Strategic Report
Financial Statements
Governance
85
Data protection and privacy The Board is responsible for ensuring that Just operates an effective control framework, which includes the need to safeguard customers and colleagues’ personal data. Just has policies and processes to promote sound practices for the collection and processing of personal data, and training is provided to ensure colleagues understand their responsibilities. The GRCC oversees the management of data protection risk and receives a report at least annually from Just’s Data Protection Officer on the effectiveness of Just’s data protection framework and control environment. Modern slavery and human rights Just takes a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery and the Board is committed to uphold human rights throughout our business and value chain. Each year, the Board approves a modern slavery statement, which covers, among other matters, how modern slavery and human rights risk in Just’s operations and value chain is assessed, due diligence that is performed and Just’s policies and practices. The current statement can be found on our website at www.justgroupplc.co.uk. Tax strategy The Board is responsible for ensuring Just complies with all tax reporting and payment obligations in a timely and transparent manner. Each year, the Group Audit Committee considers and approves Just’s tax strategy, which sets out the framework for managing taxes, including information on the Group’s approach to tax risk management and governance. The current tax strategy is available to view on our website, www.justgroupplc.co.uk. Community As part of Just’s key priority of creating a fair world, Just continues to support charity and local community initiatives which are relevant to our business, colleagues, customers and other stakeholders. In 2024, Just partnered with Hourglass, a charity whose mission is to end the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in the UK. Just also has a Charity and Community strategy, which supports colleagues’ fundraising (half matching each colleagues’ funds up to £500). The Board received updates on the various volunteering events organised in 2024 as covered in more detail in the Colleagues and Culture report on pages 54 to 57. Environment As part of the Board’s strategy on sustainability, Just has set net zero targets and is a signatory to the Stewardship Code. Further details on Just’s sustainability initiatives can be found in the Sustainability: TCFD report on pages 40 to 53.
CUSTOMERS Just has a compelling, clear purpose to help people achieve a better later life. This is reflected in the strategic priorities set and monitored by the Board, which are described in the Strategic report on pages 16 to 17. The Board is responsible for the oversight of Consumer Duty to ensure customers’ needs are put first. It receives regular updates on customer initiatives and challenges management on its actions to ensure they are embedded across the business. In 2024, the Board assessed the Group’s progress to fully comply with regulatory expectations and was satisfied that it is compliant. It approved its first annual Board Consumer Duty report and oversees initiatives to continue to enhance customer experiences. The GRCC regularly monitors conduct and customer risk metrics, and engages on the actions required to ensure the ongoing delivery of good customer outcomes. The Board has appointed Michelle Cracknell as its Non- Executive Director Consumer Duty Champion who meets regularly with relevant stakeholders in the business to engage on the Group’s approach to ensure it achieves good customer outcomes. Michelle presented her insights on progress and areas requiring further investment to the GRCC during the year. SUPPLIERS The Board recognises the value that Just’s suppliers provide to our business and it is committed to fostering strong business relationships with its third party service providers. Just’s Procurement and Outsourcing Policy ensures high standards of honesty, impartiality and integrity are maintained in our business relationships. It ensures that contractual arrangements with third parties are undertaken with due regard for the associated risks. The Board monitors the third party register and approves any material contracts. The GRCC oversees the management of third party risks, including cyber risks. Further information on engagement with suppliers can be found in the Relationships with stakeholders report on page 59. BEING A RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE CITIZEN Just has a number of policies to ensure we operate in a socially responsible and compliant manner, reflecting our value of doing the right thing for all stakeholders, including customers, colleagues, shareholders, suppliers and wider society. Anti-bribery and anti-corruption The Board takes a zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. Our colleagues undertake regular training to ensure they understand their responsibilities to prevent financial crime. Just has a number of internal policies relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption, which are not published externally, including a financial crime policy, which sets high level standards for the Group and colleagues to meet to manage the risks from financial crime. The Board keeps abreast of activities by the Company to adhere to legislative and regulatory developments to reduce economic crime, including the prevention of fraud. At least annually, the GRCC receives reports from the Group’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer on controls in place to prevent financial crime.
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