Principle 10

We are committed to maximum transparency, consistent with good governance and commercial confidentiality.

Since 2005, we have required all our managers and above to undertake training on our business integrity guidance. This addresses areas such as political involvement, bribery, corruption, facilitation payments and gifts and entertainment. Since 1 January 2008, 3803 employees have completed this training module.

Following face to face training sessions in 2007 focusing on the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) an on line training module on the FCPA has been made available to our businesses.

Every year, each of our businesses completes a rigorous and comprehensive Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) that checks their compliance with our policies and standards, including those set out in our statement of business practice The way we work. During 2008, a team reviewed The way we work and a revised version will be launched in 2009.  It is mandatory for our employees to adhere to the principles and policies set out in the The way we work and to undertake training on it.

We have a toll free telephone based program available for employees and others to report concerns. The program is called Speak-OUT. This program is confidential and is operated by a company independent of Rio Tinto.  In addition to the reports to senior management in the relevant businesses, monthly reports are received from the operator by the Chief executive and the Global Head of Compliance.

We do not directly or indirectly participate in party politics or make payments to political parties or individual politicians.

Read more about our progress on Principle 10