About the report

The Corporate Social Responsibility Report of Santander Bank Polska for 2019 is the eighth report presenting a comprehensive overview of our organization’s impact on social, economic and environmental issues. The report covers the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020, unless it is explicitly stated otherwise in the report text. Our reports are published annually.

  • GRI:
  • 102-46 The process of defining the report content
    The process of defining the report content
  • 102-47 List of identified material topics
    List of identified material topics
  • 102-48 Explanation of the effect of any restatements of information given in previous reports and the reasons for such restatements
    Explanation of the effect of any restatements of information given in previous reports and the reasons for such restatements
  • 102-50 Reporting period
    Reporting period
  • 102-51 Date of most recent report (if published)
    Date of most recent report (if published)
  • 102-52 Reporting cycle
    Reporting cycle
  • 102-54 Claims of reporting in accordance with GRI standard in the Core or Comprehensive option
    Claims of reporting in accordance with GRI standard in the Core or Comprehensive option
  • 102-55 GRI Content index
    GRI Content index

The previous report for 2019 was published on 5 August 2020 on the website of Strona główna – Santander ESG Report 2020.

The report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) international standard, at the Core level.

The report presents information that is most relevant from the point of view of investors, regulators and the European Union. These include ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) indicators, European Commission guidelines on non-financial climate-related disclosures, and UNEP FI – Principles for Responsible Banking.

The report also refers to international guidelines and objectives relevant to our organisation and the financial sector, such as:

European Commission Guidelines on the Disclosure of Non-Financial Information Related to Climate Impactt (table)

Task Force on the Disclosure of Financial Information Related to Climate Impact (table).

ESG factors: Environmental, Social and Governance (table).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified as strategic for Santander Bank Polska (table).

UNEP Finance Principles for Responsible Banking – PRB (table).

The GRI Index table outlines the report content in reference to each guideline and objective.

  • GRI:
  • 102-49 Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the list of material topics and topic boundaries
    Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the list of material topics and topic boundaries

Identification of material report topics

The adopted reporting standard requires a process to identify material topics covered in the report. In order to identify key reporting topics that best illustrate the scale and performance of our business, we held two dialogue sessions with stakeholders in 2021 in accordance with the AA1000SES stakeholder dialogue standard guidelines. We also conducted an internal analysis of our organization’s social, economic and environmental impact, and implemented an internal workshop for managers on sustainable finance.

The final decision on the materiality of the identified reporting topics was made by the bank’s CEO.

The results of these analyses were taken into account in the preparation of this Report. All reporting topics that were singled out as the most important ones in the process of determining the content of the report affect both our organization and its goals, as well as our environment.

There have been no significant changes in the measurement methods used in the current report compared to the previous report.

Significant reporting topics have changed – a summary of significant reporting topics for 2019 and 2020 is presented in the table.

Material reporting topics

The list of priority reporting topics for 2020 was developed as a result of the activities outlined above. The order in which material reporting topics are listed does not imply a ranking of their materiality (they are specified below according to the order of presentation in the report).

The topics are presented in the table below in comparison with the material reporting topics in 2019.

The material reporting topics are aligned with the priorities of Santander Bank Polska’s Responsible Banking strategy which is part of the bank’s overall business strategy. The climate policy topic, of relevance to us and our stakeholders, is presented in broad terms, taking into account the EC/TCFD indicators. It also covers two aspects considered key by Santander Group: „Portfolio alignment towards net zero” and „Green finance”.

Topic Material topic in 2020 Material topic in 2019 Impact on the bank Impact on the environment
Financial Performance YES YES YES YES
Comprehensive risk management, including ESG risks YES NO YES YES
Values and ethics YES YES YES YES
Positive customer experience (NPS) YES YES YES YES
Security of services, transactions and customer data YES YES YES YES
Digitization and innovation YES NO YES YES
Climate policy YES YES YES YES
Sustainable finance YES NO YES YES

Other material aspects:

  • Bank’s response to Covid-19 pandemic
  • Working conditions
  • Employee development
  • Employee safety and wellbeing
  • Inclusive banking
  • Community involvement
  • Diversity in the workplace
  • Direct environmental impact
  • Responsible supply chain