Policies related to affected communities (S3‑1)

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  • ESRS:
  • Policies related to affected communitiesS3-1
    Policies related to affected communities

Impacts and risks associated with affected communities

In the area of affected communities, we have identified our significant impacts in terms of their economic, social and cultural rights. These are indirect impacts through the business customers we serve, in particular those to whom we provide financing. This impact may be related to customers who operate in industries with high environmental and social risk, or those who act contrary to the law or ethical standards.

Communities that the Group has an impact on through the business customers it finances or serves:

  • Local communities affected by investment projects financed by the Group (e.g. mining or industrial plants).
  • Communities influenced by the Group’s business customers who operate in high-risk industries in a social and environmental context.
  • Communities influenced by the Group’s business customers who do not comply with ethical standards or community rights (e.g. human rights).

In the Group, we are committed to conduct our business with respect for the rights of the communities affected by our activities, both directly and indirectly through cooperation with business partners and financing investments. Social responsibility is also an integral element of the Group’s strategy for 2024-2026, in which we commit to supporting society through education, counteracting financial exclusion and implementing social activities.

As part of our policies and standards, we strive to minimize the negative impact on communities, while strengthening activities that generate positive effects for them. We place great value on compliance with international standards on human rights and the principles of social responsibility.

The key policies that govern our approach to managing impacts on communities are those related to human rights, counteracting the negative effects of investments and involvement in the life of local communities. Some of them are available on the Bank’s website. The Management Board is responsible for implementing the policies (unless otherwise stated in the text).

Human rights are addressed first and foremost in the ”Responsible Banking and Sustainability Policy”. It addresses topics like the impact on communities through customers and our commitment to due diligence in managing social impact. It refers to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Equatorial Principles. The policy is approved by the Management Board and the matters regulated therein are discussed by the ESG Committee and the ESG Forum. In 2024, we recorded no serious human rights issues, nor incidents related to affected communities.

  • ESRS:
  • Policies adopted to manage material sustainability mattersMDR-P
    Policies adopted to manage material sustainability matters

Polityka zarządzania ryzykiem społecznym, środowiskowym i zmian klimatycznych
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
Describes the Group’s policy on investing, providing financial products and services to clients operating in sectors such as oil and gas, energy production and transmission, mining, metals, soft raw materials. The policy is supervised by the ESG Risk Management Office.

Addressed IRO: Lack of protection of affected communities through lack of mechanisms to monitor and review compliance of the use of proceeds related to sectors and activities with high risk of impact on environmental and social issues, Financing of clients involved in activities considered prohibited, contrary to the Bank’s policies and ethical standards, may pose a risk to society.

Bank, Santander Factoring, Santander Leasing, Santander TFI

 

Zasady ładu korporacyjnego w zakresie odpowiedzialnej bankowości
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
Define common principles, roles and responsibilities, key processes as well as governance and supervision structure for responsible banking activities. The Management Board and the Supervisory Board are responsible for the document.

Addressed IRO: The policy generally addresses all impacts identified for the area of affected communities.

Group
(excluding Stellantis companies)

Polityka odpowiedzialnej bankowości i zrównoważonego rozwoju
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
Covers issues such as social inclusion through financial education, the right of communities to live in a healthy and clean environment, mitigation and management of environmental and social impacts.

Addressed IRO: The policy addresses all impacts identified for the area of affected communities.

Group
(excluding Stellantis companies)

Polityka finansowania wrażliwych sektorów
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
Sets out specific terms for financing clients from certain sensitive sectors, where reputational risk is increased. This policy applies to industries like the gambling and sports betting industry, the cannabis industry and the tobacco industry.

Addressed IRO: Financing clients involved in activities considered illegal, contrary to the Bank’s policies and ethical standards, may pose a threat to society.

Bank, Santander Factoring, Santander Consumer Bank

Polityka sektora obronnego
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
Lists prohibited and restricted activities, like controversial weapons, production or trade in dual-use weapons and technologies, and also compliance with international sanctions and conventions.

Addressed IRO: Financing clients involved in activities considered illegal, contrary to the Bank’s policies and ethical standards, may pose a threat to society, Human rights are not guaranteed due to the financing of activities in which past and repeated incidents are known to have occurred without prior validation processes.

Bank, Santander Factoring, Santander TFI (Santander Leasing implemented their own regulations in this regard)

Polityka zarządzania ryzykiem reputacyjnym
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
The document describes how we manage the risks associated with a negative impact on the Group’s image, including issues of perception by key stakeholders.

Bank, Santander Factoring, Santander Leasing, Santander TFI

Polityka dotacji (do 08.2024 „Polityka darowizn na cele społeczne”)
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
The policy sets out criteria for beneficiaries and purpose-related donations (i.e. human rights, education, science, job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, research, human well-being and social development, etc.).

Bank, Santander TFI

Grupa Kapitałowa (z wyłączeniem spółek Stellantis)
Description of content Scope of application of the policy and exclusions
Defines and supports employee volunteering activities through volunteering and delivering initiatives that improve society and support the voluntary sector in specific areas. The Management Board and the Supervisory Board are responsible for the policy.

Group
(excluding Stellantis companies)