Marks & Spencer Code of Ethics
Version 1.0, April 2006
Page 1 of 6
Code of Ethics
Values
Marks & Spencer is committed to Quality, Value, Service, Innovation and Trust. Trust is earned
from others as a result of our commitment to long held values and the ethical manner in which
we behave that underpins them. Having trust is a very important part of what makes Marks &
Spencer a special company and we all have a responsibility to protect this heritage in everything
we do and say. This includes:
• Complying with the law in the UK and all others countries in which we operate.
• Following company policies and procedures.
• Acting in a professional manner with honesty and integrity at all times.
• If in doubt¡¬doing the right thing!
Detailed policies on specific issues are maintained by the relevant area of the Company. This
Code of Ethics describes the behaviours that Marks & Spencer expects from you.
The following sections provide an overview of our approach with key stakeholder groups.
Customers
Marks & Spencer values the loyalty and confidence of our customers above all else. We will
never compromise the safety of our customers and will always strive to offer the highest possible
standards of Quality, Value, Innovation and Service. We will always try to ensure that our
labelling, advertising and other forms of communication are clear, honest and accurate and we
will always work to respect strongly held cultural or ethical beliefs. Information that we hold
about our customers will be handled properly and responsibly. It is our responsibility to protect
confidential, sensitive information when handling other people¡¯s personal data.
Employees
All Marks & Spencer employees work hard with the common aim of serving our customers.
We all treat each other with courtesy and respect. Everyone is treated equally regardless of age,
gender, colour, ethnicity, disability, hours of work, nationality, religious beliefs, marital status or
sexual orientation. As a company, Marks & Spencer is committed to provide clear, honest and
accurate communication directly to employees and consult where necessary when significant
changes are being considered. The health and safety of fellow employees will never be
compromised. Marks & Spencer employees will be supported by ongoing training to widen their
future opportunities either within the Company or elsewhere.
We recognise the importance of respecting the privacy of all our employees and the need for the
appropriate safeguards in relation to the collection, storage and processing of personal data. As
employees we all have an expectation that information held about us will be dealt with properly
and responsibly.
Marks & Spencer Code of Ethics
Version 1.0, April 2006
Page 2 of 6
Marks & Spencer employees must never knowingly provide false information to the Company or
about the Company to anyone else.
Marks & Spencer employees must never use the Company¡¯s name or resources for personal gain
or insider knowledge to profit from buying or selling Marks & Spencer shares. The work and
ideas that we create whilst working for the Company are owned by Marks & Spencer.
Shareholders
Marks & Spencer is owned by the individuals and organisations that hold our shares. We are
committed to building shareholder value through growth and shareholder return. We keep
honest and accurate records of our performance, and are committed to transparent reporting.
We seek to manage our business risks responsibly and robustly to generate sustainable long-term
value.
Suppliers
Marks & Spencer sources products from around the world, respecting third party rights and
design integrity in order to provide customers with the best quality at competitive prices. We
work in partnership to ensure that all our suppliers comply with the requirements of our Global
Sourcing Principles and over time adopt the recognised international standards contained in the
Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code.
We never give or accept improper payments or gifts in order to conduct business anywhere in
the world.
Environment
The natural environment provides all the raw materials we need to operate our business. Marks
& Spencer is committed to the principle of sustainable development. We have a responsibility to
current and future generations to use natural resources in a responsible manner and to prevent
unnecessary pollution. We include environmental considerations in all our decisions and
specifications. We publicly report on our environmental (as well as social and ethical)
performance every year.
Legislation and Regulation
Marks & Spencer participates in the democratic political process in a consistent and transparent
manner. We lobby for effective legislation and regulation directly and through key trade
associations. Where our views differ significantly from our trade associations on issues that are
important to Marks & Spencer we will make these known. We do not provide donations to any
political parties.
Charitable Donations
Marks & Spencer commits at least one percent of pre-tax profits to initiatives that benefit the
community. These donations will be given according to a Board endorsed policy and will not be
used to gain improper influence.