WHSmith
Our Ethics & Sustainability strategy guides our efforts to make a more positive impact on people and planet. We’re aiming to create a kinder, fairer future for Partners, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we operate.
Sustainability plan
We’re aiming to create a kinder, fairer future for Partners, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we operate, building strong and trusted relationships with them whilst ensuring we listen to and understand their concerns. Each area of our three focus areas is critical if we are to protect the planet and respect and support the interests of all those touched by our business.
Planet
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by minimising emissions, improving resource efficiency and promoting responsible sourcing across our global operations.
Community
We support the communities in which we operate through charitable partnerships, literacy initiatives and targeted programmes that make a positive and lasting difference.
People
We create a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace for our colleagues, investing in their development and wellbeing to help them thrive.
Benchmarks and external ratings
We engage with a number of external proxy agencies, benchmarking schemes and other membership organisations. We are signatories of the UN Global Compact and we continue to rank highly in external benchmarks and indices, including the following.
Received an ESG Risk Rating of 10.3 from Sustainalytics assessed at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors. This rating places us in the top position for speciality retailers.
Awarded a “C+” rating by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), placing us in the top decile for sustainability industry leaders.
Rated AAA, the highest possible rating awarded by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) in its ESG assessment, signifying a leader in managing material ESG risks and opportunities relative to industry peers.
WHSmith achieved a climate disclosure score of “A – leadership”.
Sustainability governance
Our Board level ESG Committee has oversight of our sustainability strategy, setting our ambition and monitoring progress. The Committee is responsible for understanding the potential impact and related risks of ESG considerations on the business. It approves the Company’s sustainability strategy, including policies, objectives and a roadmap for delivery, and monitors progress against agreed targets.
Downloads
Our Policies and position statements
2025 Annual Sustainability report