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WOOLWORTHS GROUP LIMITED Governance Information 2017

Aug 22, 2017

66075_rns_2017-08-22_41669f31-1ca3-4b39-a801-74911cfcff7f.pdf

Governance Information

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2017
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
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Woolworths Limited ABN 88 000 014 675

2 0 1 7 C O R P O R AT E G O V E R N A N C E S TAT E M E N T

2

OVERVIEW

Good corporate governance is central to Woolworths Limited's (the Company and Woolworths Group) approach to enhance long-term shareholder value.

Directors and employees are expected to act ethically and responsibly at all times.

Compliance with ASX Corporate Governance Principles

This Corporate Governance Statement describes the key corporate governance policies and practices of Woolworths Group during the 2017 reporting period through to the date of this report.

It was approved by the Woolworths Limited Board on 22 August 2017.

Woolworths Group has followed each of the recommendations of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (ASX Principles) throughout the period covered by this report.

Further information about Woolworths Group's corporate governance practices and copies of key governance documents referred to in this document are available on the Company’s website www.woolworthsgroup.com.au under the tab About Us/Corporate Governance.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Left to right: Holly Kramer, Kathee Tesija, Richard Dammery (Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary), Gordon Cairns (Chairman), Jillian Broadbent, Michael Ullmer, Brad Banducci (CEO), Siobhan McKenna and Scott Perkins.

3

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (continued)

THE ROLE OF THE BOARD

The Board represents and serves the interests of shareholders. The Board is accountable to shareholders for the strategic direction of the Company in order to enhance shareholder value. Implementation of the Board approved strategy is delegated to management through a formal delegation of authority to the CEO.

Details of director tenure and director attendance at Board and Board committee meetings held during the reporting period are provided on page 32 of the Directors' Report in the 2017 Annual Report.

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board is accountable to shareholders for Woolworths Group’s performance. The Board’s responsibilities include:

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|||
|---|---|
|Strategy|Review strategic direction and approve the strategic and business plan|
|Financial oversight|Adopt the annual budget and capital expenditure plan, and monitor management and|
|financial performance|
|Risk management|Oversee the effectiveness of risk management and compliance (with the Board committees)|
|framework|
|Financial and other|Approve Woolworths Group's half-yearly and annual financial statements, and monitor and review|
|reporting|management processes for the integrity of financial and other reporting|
|Board performance|Evaluate the performance of the Board and individual directors on at least an annual basis in determining|
|and composition|its size and composition|
|Leadership selection|Evaluate the performance of and selecting the CEO|
|Succession and|Plan for Board, CEO and executive succession and remuneration, and setting Non-executive|
|remuneration|Director remuneration|
|planning|
|Social responsibility|Consider the social, ethical and environmental impact of Woolworths Group's activities and operations|
|and set standards and monitor compliance with the Company’s social responsibilities and practices|
|Regulators|Monitor the conduct of the Company’s relationship with key regulators to ensure the Company's|
|obligations are being met|
|Material|Approve major expenditure and capital initiatives in excess of the authority levels delegated|
|transactions|to management|
|Corporate|Review and monitor the Company’s corporate governance policies and practices|
|Governance|

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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BOARD AND CEO

The Board approves the corporate objectives and the duties and responsibilities of the CEO.

The CEO is accountable to the Board for the exercise of his/her delegated authority and, with the support of senior management, must report to the Board on the exercise of that authority. The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the Woolworths Group and must report to the Board on key management and operational issues.

The non-executive directors of the Board meet at the start of each board meeting without the CEO or management being present.

CHAIRMAN

The directors have elected Gordon Cairns as Chairman of the Board. The Chairman is independent and non-executive.

The role of the Chairman is set out in the Board Charter and includes:

  • representing the Board to shareholders and communicating the Board’s position

  • leading the Board and facilitating and encouraging constructive discussion

  • assessing and agreeing the development plans of non-executive directors

  • monitoring the contribution of individual directors and providing feedback on their performance and effectiveness.

The performance of the Chair is reviewed every year.

BOARD STRUCTURE

The Board is composed of a majority of independent non-executive directors who, with the CEO, have a mix of skills to provide the necessary breadth, depth of knowledge and experience to meet the Board’s responsibilities and objectives.

4

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (continued)

BOARD SKILLS AND COMPOSITION

The Board recognises that having a diverse range of different skills, backgrounds and experience among its directors is important for robust decision-making and the effective governance of the Woolworths Group. Taking into account the current and future strategic direction, opportunities and challenges for the Group, the Board regularly reviews the current and desired skills and experience of individual directors and the Board as a whole.

The key skills and experience required of the Woolworths Limited Board are summarised below in the board skills matrix.

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|||
|---|---|
|SKILL/EXPERIENCE|SUMMARY|
|Retail Markets|Retail knowledge and experience of customer-led transformation in the food, drinks or general|
|merchandise sectors|
|Governance|Experience and a commitment to exceptional corporate governance standards|
|Strategy|Experience defining strategic objectives, assessing business plans and driving execution in large,|
|complex organisations|
|Corporate Responsibility,|Commitment to social responsibility and sustainability initiatives and experience monitoring|
|Health & Safety|programs for proactive management of workplace safety, mental health and physical wellbeing|
|Digital, Data and|Expertise and experience in adopting new technologies or implementing technology projects,|
|Technology|digital disruption, leveraging digital technologies or understanding the use of data and|
|data analytics|
|Financial Acumen|Understand financial drivers of the business, and experience implementing or overseeing|
|financial accounting, reporting and internal controls|
|People and Culture|Experience monitoring a company’s culture, overseeing people management and succession|
|planning, and setting remuneration frameworks|
|Regulatory & Public Policy|Expertise identifying and managing legal, regulatory, public policy and corporate affairs issues|
|Risk Management|Experience anticipating and identifying key risks to the organisation and monitoring the|
|effectiveness of risk management frameworks and controls|

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A summary of the collective skills and experience of the current directors assessed against those identified in the board skills matrix is set out on page 27 of the 2017 Annual Report.

BOARD PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The Board expects superior performance from each director. The Chairman is responsible for the performance evaluation process to confirm this.

A review of the performance of the Board and its standing committees occurs each year. Each director also undergoes an annual performance evaluation. These are facilitated by an external advisor and include feedback from all directors and senior management who interact frequently with the Board and Board committees.

The review of director performance is consequential.

The Board discusses the outcome of the reviews with the external facilitator. The Chairman discusses with each director their performance and feedback received. The Chair of the People Performance Committee discusses with the Chair his/her performance and feedback received.

This process was followed in relation to the reporting period.

DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT AND ELECTION

A director appointed to the Board must stand for election at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM). Directors must stand for re-election at the third AGM following their election. There is no limit on director tenure. A recommendation that the Board supports an existing director standing for re-election is not automatic. Potential candidates for the Board as well as directors standing for re-election are all assessed considering a number of factors, including but not limited to:

  • skills, experience, expertise, personal qualities and attributes that will best complement the skill set and characteristics of existing directors and enhance board effectiveness

  • diversity (in its broadest sense) of board composition

  • the capacity to devote the necessary time and commitment to the role

  • potential conflicts of interest and independence.

Appropriate background checks are also performed before any potential candidate is appointed by the Board or recommended to shareholders as a candidate for election. The Board's reasoning and recommendation whether the director or external candidate should be supported will be set out in the Notice of AGM.

5

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (continued)

DIRECTOR INDUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

All directors receive a letter of appointment that sets out their duties, the Company's expectations, and the terms and conditions of their appointment.

Each new director is required to complete an induction program that includes a 'Woolies Welcome' where they spend time working in-store.

The director induction program also includes other site visits and meetings with the CEO, senior management and the Company Secretary to familiarise incoming directors with the business and Board practices and procedures. The process is periodically reviewed by the Board.

Directors also participate in continuing education, training and development programs. There is a mixture of internal and external training designed to improve the Board's and individual directors' insight into the business.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The Board has determined that each director other than the CEO was independent throughout the reporting period.

The Board regularly reviews the independence of directors and formally assesses director independence annually.

Directors are considered to be independent where they are independent of management and free of any business or other relationship that could, or reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with their capacity to bring independent judgement to bear on issues before the Board and to act in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders generally.

As part of the formal independence assessment, the Board considers all business relationships between Woolworths Group on the one hand, and directors and companies of which they are directors or substantial shareholders on the other hand. In each case those business relationships were of an amount not material to both parties.

CEO AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE PERFORMANCE AND REMUNERATION

The CEO and each senior executive has a written contract with the Company, setting out the terms and conditions of his/her appointment, including remuneration entitlements and performance requirements.

The importance of a clear relationship between management performance and the assessment of remuneration is reflected in the Company's approach to evaluating management performance. The following process was followed in relation to the reporting period:

  • the Board reviews the performance and approves the remuneration for the CEO and Group Executive Committee members

  • the People Performance Committee reviews the performance of the CEO and Group Executive Committee members, and makes recommendations to the Board.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Directors are not involved in decisions where they have, or could be perceived to have, a conflict of interest or a material personal interest.

Any director who considers they may have a conflict of interest or a material personal interest in any matter concerning the Company must declare it immediately.

The Company Secretary also monitors all information coming to the Board and its standing committees. Potential conflicts are flagged with the affected director and the Chairman.

INDEPENDENT ADVICE

The Board, Board Committees and individual directors may seek external professional advice at the Company’s expense. If appropriate, the advice may be made available to all directors.

CHARTERS

The Board Charter sets out the role of the Board and how it exercises its powers and responsibilities. Certain authorities are delegated to the Board's committees. The charter also defines the relationship and interaction between the Board and management, including the matters reserved to the Board.

The Board and committee charters were reviewed during the reporting period. These charters are available on the Company’s website www.woolworthsgroup.com.au under the tab About Us/Corporate Governance.

COMPANY SECRETARIES

The Company had two Company Secretaries during the period.

The Company Secretaries are accountable directly to the Board, through the Chairman, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board and Board committees. All directors have access to the services and advice of the Company Secretaries.

6

BOARD COMMITTEES

There are four Board committees to assist the Board in exercising its responsibilities and to provide it with recommendations and advice:

  • Nomination Committee

  • Audit, Risk Management and Compliance Committee (ARMCC)

  • People Performance Committee

  • Sustainability Committee.

Each Board committee has a charter that defines its roles and responsibilities.

Board committees report to and make recommendations to the Board. An overview of the members, composition and responsibilities of each committee is set out below:

AUDIT, RISK MANAGEMENT AND
NOMINATION COMMITTEE COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE PEOPLE PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Members
Gordon Cairns (Chairman)
Jillian Broadbent
Holly Kramer
Siobhan McKenna
Scott Perkins
Kathryn Tesija
Michael Ullmer
Michael Ullmer (Chairman)
Jillian Broadbent
Gordon Cairns
Siobhan McKenna
Scott Perkins
Holly Kramer (Chairman)
Gordon Cairns
Siobhan McKenna
Scott Perkins
Scott Perkins (Chairman)
Jillian Broadbent
Gordon Cairns
Holly Kramer
Michael Ullmer
Composition
• All non-executive
directors
• Independent Chair




Minimum three directors
Majority independent
Chair is independent and
not board chair
Must have appropriate
business experience and
be fnancially literate
At least one member must have
relevant fnancial qualifcations
and experience
• Minimum three directors
• Majority independent
• Chair is independent and
not board chair
• Minimum three directors
• Majority independent
• Chair is independent and
not board chair
Responsibilities include
• Review size and Review and monitor key policies • Monitor leadership development, • Oversee Workplace Health and
composition of the Board and processes succession planning and executive Safety policies and functions
and mix of expertise, skills Make recommendations to the bench strength to ensure the Company’s
and experience
• Identify and evaluate
Board regarding the external
auditor and lead audit partner
• Review people policies and
practices to ensure they are
objectives are met
• Review the efectiveness of
director candidates and
make recommendations
to the Board
• Review directors
retiring by rotation and
recommend whether the
Board should support
re-election


Oversee and review the quality and
efectiveness of the external audit
Monitor the nature, extent and
efectiveness of the internal
control processes
Oversee and appraise the quality,
efectiveness and objectivity
of Internal Audit
consistent with the Company’s
business strategy and objectives
and support its values and culture
• Review the Company’s policies and
performance in relation to equal
opportunity, sexual harassment,
diversity and unfair dismissal
• Review and approve the
policies, initiatives and activities
on community engagement and
social responsibility
• Review the efectiveness
of the Company’s policies
and initiatives which support
environmental sustainability
• Oversee reputational impacts
• Establish and review
succession plans for the
Board and the Chair

Review the efectiveness of the risk
management framework
Review material risk exposures
Company’s remuneration policies
to ensure remuneration is
competitive and designed
to attract, motivate and retain
of the Company’s business
strategies and practices
• Monitor the Company’s policies
and initiatives to ensure
Monitor the efectiveness of • Review and make recommendations safeguards are in place for dealing
legal, compliance and accounting to the Board on the remuneration fairly and ethically with customers,
standard policies and practices and performance of the Group CEO suppliers, competitors and
Review fnancial statements and his direct reports other stakeholders
and reports from external auditor • Review and make recommendations
and make recommendations to the Board on remuneration for
to the Board non-executive directors
Review signifcant fnancial • Review and recommend the
reporting issues and Remuneration Report to the Board
assess the appropriateness
of accounting policies

7

RISK MANAGEMENT AND ASSURANCE

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND POLICY

Woolworths Group is a complex group of businesses that are exposed to a range of strategic, financial, operational and compliance related risks. These risks are inherent in operating retail and online businesses including food, liquor, petrol, general merchandise as well as accommodation, bar, dining and gaming operations.

Woolworths Group has an enterprise risk management framework which, together with the governance structure, is designed to provide a sound framework for managing the material risks of conducting business.

The risk management framework has regard to relevant regulations, standards and guidelines including the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations and the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – principles and guidelines.

Woolworths Group's risk management framework includes the Risk Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Framework. The Risk Management Policy reflects the overall philosophy of Woolworths Group's approach to risk management, and the roles and responsibilities for risk management within Woolworths Group. The Enterprise Risk Management Framework sets out the standards and processes for identifying, monitoring and reporting of risks impacting the success of strategic objectives and operating plans.

Woolworths Group continually looks to identify and implement opportunities to improve the risk management framework. The design of the Company’s risk management framework was reviewed by the ARMCC during the reporting period.

RISK MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT

The diagram below sets out a high level description of how risk governance operates at the Woolworths Group together with key responsibilities of the Board, the Group Executive Committee, Group Risk, Internal Audit and the business units and incorporates the three lines of defence model for how risk is managed at the Woolworths Group.

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RISK LEADERSHIP
LINES OF DEFENCE
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Board of Directors

  • Provides oversight of risk exposures and risk taking

  • Sets and communicates expectations for intelligent risk management

    • Approved appetite for risk

Group Executive Committee

  • Sets business direction and resolves significant enterprise risk issues

  • Provides recommendations to the Board on risk policy, frameworks, risk appetite and risk practices

    • Implements enterprise risk management in the business units

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The Business Oversight Functions Independent Assurance
(1st Line of Defence) (2nd Line of Defence) (3rd Line of Defence)
Owns and manages risk Oversees and sets the frameworks Provides independent assurance of
and standards frameworks and controls effectiveness
Trading Business Units Group Risk Internal Audit
Group Services Human Resources External Audit
Business Risk Health & Safety
Group Quality
Technical Services
Legal & Compliance
Finance
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MATERIAL BUSINESS RISKS

A summary of Woolworths Group's material business risks (including economic, environmental and social sustainability risks) and the mitigation plans is provided at page 25 of the 2017 Annual Report.

8

RISK MANAGEMENT AND ASSURANCE (continued)

EXTERNAL AUDITOR

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is Woolworths Group’s external auditor. The ARMCC makes recommendations to the Board on the selection, appointment, re-appointment or replacement of the external auditor. The external audit appointment is formally reviewed every three years and performance reviewed annually. The Board re-appointed Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as external auditor in 2016.

Mr Andrew Griffiths was appointed lead audit partner for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for financial year 2017 (FY17). He was previously lead audit partner from FY10 to FY14. Woolworths has complied with the regulatory requirements concerning auditor rotation as, following his five years as lead auditor, Mr Griffiths did not play a significant role in the audit for the following two years (FY15 and FY16) before his reappointment.

Details of the non-audit services provided by the external auditor over the reporting period are included in the Financial Statements. The ARMCC has not set any nominal “cap” on the level of non-audit services to be performed by the external auditor, as it considers that this may restrict the ability of the Company to access the best advisers for the particular task.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu has provided the required independence declaration to the Board for FY17. The independence declaration forms part of the Directors’ Report in the Annual Report.

The Company does not invite any ex-Woolworths Group audit partners to be appointed as directors. If such a person was proposed for appointment in a management position, this would require Board approval.

The lead audit partner attends the Company’s AGM and is available to answer questions from shareholders relevant to the audit.

INTERNAL AUDIT

Woolworths Group has an independent internal audit function (Group Internal Audit) which is managed by and within the Group Risk and Assurance team. Group Internal Audit provides independent and objective assurance services to management and the Board in relation to the internal controls, risk management framework and governance of the Woolworths Group. It does so through:

  • Performing audits in accordance with an Internal Audit Plan. The Plan is formulated using a risk-based approach and approved annually by the ARMCC.

  • Having direct access, and being accountable, to the Board through the ARMCC, with the right to communicate to it in the absence of management.

  • Regular reporting to the ARMCC on the results of its audits.

The ARMCC reviews and approves the Internal Audit Charter each year. It also reviews the performance of the head of Group Internal Audit and the internal audit function.

ASSURANCES BY MANAGEMENT

The Board received CEO and CFO certifications during the reporting period that complied with applicable regulatory requirements for the half and full year reports.

9

COMMUNICATION WITH SHAREHOLDERS

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Shareholders and other stakeholders are informed of all material matters affecting the Company through ASX announcements, periodic communications and a range of forums and publications, as outlined in the Shareholder Communications Policy available on the Company’s website. Shareholders have the option to utilise electronic communications.

The Company’s website www.woolworthsgroup.com.au contains a range of information that may be useful to shareholders. Information most likely to be of interest to shareholders is available under the ‘Investors’ tab and includes the Company’s published reports, share price updates, dividend history, presentations and webcasts, shareholder meeting details, material ASX announcements and answers to shareholders’ frequently asked questions.

The Group expanded its shareholder engagement to include regular email notifications of major events or periodic corporate reporting, including results announcements. A shareholder video from the CEO is available for viewing on www.woolworthsgroup.com.au

Other shareholder engagement activities include:

  • the Annual General Meeting, generally held in November

  • the release of the Annual Report

  • regular releases of financial information, including half and full-year financial results.

The Company has an investor relations program designed to facilitate effective communications with analysts, investors, proxy advisors and the media.

CONTINUOUS DISCLOSURE

The Woolworths Group has established processes to enable the Company to provide shareholders and the market generally with timely, direct and equal access to relevant information.

The Company’s Continuous Disclosure Policy aims to:

  • achieve compliance with continuous disclosure regulatory requirements

  • clarify accountability of the Woolworths Group’s senior executives

  • promote investor confidence in the integrity of Woolworths Group and its securities.

The Continuous Disclosure Policy was reviewed during the reporting period. It is available on the Company’s website at www.woolworthsgroup.com.au under the tab About Us/Corporate Governance.

10

ACTING ETHICALLY AND RESPONSIBLY

Woolworths Group's Core Values, together with its Code of Conduct and policy framework, define the standards of behaviour expected of all our people.

WOOLWORTHS GROUP'S CORE VALUES

For all individuals working for the Company, the Core Values define who we are, what we believe and what’s important to us. The three Core Values are:

  • I care deeply

  • I listen and learn

  • I always do the right thing.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct applies to all directors, employees, contractors and consultants of the Woolworths Group and sets out, amongst other things, the standards in accordance with which they are expected to act. The Code of Conduct confirms expected standards of honesty, integrity and fair dealing by all employees in their interaction with customers, suppliers, the community, competitors and each other in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

The Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s website.

OTHER POLICIES

In addition to the Code of Conduct, there are a range of policies which define the Company’s commitment to good corporate governance and responsible business practices. There are also numerous activities and compliance programs across the Company designed to promote and encourage the responsibility and accountability of individuals for reporting unethical practices. These are available on the Company's website.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Woolworths Group's Corporate Responsibility Strategy 2020 defines its commitments to targets for engagement with customers, communities, supply chain and its people, as well as its responsibility to minimise the environmental impact of its operations. The strategy is available on the Company’s website.

One of the pillars of this strategy is People: Encouraging Diversity, which is discussed in the next section of this document.

11

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Woolworths Group values inclusion and diversity across all our businesses and we want to ensure that team members feel valued, respected and empowered. Our customers should see in our team members a reflection of themselves and their communities. We are working to attract and retain an inclusive workforce with a positive customer focus by providing a safe, equitable and engaging working environment. We continually review our strategies and goals to ensure they support a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Over the last 12 months we have made significant progress across a number of our Corporate Responsibility 2020 commitments. Two key highlights are the increase in the number of employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians, and our pay parity project where our goal is to achieve equal pay for equal work by 2020 with a step change improvement by end of 2017.

The Diversity Policy and Corporate Responsibility 2020 commitments are available on the Company's website at www.woolworthsgroup.com.au under the tab Community and Responsibility/Corporate Responsibility Strategy.

ACHIEVE GENDER EQUITY

Increasing female representation at all levels of management and across all functions is important as it will improve Woolworths Group's overall gender equality performance, provide aspirational role models and increase attraction and retention of high performing women, as well as moving us closer to our goal of having a team that reflects our customer base and our community.

Sourcing and retention of key female talent remains a critical focus, particularly for female executive talent. We are currently building multi-year plans to ensure the health of our succession pipelines.

A key enabler to gender equity is equal pay for equal work. In December 2016 we completed phase one of the Pay Parity Project. This replaced our usual across-the-board annual salary review process and included a targeted exercise aimed specifically at addressing existing pay parity discrepancies. This exercise resulted in over 17,600 salaries being reviewed and over 5,000 team members receiving an increase. Following the exercise, the pay gap between male and female team members carrying out like-for-like roles was reduced to 0.5%.

Phase two of the project is currently underway. This will seek to identify and address further opportunities to improve pay parity for more of our team members. It will be completed by September 2017.

WOOLWORTHS GROUP’S WORKPLACE PROFILE

Below is a summary of Woolworths Group’s workplace profile, which shows the percentage of females by employment category as reported to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in May 2017.

FEMALES AS PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL 1
Board 50%
Executives1 30%
Senior Managers 28%
Managers 39%
Total women in management 39%
Non-management 55%

INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION

Since launching our Indigenous employment ‘Resourcing the Future’ Program in conjunction with the Australian Federal Government, we have held over 150[ 2] programs in 328[ 2] stores across Australia, and placed 952[ 2] Indigenous Australian jobseekers into permanent part-time employment. The success of the program over the last 12 months has also led to a significant increase in the number of direct indigenous applications through our mainstream recruitment process.

We have seen first-hand the positive impact our programs have had on the lives of individuals, families and their communities.

2 Figures stated relate to the period 11 December 2015 to 7 July 2017.

1 Defined by WGEA guidelines as key management personnel and other executives/general managers.

12

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (continued)

WOOLWORTHS 2020 DIVERSITY COMMITMENTS

The Company's diversity commitments made in the Corporate Responsibility Strategy 2020 are listed below.

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TARGET MEASURE PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING TARGET
Achieving Gender Equity
At least 40% of executive and senior 40% women Sourcing and retention of key female talent remains a critical
manager positions to be held by women (Executive focus, particularly for female executives. We are currently
Senior building multi-year plans to support the health of our
Managers) succession pipelines. At the end of FY17, women comprise
2020 29% at senior leadership/executive.
No salary or wage gap between male No salary/ In December 2016 we completed phase one of the Pay
and female team members of equivalent wage gap Parity Project. Over 17,600 salaries were reviewed and the
positions on a per-hour rate at all levels by 2020 pay gap between male and female team members carrying
of the company, with a step change out like-for-like roles was reduced to 0.5%. A further review
improvement in closing any gaps by the is now underway for all remaining managers and senior
end of FY17 leaders, which will be completed by September 2017. We are
committed that gender is not a factor in the decisions we
make in regards to how we reward our team members.
Embracing our Diversity
100% of those responsible for hiring 100% of hiring Pilot completed in FY17 with a view to develop this further for
new team members to have completed managers to senior leaders and all managers with responsibility for hiring
unconscious bias training have completed decisions. We are currently working with a number of external
training by providers to identify a scalable approach for rollout in FY18.
2020
Continue the focus of driving cultural No measure We are working to determine how to effectively capture and
diversity, with a commitment that by has yet been map ethnicity data so that store team members reflect the
2020 the Woolworths Group team that determined communities they are serving. We are currently piloting an
will truly reflect the community we serve approach within one of our businesses. If successful, we will
expand with a view to leveraging across the group by FY19.
Supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Employment
Proportion of Indigenous team 2% store Since launching our Indigenous employment ‘Resourcing the
members to equal Federal Government operations Future’ Program in December 2015, we have placed 952 [ 1]
Employment Parity contract. Once team – 2020 Indigenous Australian jobseekers into permanent part-time
achieved, 2% of our store operations employment across 328 [ 1] stores. In addition we have also seen
team members will be Indigenous a significant increase in the number of direct applications
through our mainstream recruitment process.
Proportion of Indigenous Graduates to 2% Graduates We are developing an Indigenous talent development
equal Federal Government Employment – 2020 strategy that is based on the success of our Indigenous
Parity contract. Once achieved, 2% employment ‘Resourcing the Future’ Program.
of our graduates will be Indigenous For our FY19 Graduate Program, we will proactively work
with external partners to develop a targeted approach
to attract and develop Indigenous graduates.
Creating Opportunities for all
Achieve Gold Tier employer status Gold Tier In FY17, Woolworths Group received Participating Employer
in Australian Workplace Equality Employer Status for our first submission as part of the Australian
Index (AWEI) for Lesbian, Gay, – 2020 Workplace Equality Index (AWEI). We will continue our
Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex partnership with Pride in Diversity, who will assist us with
(LGBTI) inclusion key projects on our "pathway to gold".
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1 Figures stated relate to the period 11 December 2015 to 7 July 2017.

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www.woolworthsgroup.com.au