2007 Responsibility Report - English (PDF) - Barrick Gold Corporation

Governance, Commitment and EngagementCorporate Governance2007 PERFORMANCE• The Supplier Code of Ethics was approved andimplemented in 2007• The Security Policy was approved in 2007• Training on the Code of Business Conduct andEthics was completed for all new employeesin 2007• All management and supervisory personnelcompleted annual compliance certification forthe Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in 2007Governance, Ethics and TransparencyBarrick’s success is built on a commitment to the highest standardsof corporate governance and professional integrity. Weconduct our business around the world in an ethical, honestand accountable manner and in accordance with all applicablelaws, rules and regulations. We value and are committed totransparency in our business practices, consistent with goodgovernance and commercial confidentiality. Barrick supportsimproved governance through the full publication andverification of government revenues generated by mining.As one of the first Canadian corporations to endorse theExtractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Barrickencourages other companies in our sector to become EITIsignatories. Barrick is also a member of TransparencyInternational – Canada.Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code) outlinesour obligations to prevent conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality,protect company assets and deal fairly with suppliersand competitors. Associated policies include our DisclosurePolicy, Insider Trading Policy, Anti-Fraud Policy and our Policyon Doing Business Abroad. All Barrick employees completetraining sessions on the Code and its associated policies,and management and supervisory personnel are required toannually recertify their compliance with the Code.Barrick has established a clear communication frameworkwithin the Company to ensure that concerns about ethicalissues are reported appropriately. Barrick treats all concernsabout suspected Code violations and any related investigationsas confidential. To support compliance with the Code and theAnti-Fraud Policy, we have a Code of Business Conduct andEthics/Anti-Fraud Escalation Policy to ensure that suspectedviolations of the Code are reported to appropriate levels ofmanagement and the Audit Committee of the Board ofDirectors of Barrick. Elements of the framework are summarizedin the Code, and include formal reporting channels foremployees to report suspected code violations. Our confidentialCompliance Hotline encourages employees to anonymouslyreport Code violations, express concerns and ask questionsregarding ethical issues even from remote sites and in thelanguage of their choice.Governance StructureThe Company’s approach to social responsibility is framed byour Corporate Social Responsibility Charter available atwww.barrick.com/CorporateResponsibility.Barrick’s Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardshipof the Company and for oversight of the management of thebusiness and affairs of the Company, while our senior managementis responsible for the management and day-to-day8 Barrick Responsibility Report 2007