquisition to build scale.
Examples of Cobham’s investment in
technology include:
• Certification of fifth generation air refuelling
pods, along with the Airbus Military A330
Multi Role Transport Tanker, for the Royal
Australian Air Force
• Provision of an autonomous aerial refuelling
system for the Northrop Grumman KQ-X
Global Hawk programme
• Successful demonstration to the US Army of
a 100 user radio system for the Wireless
Network after Next (WNaN) programme
• Launch of a fully portable, networked and
unattended ground sensor (Wireless Sensor
Network Node or ‘Nugget’) for covert
surveillance and asset protection applications
• Launch of Cobham’s smallest, lightest and
lowest cost SwiftBroadband solution (the
unique SB200) allowing satellite connectivity
for data networks, internet, email and
telephony for a new market of smaller aircraft
In addition to its strong tradition of innovation
through deep customer insight over the past 76
years, Cobham announced its Excellence in
Delivery programme in August 2010. The
programme will enhance Cobham’s ability to
deliver value for its customers and make
Cobham a better place for its employees
through a significant investment in world class
systems, infrastructure and training. The
programme is being be rolled out in a phased
manner across 14 principal manufacturing
locations.
End users and customers are increasingly
focusing on reducing through-life operating
costs by demanding products and services that
are more durable, energy efficient, less fossil
fuel dependent and recyclable. Cobham is
integrating these environmental sustainability
requirements into its standard operating
framework and new IT systems which are key
components of the Excellence in Delivery
programme.
Principal Locations14 principal manufacturing locations
AWARDS
Cobham Surveillance in Segensworth received an
Innovation award for
developing its Solo4
wireless digital audio and
video link technology that
improves safety for bomb
disposal teams and law enforcement
personnel by increasing the range at which
they can effectively operate their robotic
bomb disposal equipment. This is the
second Queen’s Award for Enterprise for
this site, following an award in the
International Trade category in 2009.
Creatin
g value through in
novatio
n with in
sight
11www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Mars Rover
Cobham’s rotary joints, antennas and pyrotechnic actuators were part of the mission that took the Mars Rover to the Red Planet.
Shuttle Systems
Every Shuttle astronaut has depended on Cobham oxygen regulators and life support equipment.
Aboard the ISS
Cobham has delivered more than 250 life support components for the International Space Station, including vital subsystems for its Quest Joint Airlock.
Imaging Earth
The UK-DMC satellite, part of a constellation specifically designed to monitor disaster areas such as the 2008 California Bushfires as seen here, includes a purpose-built Cobham antenna.
Air-To-Air Refuelling
Cobham provides 95% of the world’s probe and drogue air-to-air refuelling equipment and has delivered more than 1,000 systems.
Airbus A380
Every Airbus A380 flies with Cobham antennas, airborne servers and routers, communications management systems and oxygen systems.
Enabling Networks
Every US fighter aircraft carries a Cobham antenna and every F/A-22 stealth fighter includes more than 100 Cobham microwave modules.
On Board with Red Bull
Our high speed video transmission technology provides breathtaking live video from the cockpits of Red Bull Air Race competitors, despite punishing 12G turns at 280mph.
Surveillance
Our specialist communications and surveillance equipment is in daily use with more than 125 law enforcement and public safety agencies around the world.
Disarming IEDs
Our digital video compression technology enhances safety for bomb disposal units by increasing the range at which they operate their specialist robots.
Right There With Them
Thanks to Cobham, Vancouver Winter Olympics viewers shared the thrills and spills of the inaugural “Ski Cross” through live video transmitted from their helmets.
Tactical Communication
More than 125,000 Cobham vehicle intercom systems are in service with 18 armed forces around the world.
Composite Capability
Our composite technology is present in the primary radar array face of the Daring Class Type 45 Air Warfare Destroyer and in many unmanned systems.
Life Preserver
Every US Navy pilot wears our personal life support equipment, including life preserver auto-inflation and parachute auto-release systems.
Satellite Saviour
Our satellite communications and emergency position indicating technology has saved more than 27,000 lives on land and sea.
Microwave Modules
Our microwave technology plays a vital role in the US Navy’s Aegis combat control radar system.
Imag
e co
urte
sy A
irbus
S.A
.S
Phot
o co
urte
sy o
f Tim
othy
Rya
n
Space
Aerospace
Land
Maritime
Creatin
g value through in
novatio
n with in
sight
12 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Cobham SATCOM in Cape Town sets new standards in energy efficiency in the
design of the HGA-7001 High Gain Antenna system certified on the Airbus Long Range
family of aircraft and the 470 kbps single channel SwiftBroadband system, whilst
achieving high levels in quality and product capability.
Cobham Surveillance in Segensworth’s
COFDM equipment played a key part in the
effort to track the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. An
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
(ISR) aircraft deployed by Sierra Nevada
Corporation (SNC) flew out over the Gulf using
imagery and mapping capabilities to explore
the oil spill and its overall size. These aircraft are
typically used for border security and defence
applications. SNC’s ISR aircraft features
Cobham’s FM and COFDM video products to
provide real-time transmission of live full
motion video to observers on the ground.
Cobham Life Support in Orchard Park’s gunfire-tolerant oxygen cylinder received a
world-first certification from the United States Department of Defence. The unique carbon-fibre
composite shell can survive the impact of .50 calibre armour piercing gunfire which means that
war fighters using our new oxygen cylinders will no longer have to choose between safety and
performance. This lighter, stronger, safer oxygen cylinder will be used for applications in high
altitude jump systems and emergency oxygen breathing on military transport and fighter
aircraft. In addition, they have the capacity to store more oxygen than any steel cylinder, giving
the option of extending mission duration using fewer cylinders.
Cobham Life Support in Westminster
worked in collaboration with Beacon Power to
help develop the largest composite flywheel
ever produced for commercial application.
This 2000 pound composite flywheel is about
36” in diameter by 60” long with 7” thick walls.
The flywheel acts as a frequency regulator for
electrical power generation, enabling an
emission-free alternative to the current coal
and gas fired practices. It is estimated that each
of Cobham’s flywheels can save up to 60 tons
of CO2 emissions annually, as compared to a
coal-fired power plant.
Creating value through innovation with insight
AWARDS
Cobham Antenna Systems in Marlow received an International
Trade award for increasing
export revenues
continuously over six
years to nearly £60 million
per annum and for selling well over 80% of
its production overseas.
Cobham’s digital audio and video link
technology was recognised as a key
contributor to numerous life-saving
applications including disaster relief and
counter terrorism.
Creatin
g value through in
novatio
n with in
sight
13www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
“In a world dependent on fossil energies, the Solar Impulse project is a paradox, almost a provocation. It aims to have an airplane take off and fly autonomously, day and night, propelled uniquely by solar energy. Staying aloft for several days on end, this airplane will fly round the world without fuel or pollution.”
SOLARIMPULSE website (www.solarimpulse.com)
Cobham announced the acquisition of SafeLife Systems, a satellite self-test detection
service based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The newly acquired service gives thousands of
owners of 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)
and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) the ability to send non-distress
messages via text/email to family and friends, letting them know that all is well. It will
become part of the ACR Products line in Cobham’s Life Support strategic business unit.
The following Cobham products have been
selected for use on the Solar Impulse aircraft.
In both cases, Cobham products were selected
due to their small and lightweight design,
energy efficient operation whilst maintaining
the high levels of reliability and operational
performance required.
Cobham Surveillance in Carlsbad
provided a Cobham miniature transmitter
(VMT) with Variable Efficiency Power Amplifier
(VEPA-2W), a crucial telemetry link, to downlink
critical imagery and telemetry data.
Cobham SATCOM in Cape Town
supplied a special version of the SB300
SwiftBroadband (SBB) System to provide
access to the Inmarsat aeronautical high
speed data system for the transfer of
video, telephone and aircraft telemetry to
the Solar Impulse ground control station.
The Solar Impulse aircraft successfully
completed a 26 hour non-stop flight in July
2010 relying solely on solar energy and
producing no environmentally harmful
emissions.
Creatin
g value through in
novatio
n with in
sight
14 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Competing for high performing talent
Attracting, retaining and developing the leadership and mission critical skills necessary for the future workplace in an increasingly competitive talent environment.
Talent development Cobham recognises that investment in its
talent is critical to future growth.
Cobham’s Group Executive sponsor and own
the talent management process. The Group
Executive have stated that talent within
Cobham is fundamental and that we must
continue to develop the skills, knowledge and
behaviours essential for our future. To ensure
that this is addressed in a focussed and
structured way we have established a
framework that supports our ability to:
• Understand where our potential is
• Understand the skills and knowledge we
need
• Provide the mechanisms to develop the right
functional and leadership competencies
A range of talent development programmes
have been established and others are being
developed. These include:
• Apprenticeship Scheme
Owned by Corporate and covering all UK
sites, the scheme partners with local
educational organisations to provide
technical training supporting practical work
experience. Competence standards
continue to rise with graduating apprentices
progressing into engineering and IT roles or
continuing their education as part of the
Cobham Graduate Programme. During 2010,
eleven apprentices joined the existing
twenty-three on the programme. One
apprentice continued onto the Graduate
Development programme and thirteen took
up permanent roles.
• graduate Development Programme
A structured programme owned by
Corporate and targeting leading academic
institutions in the UK and US to deliver
future high performers in technical and
commercial work streams. On passing a
rigorous selection procedure, graduates
complete several placements, in different
parts of the business. The programme
received Royal Aeronautical Society
accreditation during 2010 and the first
graduates are now taking up permanent
roles within the organisation. During 2010,
the programme recruited a further twenty-
three graduates to join the twenty-seven
already on the programme with six graduates
moving off the programme into permanent
roles in Cobham.
• Divisional High Potential Owned by each of the divisions and targeted
at developing employees with the ability to
deliver strategic objectives within mission
critical work streams. During 2010, seventy
employees participated in the programme,
with a high proportion of those being
assigned leading roles within the Group’s
“Excellence in Delivery” programme.
• Senior Development Programme
Owned by Corporate and targeting high
potential individuals as the future senior
leadership of the business. The programme
partners with leading UK and US business
schools and provides participants with
opportunities to develop their senior
leadership skills. During 2010, seven employees
were selected to accompany the twenty-four
currently progressing through the programme.
Success is measured by the number of
employees moving onto high level roles and
of those who have already graduated, 70% of
employees have made this step.
• Executive Development Programme Owned by Corporate and providing senior
management with continuing professional
and personal development.
Underpinning all of the development
programmes is a common, group-wide
performance management process containing:
• A framework of mission critical
competencies against which employees
are assessed
• Performance management tools to assess
employees’ specific objectives and personal
development progress
• Strategic workforce and succession planning
tools to meet the changing needs of the
business and identify high performers for
future role development.
PROFILE
During 2010, more than 30% of all senior positions within Cobham were filled from internal talent development programmes.
Kelly Rabenau, graduate Programme 2007 – 2009“I was part of the
graduate programme
for two years, during
which I completed three placements,
working in quality assurance, human
resources and aftermarket development.
My placements allowed me to gain
experience at a business unit level,
divisional level and Group level. The
rotational structure of the graduate
programme helped me understand issues
and cultures within particular areas of the
business, as well as build contacts across
the Group, which is a great benefit in my
role today. My last placement evolved
into my first permanent role, part of a
Group-wide project team focused on
driving growth through Aftermarket
activities. I consider my time on the
graduate programme to have placed me
in a strong position to launch my career,
through knowledge of the business, a
network of contacts and not least
increased self-confidence. I have since
moved on to my second role, working as
Marketing Specialist focusing on
delivering growth for Cobham in the
airline market.”
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15www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
AWARDS
Cobham apprentices are entered into
the apprentice of the year awards, part of
the Engineering Employer’s Federation
(EEF) Future Manufacturing Awards each
year. This award recognises those who
have done the most to seize the training
and development opportunities
presented to them during the first or
fourth year of their apprenticeship
programme. Regional winners are
announced during November with the
national results being released early the
following year. During 2010, Peter
Grimsdale was announced in February as
one of two runners up in the 2009
national finals and Mark Empson won the
2010 EEF First Year Apprentice of the Year
for south west region, announced late
November. Mark has now been entered
into the 2010 national finals, the results of
which will be announced in 2011.
Peter Grimsdale, Cobham Apprentice
(Left) Ben Fowler, fourth year runner up and (right) Mark Empson
Employee training needs are identified by line
managers to underpin competent delivery in
the individual’s current role as well as flagging
space where they have potential to go further.
During 2010, 9700 employees (89%) received
training which includes 157,750 hours technical
and professional development and equating to
over £2.6 million investment by Cobham.
Cobham believes that by paying attention to
identifying potential, addressing the
development needs of its people, aligning them
to the current and future needs of the business,
it will be well placed for a strong future.
“Cobham has an ongoing commitment to identifying and employing top technical talent. We have put in motion a series of initiatives designed to engage the workforce at every level. Providing a workplace that is positive creates opportunities for all employees to participate in a meaningful way. By helping employees reach their potential both personally and professionally, they execute strategies that support our customers and our ultimate success.” Dave Schmitz, President Cobham Sensor Systems in San Diego
PROFILE
Daisy Campbell, graduate Programme 2006 – 2009“Upon completing university, I applied for
the Cobham Graduate Programme as it
ticked all the right boxes – global
company in the aerospace and defence
industry, graduate rotational programme
with the ability to experience many
diverse roles. I entered the programme
with the ambition to progress into a
technical role, as my degree was in
Physics. I had placements in a number of
different roles including customer
support, performance engineering,
human resources, project management/
electronic warfare and employee
recognition. However, I discovered my
true calling whilst doing a placement in
corporate responsibility and sustainability.
At the start of 2010, I joined the corporate
team as an analyst and feel my experience
on the programme has given me a head
start within my permanent position, by
way of an established network of
contacts, self confidence, Group
operational understanding and
adaptability.”
Alex Holt
AWARDS
Cobham apprentice turned graduate
trainee, Alex Holt, became one of only 25
Young Apprenticeship Ambassadors in
the UK
Alex Holt
AWARDS
Arnold Feineman of Cobham Sensor Systems in Lansdale and Thomas Skala
of Cobham Sensor Systems in San Jose, two of Cobham’s most experienced
and innovative electronic warfare (EW)
specialists have been honoured by the
Association of Old Crows (AOCs), the
international EW professional association,
and are now members of the Technology
Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of
Fame is reserved for a select group of
prime EW innovators whose work has
resulted in enhanced survivability of the
armed forces or their equipment.
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16 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Competing for high performing talent
Diversity and equalityAs an equal opportunity employer, Cobham
believes that diversity fosters innovation and
increases its available talent pool. The Group’s
equal opportunity policy which is set out in
Cobham’s code of business conduct, outlines:
• The elimination of discrimination in the
workplace and the encouragement of
diversity amongst the workforce through
good management practice and sound
business sense
• The need to ensure the workforce is
representative of society in the locations
where we operate recognising the
limitations imposed through demography
and skills availability
• The selection for employment, promotion,
training or any other opportunity will be on
the basis of aptitude, ability & performance
• That all employees are respected, assisted
and encouraged to develop to their full
potential to maximise the efficiency of the
organisation
• The creation of an environment where
individual differences and the contributions
of all staff are recognised and valued
Information on diversity is collected on an
annual basis. An internal review of the Group’s
diversity in the areas of gender, ethnicity and
age was performed during September 2010.
Based on a review of publicly available data,
Cobham’s diversity generally equals or exceeds
its industry peer group but there is a need to
improve data quality in this area. Cobham
recognises that more work needs to be done by
industry to attract a more diverse workforce
into science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) related jobs as the
workforce ages and number of STEM related
graduates in Cobham’s home markets
decreases. Further work on the best way to
achieve this and ensure Cobham becomes
known as an employer of choice for all will be
considered during 2011. Actions are likely to
include enhancements to data collection
processes to understand the diversity make up
better (taking into account the legal data
constraints in our key geographies), methods to
promote STEM education in schools and
collaborating with key universities and colleges
to identify the talent of the future.
Cobham’s apprentice and graduate schemes
have proven their ability to deliver the young
talent we need. The experience obtained in
delivering these programmes and their
scalability means that Cobham is in a good
position to meet the future needs of the
business. Business units are encouraged to
engage with their local communities to foster
an interest in STEM education, the aerospace
and defence industry and Cobham. By actively
contributing to their communities our business
units will attract a more diverse talent pool into
STEM and become even more representative
of their communities.
During 2010, ethnic diversity of business units
increased from 17% in 2009 to 20%, however,
both gender and age diversity remained
relatively constant. Females in management
roles increased slightly by 1% to 19% in 2010,
and ethnic minority management positions
remained at the same levels as 2009 at 8%.
gender Diversity
Percentage of females in total workforce
Age Diversity
Percentage of workforce by age groups
Ethnic Diversity
Percentage of ethnic minorities within total workforce
29.0%
2008
2009
29.6%
2010 28.2% 20%2010
16%
17%
2008
2009
<25 26-35 36-49 50-59 >60
2010 6 18 39 28 9
2008
2009
6 18 40 26 10
6 19 40 26 9
AWARDS
Cobham Sensor Systems in San Diego was named Marble winner, taking
top prize in the large company category
at the 2010 Workplace Excellence Awards
which are sponsored by the San Diego
Society for Human Resource
Management and recognises exceptional
human resources practices.
(Left to right): Donna Schmidt, John Schierer, Sandy Ramirez-Ibarra, Ellen Montgomery, Steve Workman, Ezra Clay, Nyla Marson, Greg Geyer, Ally Williams, Mitch Frazier, Gregg Dearman, John DeLeon and Sandy Ash
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17www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Acting ethically towards all our stakeholders
Embedding a strong business ethics culture to minimise liability, manage risk and protect reputation in a highly regulated and global marketplace.
Cobham pursues and rewards the highest
standards of ethical behaviour in all aspects of
its business and considers ethical behaviour to
be an asset to be valued, optimised and realised.
Cobham’s business ethics programme is
managed by a business ethics and compliance
committee comprising senior Cobham
executives.
Cobham’s management approach focuses on
the provision of a code of business conduct
that sets out the required behaviour in matters
of personal integrity, stakeholder relationships
and procedures for dealing with possible
breaches. The code has been translated into
French, German, Danish, Finnish, Swedish and
Latin American Spanish and is publicly available,
in English, on the Cobham website. The code is
supported by an online ethical awareness
programme and a globally available ethics
helpline.
At the end of 2010, nearly all (i.e. 99.9%) of
Cobham’s employees had received ethical
awareness training and 99.3% had completed
their annual re-certification. Training and
certification requires employees to
acknowledge and confirm that they have read
the code, understand its provisions and follow
it in their business activities. These certificates
require an additional acknowledgement that
employees have a responsibility to bring
violations of the code to the attention of their
supervisors or to report them via the helpline.
They also require a confirmation that the
employee has not violated the code and that
they have no knowledge of any unreported
ethics violations. The training programme
will continue to be developed such that
business ethics issues are communicated
and training provided at every level within
Cobham.
The global helpline system facilitates a
Group wide confidential tracking system
enabling us to follow cases in a variety of
ways and to report on a regular basis, the
results of investigations and any disciplinary
action taken, to the Group Executive and
Board. The helpline is well publicised with
posters advertising it at every site in local
languages where relevant. A number of
contacts to the helpline were made in 2009
and 2010, some of which were human
resources matters. Disciplinary action has
been taken where required and, in some
cases, proactive training provided to
individuals and leadership teams. The Group
seeks to capitalise on lessons learned and
monitors for emerging trends or issues at
particular units.
In addition, Cobham has appointed business
ethics and compliance officers at each
business unit. Their principal responsibilities
include implementing the ethics awareness
training programme and providing a sounding
board for employee’s concerns. They are
further supported by divisional ethics officers
and the business ethics and compliance
committee.
Cobham has adopted and implemented two
industry standards on ethical conduct:
• AeroSpace and Defence Industries
Association of Europe’s (ASD) Common
Industry Standards for European
Aerospace and Defence
• Aerospace Industries Association of
America’s (AIA) Global Principles of
Business Ethics for the Aerospace and
Defence Industry.
“Our customers, employees and other stakeholders expect us to maintain and uphold the highest standards in all that we do. I am totally committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in our businesses and to ensuring that we behave responsibly towards our environment whilst also ensuring we meet, or exceed, all safety, health and environmental standards.”
David Ashton, VP, Cobham Commercial Systems
EthicsPoint
www.cobham.ethicspoint.com
SPEAK OUT!
The most important thing we build is trust
• Completely confidential system – you can remain anonymous• You can ask a question• Any concerns are investigated fully
We want to hear from youEthics violations hurt everyone
0800 032 8483FREEPHONE, 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
The business ethics Code of Conduct is available to download from the corporate responsibility section of www.cobham.com
Objectives Objective progress 2010 actual 2009 actual Target
Appointment of ethics officers in business units
Completed Ongoing performance
Completed in all units All units
Ethical awareness training for all employees
Completed 99% complete Substantially completed for all employees
All employees
Sign up to industry standards on ethical conduct
Completed Ongoing implementation
Signatory to ASD and AIA Global Principles
Key industry standards
Actin
g ethically towards all o
ur stakeho
lders
18 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Pursuing zero harm
Providing safer, healthier and environmentally friendlier operations, activities, products and services that will serve to attract and retain talent, raise productivity, improve efficiency and maintain our community licence to operate.
Cobham’s goal is to strive towards zero
occupational illness and injury and minimising
its impact to the environment wherever
practicable. The Group’s safety, health and
environment committee, reporting to the
corporate responsibility and sustainability
committee, comprises senior representatives
from across the divisions and is tasked with
setting policy, developing the management
approach to pursue this goal, monitor
performance and ensure all accidents and
incidents are reported, investigated and
escalated where necessary.
The Group’s safety, health and environment
policy is as follows:
• Provide workplaces that are injury-free and
incident-free for all employees, visitors and
contractors
• Enhance the well-being of employees and
local communities
• Where practicable, minimise the impact on
the local and global environment arising
from operations, activities, products and
services.
Cobham’s gobal management approach is
driven through the implementation of
Cobham’s management standards, associated
guidance and tools which have been designed
to continuously improve towards world class
performance. All business units conducted
self-assessments to baseline their performance
against the management standards during
2010 with an expectation that all will achieve
foundation level as a minimum by the end
of 2011.
In addition to the self-assessment process,
corporate assurance includes selected external
validation of self-assessments, legal compliance
and data reporting on an annual basis. The
results are fed back to the business units,
division, Group safety, health and environment
committee and Group Executive.
Safety, health and environmental management
is being embedded into the standard operating
framework through the Excellence in Delivery
programme at the fourteen principal
manufacturing locations. A maturity matrix for
the standard operating framework requires
each principal location to have a dedicated,
competent person and to achieve Level 2 of
the management standards as a minimum. The
management standards have been designed to
map to the equivalent of the internationally
certifiable OHSAS18001 and ISO14001
management standards. All units achieving
Level 2 are encouraged to seek certification
against these standards.
Health and safety performance is reported
quarterly using a set of lagging Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs) designed to
allow comparison to both UK and US peers and
industry benchmarks. These include:
• Major Accident Incident Rate – number of
cases of occupational illness or injury
resulting in 3 or more lost working days per
100,000 employees
• Days Away Case Rate – number of cases of
occupational illness or injury resulting in 1 or
more lost working days per 100 employees
• Recordable Incidence Rate – number of
cases of occupational illness or injury
resulting in more than first aid treatment per
100,000 employees
• Severity Index – number of lost working
days arising from occupational illness or
injury per 100 employees.
During 2010, the Group safety, health and
environment committee identified a number
of leading KPIs for inclusion in the business unit
management scorecard on a quarterly basis.
These will be introduced during 2011.
“Protecting the health of our employees and the environment has always been a priority for us. in fact, as a leading technology provider to the defence industry, building trust and protecting lives is part of our DNA. Our commitment to the individual communities in which we work is one of the reasons we are successful as a global organisation” Bob Canedo, Manager, Safety, Health and Environment at Cobham Sensor Systems in Lowell
AWARDS
Cobham Technical Services in Leatherhead came first in its category
of “Very Large Organisations” in the 2010
Surrey Cycle Challenge with 16% of
employees riding their bikes during the
challenge period. This was organised by
Surrey County Council to encourage
people to cycle to work with a goal of
increasing commuting by bike and
reducing local congestion.
The Group safety, health and environment policy and management standards are available to download from the corporate responsibility section of www.cobham.com
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19www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Flight Safety Cobham Aviation Services operates more than 150
fixed and rotary wing aircraft with operational
bases in Australia, UK and Germany.
All flight operations are conducted in line with
global aviation standards to ensure that safety is
the number one priority. The senior management
team encourages a ‘just’ safety culture and utilise
robust Safety Management Systems (SMS) led by
dedicated staff to identify hazards, assess risks,
establish mitigation processes and ensure
compliance with all legislative safety requirements.
The Australian operation has an active line
oriented surveillance program and flight data
acquisition program that supplement other audit,
reporting, investigation, training and education
activity. These comprise the SMS that identifies
and addresses threats, errors and trends to reduce
their prevalence.
Flight safety performance during 2010 was good.
A significant internal audit program combined with
a number of planned external audits from both
the regulator and clients, was performed resulting
in a generally positive outcome. Cobham remains
with a ‘chronic unease’ when it comes to flight
safety to guard against complacency.
“The release of the safety, health and environment management standards along with the implementation of safety, health and environment self-assessment during 2010, has given our business unit greater understanding of the reasons behind effective safety, health and environmental management. It has highlighted where we are now, how much more we can do, and shown the substantial financial and non-financial benefits associated with effective implementation. Safety, health and environment management is now being fully integrated and embraced as an essential part of our operations, rather than what was previously viewed as an administrative burden.”
Simon Pickin, General Manager, Cobham Antenna Systems in Stevenage and Shepshed
In May 2010, the Australian Transport and Safety Bureau released its final report into an
accident that occurred on 7 February 2008 when a QantasLink Boeing 717-200 aircraft
on a scheduled flight from Cairns, Queensland to Darwin, Northern Territory, landed
hard which resulted in structural damage. Although no injuries to the crew or passengers
were reported, the extent of the damage caused the Australian Transport and Safety
Bureau to classify the occurrence as an accident and issue the following statement:
“The investigation identified a number of relevant safety factors, including the flight crew’s actions and control inputs, the aircraft operator’s stabilised approach criteria and operational documentation, and the visual cues associated with runway 11/29 at Darwin Airport. As a result of this occurrence, the aircraft operator implemented a number of safety actions in relation to enhancing their stabilised approach criteria and pilot training, the monitoring of third party training providers, and the amendment of relevant operational documentation. In addition, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority undertook to prioritise the completion of proposed legislation in relation to third party training providers.”
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20 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Accident Breakdown by type
%
Repetitive strain 23
13
12
10
6
Slips and trips on same level
Contact with a fixed or stationary object
Manual handling
Exposure to harmful substances
1
2
3
4
5
5Contact with moving parts6
4Struck by moving object7
3Fall from height8
2Other occupational health (e.g stress)9
1Struck by falling object10
<1Exposure to explosion11
20Other (e.g. cuts, noise, object in eye,radiation exposure, heat stress)
12
11109
23%
13%
12%10%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%<1%
<1%
20%
1
2
34
5
6
7
8
12
Pursuing zero harm
2 MAIR – Number of occupational illnesses or injuries resulting in 3 or more days absence per 100,000 employees3 DAIR – Number of occupational illnesses or injuries resulting in 1 or more days absence per 100 employees4 RIR – Number of occupational illnesses or injuries resulting more than first aid treatment per 100 employees5 Severity Index – Number of lost working days per 100 employees
Performance KPIs
Target 2008 2009
2010
Fatalities Zero 0 0 0
Major Accident Incident Rate (MAIR) 2 Zero 260 670 565
Days Away Incident Rate (DAIR) 3 Zero - 0.94 0.71
Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) 4 Zero - 1.70 1.69
Severity Index 5 Zero - 29.01 19.24
Lost Working Days Zero 1,638 3,336 2,212
Occupational safety and health management KPIs
(Percentage of Group by turnover)
97%
98%
93%
100%
2009
2010
2009
2010
Written health and safety policy
Employee health and safety induction
9%
9% 1
100%
2009
2010
Target
Target
94%
94%
67%
100%
2009
2010Health and safety policy available toemployees, visitors and contractors
Target
100%Target
79%
95%
100%
2009
2010Health and safety policy linked
to Group policyTarget
Externally verified – OHSAS18001 or similar
Occupational safety and healthDuring 2010, our lagging KPIs decreased to
circa 2007 levels with a corresponding
decrease in the number of lost working days.
Although this trend is in the right direction,
there remains significant work to be done and
we remain vigilant.
The majority of occupational injury and illness
requiring greater than first aid treatment (i.e.
58%) resulted from repetitive motion, slips
and trips, contact with fixed objects and
manual handling with the remainder spread
over a variety of accident types including cuts,
exposure to harmful substances and contact
with moving parts. This is broadly consistent
with previous years’ data. Awareness has been
increased in relation to ergonomic injuries
through providing educational material to our
business units and embedding a requirement
to address ergonomic issues when conducting
lean manufacturing activities as part of our
standard operating framework. 1 Was 15% in 2009 report, certificate checks found a few not having an equivalence to those requested
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21www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Environmental management KPIs
(Percentage of Group by turnover)
95%
90%
17%
17%
14%
13%
68%
70%
33%
24%
57%
40%
41%
100%
100%
2009
2010
2009
2010
2009
2010
2009
2010
2009
2010
Written environmental policy
Energy, water or waste intensiveprocesses commissioned
Energy, water or waste intensiveprocesses decommissioned
Initiatives to improve energy, water orwaste efficiency commissioned
Quantified energy, water orwaste reduction targets
62%
66%
67%
100%
100%
2009
2010
2009
2010
Target
Target
Target
29%
26% 6
100%
2009
2010Externally verified –
ISO 14001/EMAS or similarTarget
100%Target
Target
Initiatives to improveenvironmental compliance
Environmental considerationsincorporated into the
design of products
47%
53%
100%
100%
2009
2010
2009
2010
Target
Target
Environmental criteria insupplier selection
Take part in localenvironmental groups
Environmental managementCobham recognises that its day-to-day
activities have an affect on the local and global
environment. To this end, Cobham is
committed to minimising its environmental
impact by improving environmental
management processes, driving energy and
resource efficiency.
During 2009, Cobham achieved the following
performance in relation to environmental
management of its business units:
Carbon Disclosure Project 2010FTSE 350 ReportOn behalf of 534 investors with assets of US$64 trillion
Report produced for Carbon Disclosure Project by: Carbon Disclosure Project
www.cdproject.net+44 (0) 20 7970 [email protected]
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) saw Cobham improve their Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index score by 19 points to 73. Cobham’s report is available from on the CDP website.
6 Was 30% in 2009 report, certificate checks found a few not having an equivalence to those requested
Cobham’s goal for attaining the 2007 energy, water and waste targets was 2010. As energy was achieved a year early (2009) a revised 2010 target
was set for a 10% reduction in usage when normalised by turnover for 2010.
During 2010, an actual reduction of 4.8% was achieved. Other performance KPIs are detailed below.
KPI Performance 2009 2010 Target Difference Target performance performance Achieved from Target
Energy usage [MWh/£m] 1049 953 907 (2009) -14%
Waste generation [tonnes/£m] 3.70 4.17 3.84 4%
Water usage [m3/£m] 113 123 122 8%
From 2010 targets are to reduce energy, water and waste consumption (normalised by turnover) by 10% every year.
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22 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Energy and carbon emissionsThe total carbon footprint for the Group has
reduced from 253 7 tonnes CO2e/£m in 2009 to
245 tonnes CO2e/£m in 2010. Of the total
carbon footprint, 19.9% of our emissions are
Scope 1, 13.6% Scope 2 and 66.5% are Scope 3.
A further breakdown of emissions is detailed
below.
group Carbon Footprint by Turnover
(Scopes 1, 2 and 3)
Energy Use
(Percentage of total carbon footprint)
245
2009
2010
2008
2537
330
Aviation Fuel
Electricity (renewable and non renewable)
Natural Gas
Business Travel
Heating Oil
2010
2009
82.8
81.2
13.2
1.8 1.8 0.4
2.5 1.5 0.2
14.6
reporting requirement in 2009, where 66% of
the Group by turnover disclosed data on
company owned vehicles (petrol, diesel and
hybrid), non-company owned vehicles, train
travel and air travel (short, medium and long
haul). During 2010 93% of the Group disclosed
data, the with remaining 7% citing that
systems would be in place to report in 2011
Water consumptionDuring 2010, water consumption increased
from 231,2558m3 in 2009 to 231,628m3. This
marks a 0.2% increase in consumption. Four
percent of water used comes from abstracted
sources, with the total water recycled at 12%
which marks an increase of 8% from 2009.
Waste generationThe amount of waste generated showed a
small 7% decrease during 2010 with the total
waste generated totalling 7,313 tonnes. Trade
effluent (9,446 tonnes) was also included in
the scope for data capture during 2010 for the
first time. Total waste recycled has increased
from 39% in 2009 to 53% in 2010 and waste
sent to land fill has reduced by 7%.
Pursuing zero harm
7 Revised 2009 data - originally 248 tonnes CO2e/£m8 Was 231,207m3 in 2009 report, data omitted and correction
applied for 2010
Aviation Fuels:
Category 1 - Cobham purchased for Cobham Aircraft
Category 2 - Cobham purchased for third Party Aircraft
Category 3 - Customer purchased for third Party Aircraft
Emission Source Breakdown
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
Aviation Fuel Category 1 87.7%
Natural Gas 9.1%
Heating Oil 1.9%
Employee business travel in company owned or controlled diesel vehicles 1.0%
Employee business travel in company owned or controlled petrol vehicles 0.3%
Other (Diesel Generator) 0.1%
Annual mileage of company owned or controlled hybrid vehicles 0.0%
Electricity from non-renewable energy sources 85.7%
Electricity from renewable energy sources 14.3%
Aviation Fuel Category 3 81.7%
Aviation Fuel Category 2 15.9%
Long haul employee business air travel (>2300 miles) 1.1%
Medium haul employee business air travel (>300 miles and <2300 miles) 1.0%
Employee business travel in non company owned vehicles 0.3%
Short haul employee business air travel (<300 miles) 0.1%
Percentage of total carbon footprint 19.9% 13.6% 66.5%
During 2010, the Group’s energy consumption
(excluding business travel) was 1,726,231 MWh.
Of this, 89.6% was due to Aviation fuel, 6.3%
non-renewable and 1.1% renewable electricity,
2.6% natural gas and 0.4% heating oil. Aviation
fuel consumption continues to be the Group’s
largest source of carbon emissions. However,
due to the nature of the service provided,
aviation fuel use is directly controlled by the
customer in both volume and efficiency of
flying, as certain conditions and scenarios must
be simulated. The next largest consumption of
energy is from electricity use, 14% of which is
from renewable sources and natural gas. As
such, Cobham’s primary focus is on improving
efficiency in the locations in which we operate.
In line with Cobham’s continuous improvement
ethic, business travel was introduced as a
Pursuing zero h
arm
23www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
FACILITy IMPROVEMENT CASE STUDy
Cobham Antenna Systems in Suffolk
formally opened its new state-of-the-art,
“Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design” (LEED) certified composites
manufacturing facility. The facility
represents one of the USA’s few high-
volume production capabilities of advanced
composite products for the aerospace and
defence industries. Industry and state
leaders expect that 200 new jobs will be
created in the first five years of operation.
Complementing existing Cobham
composite facilities in San Diego, this new
facility will manufacture advanced aircraft
engine components, aircraft and rotorcraft
structural products, unmanned aerial
vehicle components, as well as missile and
munitions products for the US aerospace
and defence industry. Cobham built the
facility in accordance with the US Green
Building Council’s internationally recognised
LEED green building certification system.
LEED provides third-party verification that
the facility was designed and built using
FACILITy IMPROVEMENT CASE STUDy
Cobham Mission Equipment and Cobham plc in Wimborne successfully
completed the move to the new improved
facility. With sustainability in mind, the
original building was renovated, recycled,
extended and incorporates the latest
technology in energy efficiency. In addition
to the move, Cobham employees also
reviewed everyday operational processes to
improve the efficiency of current working
practices and working life. This included the
review of office machinery, waste disposal,
archiving and changing/washing facilities
for employees who cycle to work. This new
facility is based on the original factory site.
Twenty four percent of the UK operations
(by turnover) are generated at this new
improved site.
AWARDS
Cobham Sensor Systems in Lowell has been recognised through the Toxics
Use Reduction Act (TURA) Program as a
“TURA 20th Anniversary Leader”. This
award is due to Cobham’s environmental
achievements, open and collaborative
approach helping other companies to do
the same. From leadership within the New
England Lead-Free Consortium, to work
performed to reduce other toxics and
conserve resources, Cobham shared
strategies, assets and expertise with other
Massachusetts companies as well as with
the electronics supply chain.
strategies aimed at improving performance
in energy savings, water efficiency, CO2
emissions reduction, improved indoor
environmental quality, and stewardship of
resources and sensitivity to their effects.
For example, this new facility was built
using locally manufactured and recycled
materials, will use 30% less water than the
baseline calculation, and includes bicycle
storage and changing facilities to promote
alternative transportation.
Cobham Mission Equipment and Cobham plc’s new
facility in Wimborne
Pursuing zero h
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24 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Cobham Antenna Systems in Methuen has introduced energy-
saving equipment following a walk-
through audit held by their utility
company which revealed a number of
areas where energy and cost savings
could be made. Changes included
lighting and shut-off sensors, water
coolers, energy-saving monitors and
manufacturing implemented timers for
run-in stations.
Initial Cost: US$69,945
Benefit: New LCD monitors, 14% reduction in electricity (approx. 227MWh/ 107 tCO
2e saving)
First year Financial savings: US$112,432 (inc. incentive)
Annual Financial Savings: US$20,533
Cobham Antenna Systems in Methuen identified new cutting oil
that has a lower viscosity breakdown.
This meant that rather than changing
the used oil with fresh every 10 weeks
on average, the new cutting oil enabled
machinists to simply add to the existing
oil level in each of the 6 milling
machines.
Initial Cost: Zero
Benefit: 3,375lbs waste oil removed from waste stream, 30 man hours saved from annual maintenance
Annual Financial Savings: US$10,459 (excluding disposal cost savings)
Product stewardshipThirty one business units reported that they
considered environmental issues in the design
of their products, services and processes,
which represents 66% of the Group by turnover.
The majority of these were in relation to
producer responsibility legislation such as
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and
restriction of CHemicals (REACH), Restriction of
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and packaging.
For many business units, size and weight were
also important considerations, particularly in
commercial aerospace.
While product stewardship is addressed at the
business unit level, Cobham is engaged with
customers and peers through industry bodies
which are looking to establish industry-wide
environmental metrics and life cycle
assessment processes.
OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT CASE STUDy
OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT CASE STUDy
Pursuing zero harm
Cobham Antennas Systems in Marlow tackled the inefficiencies in
their operations in the form of a building
management system upgrade which
addressed the control of the heating
ventilation and cooling system and
strategy for the control and improved
monitoring of plant. In addition,
activities such as the replacement of
incandescent lighting to light emitting
diodes and switching plant from idle to
off when outside of operational hours.
Initial Cost: £6,500
Benefits: 17.5% reduction in electricity (approx. 400MWh/ 218 tCO
2e saving),
82% reduction in Gas (approx. 2,231 MWh/413 tCO
2e saving),
13% reduction in water (691m3)
Annual Financial Savings: First year realised savings through benefits above circa. £62,884
OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT CASE STUDy
Compliance with producer responsibility
legislation (e.g. REACH, RoHS) is addressed at
the business unit level. Cobham provides a
coordinating role in keeping the business units
informed of changes in guidance and updates.
To date, REACH legislation has had a low
impact as business units are primarily
downstream users of substances that are used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
proprietary uses. Where substances in use have
become threatened Cobham has been able to
substitute these substances for less hazardous
alternatives. It is recognised that some
substances may be withdrawn from the
marketplace by the supply chain where the
cost of registration, evaluation and
authorisation requirements is considered
prohibitive. Cobham is monitoring the situation
through its industry body links to continually
evaluate the impacts to both Cobham and the
wider industry.
Pursuing zero h
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25www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
Being part of our communities
Cobham recognises the need for business to contribute to wider society and our local communities in particular.
As an innovative, high technology business,
Cobham is committed to being a good
corporate citizen in its operations throughout
the world. Cobham seeks to enhance its
reputation as a responsible corporate citizen by
using its resources and capabilities to support
charities, community projects and other
worthwhile causes that are in keeping with its
business and stakeholder’s interests. At the
Corporate level Cobham seeks to support
national and international causes that are
common to its business interests and
encourages its subsidiaries to engage with the
communities in which their products and
services are sold and in which their employees
work and live. Contributions to political parties
are strictly forbidden.
One of the most visible forms of engagement
are targeted donations and charitable work by
employees aimed at delivering a sustainable
benefit to the fabric of the community and its
people. Subsidiaries may become involved in
their local communities, make donations to
local charities and community work projects,
and also make long term commitments of
support to other good causes, as they see fit
and their budgets permit.
During 2010, Cobham Corporate supported the
following organisations:
UK• The Science Museum
• Schools in Aerospace
• Young Engineers
USA• Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
• Haiti for Christ
• The Air League Educational Trust
• Team America Rocketry Challenge
• United Service Organization
• Navy League, Lone Sailor
• Association of US Army
In addition to corporate donations, Cobham’s
subsidiaries also donated money raised by
employees. A total of £84,005 was reported to
have been donated to numerous charities.
A strategic review of corporate philanthropy
was undertaken during 2010. The findings of
the review indicated that more activities and
fundraising in local communities occurs than is
always reported. Examples of beneficiaries
include local schools, hospices, shelters, “meals
on wheels” or soup kitchen services. Support
takes the form of financial aid, personal time,
Cobham had a Group wide Haiti fundraising
event on 12 February 2010 where all
employees and business units were
encouraged to participate in fundraising. Over
70% of Cobham employees responded with a
variety of events with the business unit raising
the most money (Orlando) having its fund
raising total matched by Cobham plc. This
resulted in approximately £27,000 raised in
total, which was distributed to several charities
involved in supporting Haiti: Oxfam, Haiti for
Christ, Mercy Corps and Doctors Without
Borders.
Cobham SATCOM in Orlando teamed up
with IT Broadcasting and Haiti Satellite to
create a partnership response team, deploying
a humanitarian mission on 15 January 2010.
The mission arrived with satellite
communication systems and a
communications team, providing much
needed voice and data communications and
internet access to emergency responders,
doctors and relief agencies. The response team
later organised a chartered cargo flight,
delivering 6,000 lbs of equipment and 2,000 lbs
of medical supplies.
donation of skills or required items (i.e. food,
clothing, blood). In addition, business units also
support national events such as Children in
Need, Jeans for Genes or United Way Day of
Caring. Cobham’s focus for 2011 is to identify
mechanisms to enhance reporting of
charitable activities and to encourage stronger
community relationships.
The Red Cross, Central Hospital, Haiti Police
Station, Quisqueya Christian School and Yale
Medical Team are among those benefiting from
the 15 Cobham satellite systems deployed.
Cobham employee’s fundraising activities
Bein
g part of o
ur com
munities
26 Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
A team of Cobham Aviation Services, UK
and RAF engineers completed a 220 mile bike
ride from RAF Waddington in Lincoln to
Cobham Aviation Services in Bournemouth and
raised £8,000 for the Macular Disease Society.
Cobham Aviation Services in Australia is
a proud supporter of Legacy Australia, an
organisation which is dedicated to caring for
the families of deceased veterans. Today
Legacy’s caring and compassionate service
assists 115,000 widows and 1,900 children and
dependants with a disability. In October 2010
Cobham teamed with Legacy to raise much
needed funds by organising a charity flight
from Adelaide to the Australian War Memorial
in Canberra.
Cobham Antenna Systems in Exeter
formed a team of employees to participate in
Bowl for Kids Sake, a fundraiser to help support
the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme in
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The mission of
the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is to
provide successful mentoring relationships for
local children in need, promoting a brighter
future, improving schools, and strengthening
the community. The team, along with other
local organisations raised almost $50,000
through sponsorship of the event.
Fred Cahill and Andrew Fookes with visitor MP Dominic Grieve in the kart
Cobham graduates entered into a local
‘Grand Prix’ for which teams had to design,
build and drive their own go-kart. A team of
graduates used reclaimed waste materials and
old bicycle parts provided by Cobham Antenna
Systems, Marlow to create a Concorde style
go-kart and subsequently won first prize for the
‘Best Turned-Out Kart and Team’. Its creators
also raised more than £1,500 in sponsorship for
the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.
Cobham Avionics in Mineral Wells
supported the American Cancer Society in a
recent event, “Relay for Life”, raising US$7,000.
The team, Cobham Crusaders, consisted of
approximately 45 employees and their
families. This event awarded Cobham as the
Top Fundraising Team First Place for Palo
Pinto County.
Being part of our communities
Bein
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27www.cobham.com Cobham plc | 2010 Corporate responsibility and sustainability report
9 2007 Energy KPI electricity (renewable and non renewable),
natural gas, heating oil and categories 1,2 and 3 aviation fuel.10 Aviation fuels:
Category 1 – Cobham purchased for Cobham aircraft
Category 2 – Cobham purchased for third party aircraft
Category 3 – Customer purchased for third party aircraft
Sustainability Indicator 2008 2009 2010
Economic
Turnover £m 1,466.5 1,880.4 1,902.6
Trading profit £m 251.6 337.0 348.4
Dividends (Pence) 4.96 5.45 6.00
Wages and salaries £m 371.5 491.9 532.3
Pensions £m 23.1 31.8 35.6
Social
Total number of full time and part time employees (Year average) 12,697 11,919 10,879
Employees taking part in employee satisfaction surveys % 0 14 16
Age diversity Employees aged < 25 % 6 6 6
Employees aged 26 - 35 % 18 19 18
Employees aged 36 - 49 % 40 40 39
Employees aged 50 - 59 % 26 26 28
Employees aged 60 + % 10 9 9
Gender diversity Full time female employees % 29 28 27
Part time female employees % 55 60 62
Total female employees % 30 29 28
Female senior managers % 23 18 19
Female non-senior managers % 24 29 30
Ethnic minority diversity Senior managers % 11 8 8
Non-senior managers % 16 18 22
Rate of voluntary Voluntary leavers, excludes dismissals employee turnover and redundancies
% 8.5 5.8 8.0
Average hours of training per year per employee hours 13 17 22
Percentage of training in sustainability % 10 10 13
Number of health and safety compliance fines/breaches 8 5 43
Total cost of fines/prosecutions for non-compliance with applicable health and safety legislation
£ 10,650 0 21,341
Community giving £ 84,594 85,423 84,005
Environmental
Total energy consumption As per 2007 KPI definition 9 MWh 1,840,641 1,792,531 1,726,231
Electricity Renewable and non renewable MWh 100,107 130,893 127,998
Natural Gas MWh 52,476 58,624 44,890
Aviation Fuel Aviation fuel categories 1, 2 & 3 10 MWh 1,683,155 1,599,193 1,546,735
Electricity from renewable resources MWh 10,667 13,263 18,361
Total CO2e related to energy consumption tCO
2483,819 469,177 11 457,253
Scope 1 12 Gas, heating oil, fuel for Cobham owned vehicles (cars, aircraft, utility)
tCO2
136,105 132,531 13 92,525
Scope 2 Renewable and non-renewable electricity tCO2
55,420 69,479 14 63,393
Scope 3 Aviation fuel for non-Cobham owned aircraft, train, air and mileage for non company car travel
tCO2
292,293 15 274,138 16 309,908
Total waste generated Excluding trade effluent tonnes 12,604 7,842 17 7,313
Including trade effluent tonnes - - 16,759
Total hazardous waste Excluding trade effluent tonnes 1,327 684 967
Including trade effluent tonnes - - 10,413
Total non-hazardous waste tonnes 11,277 7,158 18 6,346
Total waste reused/ recycled tonnes 5,372 3,074 12,372
Total waste land filled tonnes 6,118 4,387 19 4,063
Total water consumption m3 395,494 231,255 20 231,628
Number of environmental compliance fines/breaches 0 3 0
Total cost of fines/prosecutions for non-compliance with applicable environmental legislation
£ 0 7,856 0
Performance summary
11 Was 465,476 tCO2
12 In line with World Resources Institute (WRI)13 Was 139,640 tCO
214 Was 61,395 tCO
215 Scope 3 limited to aviation fuel for
non-Cobham owned aircraft only
16 271,879 tCO2
17 Was 7,844 tonnes in the 2009 CR&S report – error identified during the 2010 internal assurance process18 Was 7,161 tonnes in the 2009 CR&S report – error identified during the 2010 internal assurance process19 Was 4,390 tonnes in the 2009 CR&S report – error identified during the 2010 internal assurance process20 Was 231,207 m3 in the 2009 CR&S report – error identified during the 2010 internal assurance process
Perform
ance sum
mary
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