Shell was one of the first companies to introduce business principles in 1976 and if you work for Shell it is an absolute requirement that you comply with our Code of Conduct no matter whether the local law would permit, or even encourage, operating to lower standards. The Code of Conduct covers all aspects of our operations from health, safety, security, environment and human rights to fighting corrupt practices, complying with international sanctions and antitrust laws and data privacy requirements. But its basis can be summarized in the three universal values which underpin it and which everyone in Shell is expected to live by – honesty, integrity and respect for people.
By
Peter J. Rees QC is the Legal Director, and a member of the Executive Committee, of Royal Dutch Shell plc.
What do you understand the Rule of Law to mean?
As a lawyer I would expect it to mean exactly what it says. Namely, that the law should be what rules. It should rule over political interest, personal interest and financial interest. If the rule of law is alive and well it should be law, and nothing else, that defines the rights and obligations are of those that are subject to it.