HOW ANGLO AMERICAN MANAGES COMMUNITY RELATIONS
community needs . Launched in 2003 , the program seeks to contribute to the social , economic and institutional development of the communities in which Anglo operates . The SEAT program ensures the company isn ’ t merely conforming to requirements , but setting new benchmarks in essential areas for communities to thrive .
“ SEAT is a seven-step assessment methodology that provides us with guidance and tools to manage the socio-economic impacts , both positive and negative ,” says Wyatt- Tilby . “ The overall aim is to better meet the community ’ s needs as well as build trust and foster greater transparency and accountability .”
According to Wyatt-Tilby , the program also works to keep community relationships intact and moving ahead .
“ The SEAT program has evolved over time , receiving key input from NGO partners including CARE , Fauna & Flora International , International Alert and Habitat for Humanity , leading organizations on social performance management , and internal experience and case study analysis .”
Anglo American is also working to support local economies . The company ’ s enterprise development programs have supported more than 48,000 SMEs , 76,000 jobs and invested more than $ 100 million into communities in which they work in . “ We don ’ t just provide funding for the entrepreneurs ,” says Wyatt- Tilby . “ We also provide ongoing mentorships , which differentiates our programs from others . Although we have a global enterprise development strategy , each of our programs is adapted to suit its local environmental .
Frontline community engagement and benefits According to Wyatt-Tilby , employees at mine sites play a crucial role of implementing strategies the company ’ s leadership articulate . They are the face of Anglo American and essentially the frontline of community engagement .
“ We implement diverse initiatives to raise levels of understanding among our social and line managers on how to manage core business activities in a way that reduces social risk , delivers local benefits , and leads to community and government support .” Adapting with its SEAT program ,
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