Communicate consistently and truthfully

We communicate and report clearly and truthfully to build trust and meet our responsibilities.

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What we say publicly matters – it has an impact on our reputation, our people, the communities where we operate and our broader stakeholders and partners. Keeping our messages honest, clear, accurate and consistent is key to maintaining trust and meeting our market disclosure obligations. 

It’s important to record our internal data and information accurately and completely, and maintain appropriate source documents because this information is used for decision-making, financial and non-financial reporting, and communications, and supports verification and compliance processes. 

Communicate consistently and truthfully
What it means for you

We only speak for BHP or share BHP information publicly if we have received authorisation. This means having approval before publishing articles, making speeches or presentations at external events, or disclosing BHP information publicly. We follow Our Requirements to help us manage risk and obtain the right reviews and approvals. 

 

Our authorised spokespeople have received approval to speak to the media, investors and other external stakeholders on behalf of BHP. They play an important role in ensuring our public communication is timely, accurate, and meets stakeholder expectations. 

 

We make sure to always report any material information or major developments about BHP to Group Governance and Investor Relations. This enables BHP to immediately release, on the stock exchanges, any information which a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on BHP’s share price or value. 

 

On social media, we communicate responsibly and respectfully when commenting about or on behalf of BHP, being mindful that we are representing BHP, and we obtain the required reviews and approvals if disclosing BHP information. 

 

What we communicate can have legal consequences, and how we communicate impacts our reputation, our business, people and communities, and can cause a breach of law. 

How you make an impact
You consider the impact of any communication about BHP, communicate in a way that aligns with our brand and Our Values, obtain all relevant reviews and approvals before releasing any BHP information externally or to the broad BHP workforce, and you report any material BHP information to Group Governance and Investor Relations immediately. 
Resources
Market Disclosure Global Standard
Social Value and Sustainability Global Standard
Communications and Brand Global Standard
Community and Indigenous Peoples Global Standard
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Always

• Follow the rules relating to who can make public statements on behalf of BHP.

• Obtain all relevant approvals prior to publicly releasing material.

• Report media and investor/analyst inquiries promptly to Corporate Affairs or Investor Relations.

• Comply with the Communications and Brand Global Standard in relation to attendance at external events, presenting speeches and participating in external panel discussions.

• Ensure anything you share on social media channels is publicly available information and aligns with Our Charter values and Our Code.

• Immediately report any information or major developments that could have a material effect on the share price or investment decisions to Investor Relations, a Disclosure Officer or Governance.

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Never

• Disclose information to the public or divulge confidential information unless you are specifically authorised to do so.

• Say anything that may disclose confidential information or cause harm to our reputation.

• Conceal facts or omit information that may be relevant to a disclosure.

• Use BHP trademarks or branding unless you are specifically authorised to do so.

• Post content or comments in private messaging groups or on public social media channels that are obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful to any person, group or entity.

Results
Hypothetical scenarios
Q: I saw a comment on Facebook about something taking place at my site that I know is not accurate. Can I correct the statement?
A: If you choose to contribute to the discussion, you should only mention information that has already been publicly shared. It’s ok to talk about your workplace but take care not to reveal confidential information when you do. If you’re not sure, speak with your line leader first.
Q: I took a great photo of my teammates onsite with our open cut mine in the background. They are in full PPE. Can I put this on Facebook?
A: Each site has its own rules around photography so check with your line leader on your site rules before taking any photos. You should also confirm with your team-mates whether they are ok for their photo to be taken, and for it to be posted on social media.

 

View more hypothetical scenarios

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How to speak up

If you have questions about Our Code, speak to your line leader, 2Up leader, Ethics and Investigations, Compliance, or Legal. Employee Relations or a HR Business Partner can direct you to the relevant reporting options available. You can also seek further information and resources via BHP’s RespectChat.  Anyone who works with us, on our behalf, or is associated with us, can also raise misconduct concerns via Integrity@BHP or the BHP Protected Disclosure Reporting Channel.

Online: Make a report in either Integrity@BHP or the BHP Protected Disclosure Reporting Channel. 

Phone: You can also contact the BHP Protected Disclosure Reporting Channel by phone.