Ethics & Sustainability

Report 2023/24

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP FOR A HAPPIER WORLD

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities Appendix
& Health
Report Highlights  03 People in Supply Chains 12 Circularity & Waste 23 Social Impact 33 Our SDG Index40
Reflections from Performance Highlights 13 Performance Highlights 23 Performance Highlights 33 Data Tables41
our Chairman and our CEO 04 Progress, Challenges, Progress, Challenges, Progress, Challenges,
About the Looking Forward 14 Looking Forward 24 Looking Forward 34
John Lewis Partnership  05 Case Study 15 Case Study 25 Case Study 35
Happier People 06 Agriculture, Aquaculture Biodiversity26 Health, Nutrition
Happier Business 07 & Fisheries 16 Performance Highlights 26 & Wellbeing 36
Happier World 08 Performance Highlights 16 Progress, Challenges, Performance Highlights 36
Reflections from our Director Progress, Challenges, Looking Forward 27 Progress, Challenges,
of Ethics & Sustainability  09 Looking Forward 17 Case Study 28 Looking Forward 37
Key Performance Indicators 10 Case Study 18 Climate Action 29 Case Study 38
Our Key Commitments 11 Raw Material Sourcing 19 Performance Highlights 29
Performance Highlights 19 Progress, Challenges,
Progress, Challenges, Looking Forward 30
Looking Forward 20 Case Study 31
Case Study 21

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 2
Report Highlights
Over 50% -18.4% 49
of the own-brand continental reduction in greenhouse tonnes of cashmere
meat we sell is produced to higher gas emissions across certified to the
welfare standards. our operations. Sustainable Fibre

Over 40%
Alliance standard.
Read more on p.18 Read more on p.29
Read more on p.19
of land at our Leckford Estate is
managed primarily to enhance the
landscape and natural habitats,
including our water meadows and
river valley classified as a Site of
96.9% of Waitrose
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). and 93.1%
of John Lewis
Read more on p.26 primary product
packaging is

£10.2m
recyclable,
reusable or home

61%
compostable.
Together with our
customers, Partners
and suppliers we have
generated £10.2m for
of Waitrose own-brand food -27.5% Read more on p.23

sales meet our Good Health reduction in food waste across

good causes. product standards. Waitrose operations.
Read more on p.33 Read more on p.36 Read more on p.23

£2.4m
generated by the Waitrose
Foundation, funding projects Environmental Finance Bond © New England Seafood International Net zero science-based
that help improve the lives of Awards 2023 – Winner: target for climate validated
the workers who grow, pick Green Bond initiative of the year, MSC Fish Counter of the by the Science Based Targets
and pack our produce. Responsible Commodities Facility. Year: for the sixth year in a row. initiative (SBTi)
Read more on p.13 Read more on p.19 Read more on p.16 Read more on p.30

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 3
Reflections from our Chairman and our CEO
Customers expect companies to We have made very positive progress
operate in an ethical way. There is no this year thanks to the hard work and
trade off between commercial success dedication of Partners across the business.
and behaving ethically.
This report recognises numerous successes and reinforces
Indeed the opposite is true - businesses that behave our ambition and ongoing commitment to ethics and
badly and do damage risk losing customers. In fact, it was sustainability. Here are just some personal highlights:
recently reported that 28% of people in the UK have said Both of our brands continued to make step changes in
they’ve stopped buying certain services/products because sourcing. Waitrose continued to raise standards in animal
of their impact on the environment or society1. And 45% welfare with an industry-first in higher welfare continental
of people were reported saying they’re prepared to make meat. John Lewis made advances in raw material sourcing,
lifestyle compromises to benefit the environment2 – and all of our John Lewis own-brand pure cashmere
suggesting that customers are more likely to shop with womenswear is now certified to the Sustainable Fibre
companies that are clear about what they stand for. That is Alliance Cashmere Standard.
why the criticism of businesses that are driving for greater John Lewis’ fashion rental service also continued to grow,
environmental sustainability as so-called ‘woke capitalism’ is adding 14 new designer brands and our exclusive virtual try-
so misplaced. It is business sense; commonsense. on service – which is a UK first for the fashion rental market.
© Mark MacKenzie
Customers of the John Lewis Partnership have We worked to reduce our impact throughout our
particularly high expectations of the business that runs two Waitrose value chain to decrease food waste, and along with
of Britain’s best loved brands – Waitrose and John Lewis. We are not naive, of course. Covid and the cost of living donations from our customers, we donated the equivalent Looking forward, our refreshed Partnership Plan, focused
They want less plastic, less waste, and more sustainably have pushed up business costs and made customers more of 7.8 million meals via FareShare and the Trussell Trust. on delivering a brilliant experience for our customers, will
sourced products. Perhaps that is no surprise, the wary of where and how they spend their money, but we We are acutely aware of our responsibility to reduce our provide a long-term, sustainable platform for achieving
Partnership being unique in British business as the largest remain committed to getting to net zero greenhouse gas impact on the environment and climate, and more than 70% our Purpose. Our Ethics & Sustainability strategy sets the
employee-owned company in the UK and amongst the emissions in our operations by 2035, and across our entire of our heavy trucks now run on biomethane. For the first direction in service of our Purpose: to protect the planet
largest in the world. value chain by 2050. Nish Kankiwala says more here about time this year, we have also published our scope 3 emissions and nature, and to respect and support the interests
This is why as the Partnership continues to transform – our achievements this year. The Partnership is not perfect. as part of our journey to better understand and reduce the of all those touched by our business. Recognising that
improving customer service and availability, keeping an eye But we’re trying hard to play our part. impact of our business beyond our own operations. there is much work remaining, we remain committed
on value for money – our efforts to tackle climate change; Together with our customers, Partners, and suppliers, to accomplishing all that we still need to achieve as we
protect and restore nature and operate to high ethical we donated £10.2 million to good causes this year, and transform our business.
standards remain central to our future success. SHARON WHITE we expanded our Building Happier Futures programme –
Chairman supporting care-experienced young people – to include
families supported by Home-Start, as well as Action for NI SH K ANKIWAL A
Children and Who Cares? Scotland. Chief Executive Officer

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 4
About the
John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership is the UK’s largest employee-owned business
and trades under two cherished retail brands, John Lewis and Waitrose.
As co-owners, all Partners have a share in the business and a common
commitment to go above and beyond for customers and each other.
We have a unifying Purpose created by Partners, for Ethics & Sustainability Committee
Partners. Our Purpose makes it clear why we exist, sets Happier People Happier Business Happier World
out our ultimate aim as a business and gives us an exciting In 2021, our Partnership Board established a board-level
opportunity to do things differently. Our Purpose promise, Ethics & Sustainability Committee (ESC), recognising Our happier business starts We build happier businesses that We champion the role our
‘Working in Partnership for a happier world’, is not just a the importance of our responsibility to our Partners, with happier Partners, enjoying are honest, fair and free to think Partnership can play in advancing
slogan. It is a deeply rooted and unshakable commitment the environment and those with whom we build worthwhile and satisfying work and act for the long term. We the happiness of the communities
in a supportive environment we aim to make sufficient profit to we work with and the wellbeing
that acts as our guide, inspires all our principles and strong relationships, including suppliers, customers
all help to create. retain our financial independence, of society.
influences every decision we make. On the right, you can and communities.
We treat people with fairness, invest in our Partners and pursue We build trusted business
read more about the Happier People, Happier Business The purpose of this committee is to assist the our Purpose.
and Happier World pillars of our Purpose. Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for setting the courtesy and respect, and we work relationships, acting with integrity
with others who do the same. Our Partnership is built on and doing what’s right.
Ethics & Sustainability Strategy in accordance with our
We create an inclusive environment democratic principles. We share We take responsibility for our
Partnership’s Purpose and Values, and ensuring that
Governance this Strategy is embedded into our operations. The and celebrate diversity with our the responsibilities and rewards
of ownership: knowledge,
impact on the planet and work
Power in the Partnership is shared between the three Committee’s membership includes two independent Partners, customers and the tirelessly to protect and restore
communities we serve. We’re at power and profit. nature, creating a more sustainable
governing authorities: the Chairman; Partnership Board; external members: Sarah Mukherjee, Chief Executive
our best when we all feel welcomed Partner opinion is crucial in driving future for generations to come.
and Partnership Council. The Partnership has established of the Institute of Environmental Management and
and free to be ourselves. the actions of our governing
Committees of the Board which assist the Board in Assessment; and John Morrison, Chief Executive of
We take pride in making our authorities: the Chairman,
carrying out its oversight and assurance responsibilities. the Institute for Human Rights and Business. These the Partnership Board and
members help to bring to the Committee best practice customers happy. We put
everything we have into everything the Partnership Council.
thinking and ongoing awareness of global developments
we do, earning the loyalty and trust
in sustainability. Full details of our Partnership’s
that we need to be successful.
governance arrangements can be found in the Annual
Report & Accounts.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 5
Happier People
The business is owned in trust for
its 70,000 staff, or Partners as we are
all known.
Our founder, John Spedan Lewis, established our Partnership as a
better way of trading – bringing together good business, a happy,
engaged workforce and a belief in making a positive difference in the
communities where we live and work.
We aim to be Britain’s most inclusive business, creating an
environment where every Partner feels included and can be themselves,
always. We aim to create an inclusive environment and celebrate
diversity with our Partners, customers and the communities we serve.
As we continue to learn more about our Partners and customers,
we’ve been able to create the right propositions to improve the
experiences for everyone.
We understand and acknowledge that everyone has different
starting points, and it is necessary to prioritise and make adjustments to
promote fairness and equity.

“
Driving diversity and inclusion matters to us, in every
area of our business and wherever we do business.
Equality is a founding principle of the Partnership,
which was formed almost 100 years ago and supported
through our unique employee-owned business structure
and written constitution.”
Lisa Cherry
Executive Director, People

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 6
 Happier Business
Total Partnership profit before tax
and exceptional items for the year
ended 27 January 2024 was £42m,
an improvement of £120m on the year.
Improvement was achieved through a combination of sales
growth, gross margin rate improvement and sustainable
productivity improvements. Profit before tax was £56m,
up from a loss of £234m in 2022/23. Partnership sales reached
£12.4bn, up by £176m (1%) from a year earlier, while total
revenue was up 2% to £10.8bn. Gross margin rate increased
by 0.6 percentage points this year. Customer numbers across
the Partnership grew by 1 million, to reach 22.6 million. Net
cash generated from operating activities of £433m improved
by £201m, due principally to improved profit. This allows us to
step up our investment in transforming our business, increasing
investment levels from £312m this year to £542m in 2024/25.
Full details of our Partnership’s financial performance can be

“
found in the Annual Report & Accounts.

Our refreshed Partnership plan aims to deliver

sufficient profitable growth to fulfil our Purpose
of working in Partnership for a happier world.
Our plan objectives balance meeting the needs
of our customers, improving the communities
in which we operate and the sustainability
of our planet, working in harmony with our
suppliers and returning more to our Partners.”
Bérangère Michel
Executive Director, Finance

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 7
Happier World Working in Partnership for a happier world
O U R E T H I C S & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y S T R AT E G Y
Our Ethics & Sustainability strategy sets
COMMUNITIES
the direction for us to become a more S U P P LY
CHAINS ENVIRONMENT
& H E A LT H
sustainable and ethical business.
In service of our Partnership Purpose, ‘Working in Partnership
for a happier world’, we are aiming to protect the planet and
nature, and respect and support the interests of all those
touched by our business. Each area of our strategy is critical if
we are to create a more sustainable future for the planet and
a kinder, fairer future for Partners, customers, suppliers and
the communities in which we operate. Our Plan for Nature
PEOPLE IN CIRCULARITY SOCIAL
outlines our commitment to protect and enhance nature.
S U P P LY C H A I N S & WA S T E I M PA C T
This report highlights the progress we have made against
our Ethics & Sustainability strategy during the 52 weeks of the
financial year ended 27 January 2024 (prior year: 52 weeks Protecting the rights of workers in our supply Designing with circularity in mind and Connecting and giving back to communities
ended 28 January 2023), unless otherwise stated. It covers key chains and championing the worker voice eradicating waste and charitable causes
achievements and performance data, as well as the challenges
Read more on p.13-15 Read more on p.23-25 Read more on p.33-35
and opportunities we have faced across the Partnership.

“
Every single aspect of our business depends on and
has an impact on nature and the communities in
which we source and operate. From the use of raw
materials to create our products, through to the
running of our operations. Progressing our Ethics
& Sustainability strategy is critical to delivering the
A G R I C U LT U R E , A Q U A C U LT U R E ,
F I S H E R I E S & R AW M AT E R I A L S O U R C I N G

Guaranteeing a fair deal for

C L I M AT E A C T I O N
& BIODIVERSITY

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our

H E A LT H ,
NUTRITION & WELLBEING

Enabling customers, Partners

Partnership Plan, as well as having a positive impact producers and supporting them to farm operations and supply chains, and protecting and communities to lead healthy
for generations to come.” with nature and enhancing nature through biodiversity and happy lives
Read more on p.16-21 Read more on p.26-31 Read more on p.36-38
Nina Bhatia
Executive Director, New Businesses

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 8
Reflections from our Director
of Ethics & Sustainability
Listening carefully and This year, we became the first retailer in the world to
have science-based targets validated by the Science Based
as WWF’s 2023 Basket Report highlighted, the
supermarket sector isn’t making as much progress

working together will Targets initiative (SBTi) for all greenhouse gas emissions
originating from forests, land and agriculture. We are
as it needs; the report makes sobering reading,
but being held to account is a key element of progress.

drive us forward. developing our approach to climate transition planning to We have undoubtedly begun to turn the dial in the
demonstrate how we intend to meet these targets. This right direction in so many areas but we must continue
means making significant investment in our estate and to work together, encourage decisive political leadership
COP28, the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, in supply chain, as well as helping our suppliers shrink their and be prepared to listen to critical friends to make the
Dubai, saw calls for radical and unconventional action on climate footprints and supporting our customers to live progress needed.
climate change, just as 2023 was awarded the dubious more sustainably.
honour of being the warmest year on record. It was also Our Waitrose farm at Leckford in Hampshire will be
the first COP where the way we produce our food was an increasingly important tool in helping our suppliers and
officially acknowledged as a driver of climate change; farmers develop more nature-friendly ways to produce
a step forward, but more is needed. food. This year, we have invested in a groundbreaking
The most impactful moves to tackle climate biomethane facility allowing us to convert cow manure
change during 2023 were led by businesses and NGOs. into natural gas to power our tractors.
Businesses make millions of decisions every day that can We’re also developing our capabilities for circular
bring benefit or harm to our planet. The time has come design in John Lewis, and bringing together diverse but
to talk honestly about the impacts of business on the linked supply chains. We began in 2021 by utilising wool
climate and nature; not only shouting loudly when we do from Waitrose sheep farms in John Lewis mattresses
good, but being open when things are difficult or when and now we are utilising leather from the Waitrose beef
we just get it wrong. supply chain in manufacturing some of our own-brand
The issues we face – whether biodiversity loss, sofas and chairs.
climate-driven business risk or over consumption – are We have seen challenges, too. For example,
complex and quick fixes are impossible. Solutions will in Waitrose, as signatories of the WWF Retailers
take grit and an acceptance that the world we live in has Commitment for Nature, our objective is to work with
changed, which means that our businesses must change other retailers to halve the environmental footprint M A R I J A RO M PA N I ,
forever, too. of the average UK shopping basket by 2030. However, Director of Ethics & Sustainability

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 9
 Key Performance Indicators
Area Target End Date Status 2023/24 2022/23
Performance Performance

R AW M AT E R I A L 100% of the cotton used in own-brand products to be from more

2025 80.0%* 61.1%♢
SOURCING sustainable or recycled sources.

R AW M AT E R I A L 100% of the palm oil and palm kernel oil-based ingredients and derivatives
2025 77.8% 71.7%
SOURCING used in all own-brand products to be RSPO-segregated certified.

R AW M AT E R I A L 100% of the timber used in own-brand products will be from more

2025 Reporting basis changingi 13%
SOURCING sustainable or recycled sources.

A Q U A C U LT U R E 100% of our own-brand fish and shellfish to come from third-party verified
2025 93.6% 90.3%
& FISHERIES responsible sources.

All own-brand primary product packaging across our two brands to be ii John Lewis:93.1%* 87.3%♢
John Lewis:
CIRCULARITY 2025 ♢
widely recyclable, reusable or home compostable. Waitrose: 96.9%
*
Waitrose: 92.6%

WA STE 85% of all operational waste across the Partnership to be recyclable. 2028 73.9%* 72.6%♢

WA STE Waitrose to reduce operational food waste by 50% against a 2018 baseline. 2030 -27.5%* -22.5%♢

C L I M AT E
Net zero across our entire operations (Scope 1 & 2).3 2035 -18.4%* -18.0%
ACTION

C L I M AT E
All electricity procured by the Partnership to be renewable certified.iii 2028 91.9% 100%
ACTION

Increase sales of healthy food and drinks to 65%, as a proportion

H E A LT H 2026 61% 58%
of total volume.

* i
On track to meet target  his year, KPMG LLP has issued an independent limited assurance opinion over the selected data
T  e are moving to a new system for carrying out risk assessments on timber. In the short term,
W
highlighted in this table with an asterisk (*) using the assurance standards ISAE (UK) 3000 and our reporting will not be comparable with last year and so is not reported in 2023/24. See page 20.
ISAE 3410. The assurance opinion can be found on page 44 and the reporting criteria can ii
Not currently on track to meet target, some improvement needed be found on www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/csr/reporting/reports-policies-standards.html.
Extended to 2025 in line with the rest of the sector. See page 24.
iii
Selected data that KPMG LLP has previously issued an independent limited assurance opinion F or this year, due to external pressures, we have fewer Renewable Electricity Generation
Not currently on track to meet target, significant improvement needed over, however was not part of this year's engagement is marked with a diamond (♢). of Origin (REGO) certificates to certify our power as renewable. See page 30.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 10
 Our Key Commitments
S U P P LY C H A I N S ENVIRONMENT C O M M U N I T I E S & H E A LT H

PEOPLE IN CIRCULARITY SOCIAL

S U P P LY C H A I N S & WA S T E I M PA C T

– Positively impact the livelihoods of over – Halve food waste in our own operations – Make a positive difference in communities where
200,000 workers in our supply chains. and supply chains, and help customers to do we operate through Partner volunteering,
– Invest £1 million on climate and community the same. and financial and product donations.
resilience programmes. – Offer a ‘buy back’ or ‘take back’ option for – Donate food through our partners
– Enable everyone in our supply chains to all John Lewis product categories. to support communities in need.
realise their fundamental human rights. – Develop sustainable rental and resale options for – Build happier futures for people who have
Read more on p.13-15 our customers. experience of the care system and support
– Reduce and make widely recyclable, reusable, families to lead healthier, happier lives.
or home compostable all own-brand primary Read more on p.33-35
product packaging.
Read more on p.23-25

A G R I C U LT U R E , C L I M AT E A C T I O N H E A LT H ,
A Q U A C U LT U R E , F I S H E R I E S & BIODIVERSITY NUTRITION
& R AW M AT E R I A L S O U R C I N G & WELLBEING

– Source all key raw materials in our – Achieve our science-based targets (SBTs) – Increase proportion of Good Health food and
own-brand products from more sustainable for climate. drink sales to 65%.
or recycled sources. – Achieve net zero across our UK farms. – Achieve government reformulation targets on
– Farm all of our own-brand meat, milk, eggs and – End the use of fossil fuels across our salt and calories.
farmed fish to defined ‘higher welfare’ standards. transport fleet. – Increase fibre content across key categories4
– Source all own-brand fish and shellfish from – Increase the volume of fruits, vegetables and by 25%.
third-party verified responsible sources. plant-based foods sold by 10%. Read more on p.36-38
– Achieve zero deforestation in the sourcing of – Invest £2 million to fund ecosystem protection
key commodities across our own-brand product and regeneration projects.
supply chains. Read more on p.26-31
Read more on p.16-21

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 11
“
Ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing
is critical to build strong and resilient supply chains.
Working with organisations like the Sustainable
Fibre Alliance for cashmere help us deliver quality
products whilst prioritising high welfare standards
and safeguarding livelihoods.”
Peter Ruis
Executive Director, John Lewis

Supply Chains
Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 12
People in Supply Chains
Performance Highlights

Waitrose Foundation
35,000
The Waitrose Foundation has conducted research Waitrose Foundation’s climate
The ambition of our human rights programme is to enable to assess its impact on household incomes within resilience investment aims to
everyone in our supply chain to realise their fundamental human its horticulture supply chains in East Africa.
Our £1 million investment in climate resilience
benefit over 35,000 farmers,
workers and families globally.
rights. We believe that championing worker voice and building programmes continues, as we have now committed
strong supply chain relationships creates lasting value for those £770,000 to five projects which are underway
in Senegal, Gambia, Kenya and South Africa. £2.4m
we work with and our Partnership, and supports our Purpose. Read more here
generated by the Waitrose
Foundation this year, funding
projects that help improve the
livelihoods of the workers who
grow, pick and pack our produce
Awards and the communities around them.

Better Jobs
Our Better Jobs programme in China has evolved
696
Business Charity Awards 2023 The Better Jobs China
Winner, Food and Drink Partnership
from identifying workplace issues to building workforce
resilience programme helped
of the Year, Waitrose Foundation resilience. That means supporting factory managers and improve the livelihoods of
partnership with Farm Africa. workers in dealing with work-life pressures, changing 696 workers.
attitudes and behaviours, and developing plans to build
a more resilient workforce. Read more here

Worker rights education

In partnership with NGOs and the International
>2,000
views worldwide of
Transport Federation, and supported by members of the
our films helping fishing
fishing industry, we put together a series of short films sector migrants learn
to inform migrants about their working rights in the UK. their UK rights.
The films have been translated into nine languages and
shared around the world. Read more here

© Eleanor Church

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 13
People in Supply Chains continued

Progress farmers and workers, most commonly for school fees and
income diversification. Read more here
requiring collaboration between supply chain actors and
government to mitigate the risks. Waitrose has joined
at authorised sites. Next year, we will support this
programme with an increased focus on responsible
Ethical compliance programme the Seasonal Workers Taskforce, working to improve purchasing practices and farm-level compliance.
Through this programme, we verify that workers at recruitment practices and provide better worker Recognising our salient human rights risks, our
in-scope supplier sites experience working conditions
in line with our Responsible Sourcing Code of Practice.
Challenges opportunities in the UK fresh produce sector.
In early 2023, we began an HRIA within our shrimp
programme work will continue to address worker-paid
recruitment fees and gender-based discrimination and
In 2023, we extended the programme to include tier The impacts of climate change on our supply chain supply chain in Ecuador. Increasing political instability in harassment, as well as ensuring supply chain workers can
25 fresh produce sites and began publishing our factory continue to increase. Climate events may disrupt supply the country meant we were unable to send researchers access effective grievance mechanisms.
lists on Open Supply Hub, supporting our commitment chains, requiring us to move supply to other locations. to complete the work. We have completed a desk-based Following the success of this year’s resilience training
to supply-chain transparency. Read more in our Human We believe that responses to the climate crisis must study of potential risks and will continue to monitor the programme in China, we intend to extend the initiative
Rights Report & Modern Slavery Statement here. respect a just transition so that our decisions to cut situation. to more suppliers and workers over the coming year.
emissions or adapt to a changing climate consider the In India, as a result of the findings from the Better Jobs
Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs) impact on both nature and the livelihoods of everyone in survey, we will be running social dialogue sessions with
We have started deep-dive risk assessments on high-risk
supply chains beyond food and drink, including one for
our supply chains.
In the UK, the temporary labour needed for the
Looking Forward participating factory managers and workers to identify
beneficial wellbeing interventions and methods to aid the
part of our cotton supply chain. For Kenyan tea, we have summer picking season remains an area where workers’ We have increased on-the-ground checks at our tier 16 reporting and remediation of sexual harassment.
continued delivering our HRIA action plan, with more rights may be at risk. This is an industry-wide challenge, factories this year to ensure production takes place
information available here.

Handmade rugs in India

In last year’s report, we highlighted our ongoing work
looking at traceability and due diligence in our handmade
rugs’ supply chain. This year, we held a workshop with
participating factories to address the salient risks identified.

Better Jobs China

The evolution of our programme in China to focus on
worker resilience has led to the introduction of a wide
variety of policies and measures, such as flexible working,
financial subsidies and worker-family support for education
and employment, as well as a positive shift in attitudes from
factory management. In the next phase, we will assess the
long-term impact these changes have on workers.

Waitrose Foundation
Now in its 19th year, the Waitrose Foundation continues to
reinvest 2% of the sale price of Foundation-labelled products
to improve livelihoods in our fresh produce and horticulture
supply chains. Through our established microloans project
in East Africa, we have disbursed over £1.6m of loans to

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 14
 “
© Eleanor Church

C A S E S T U DY

Films highlight migrant

workers’ rights These films do a great
The global fishing sector has long been associated with human rights job of showing what life
abuses and there is a real need to raise awareness of employment rights is like for migrants in the
for those coming to work in the UK.
UK fishing industry – and
We collaborated on a series of films to educate fishing crew about what
to expect when they arrive here. ITF are happy that these
films are widely shown
If people do not know their rights, they cannot know when
they are not being respected.
The Seafarers’ Charity, Stella Maris, and the ITF to jointly
release a series of films containing engaging, positive and
to crew pre-departure
In 2019, we commissioned a study into the experiences
of workers in UK fisheries. The report was finalised at the
sometimes hard-hitting information aimed at new and
existing fishing crew.
so they know who
end of 2021 and made recommendations about how The films were unveiled at the ITF Seafarers’ to contact if they
we could support people working in the sector, including Conference in Manila, which was attended by 5,000
a clear call to focus on boosting knowledge about rights industry representatives, and have since been shared widely have welfare concerns
in a simple and digestible format. across government, both in the UK and overseas.
Around the same time, these recommendations Everyone involved in making the films wanted them or contractual issues
were repeated in a larger-scale study by the University of to reach as wide an audience as possible, so they are now
Nottingham’s Rights Lab and the International Transport available in nine languages and are free resources for the at work.”
Workers’ Federation (ITF) report highlighting visa loopholes whole industry to use. They can be shared via social media
that created risks for migrant fishers. or as part of a training event or pack, and we want them Chris Williams
With our shared perspective of the need to raise to make an impact far and wide. UK fisheries expert, ITF Fisheries Section
awareness of UK employment rights among migrant crews, The films cover topics from what weather conditions
it made sense to work together. So we collaborated with to expect to everyone’s right to a written contract and are
available to view here.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 15
 Awards

Agriculture, Aquaculture
& Fisheries Marine Stewardship Council
Awards UK Awards 2023
Winner, MSC Fish Counter
of the Year, Waitrose

Our passion for the food supply chain means we take pride
in long-term relationships with the farmers and fishers who
grow, rear and catch the food we eat, while protecting our
natural environment.

Performance Highlights

Animal welfare MSC achievements

We have received the ‘Best Retailer Award’ Waitrose is the first retailer in the UK to sell MSC-certified
for farm animal welfare 4 consecutive times
from Compassion in World Farming – that’s
why we’re proud to claim that we are
tuna across our canned, prepack, counter and food-to-go
ranges. This achievement is the culmination of 14 years of
industry engagement addressing the complexities of tuna
6
years straight –
the number one supermarket for animal fisheries’ management and validating responsible fishing Waitrose wins the
welfare and are committed to keeping it practices. Read more here MSC Counter of the
that way, no compromise. As part of raising Year award again.
© New England Seafood International
standards across all our supply chains,
we announced that all Waitrose own-brand
Italian continental meat is now produced
to higher animal welfare standards –
an industry-leading move. Read more here @WaitroseFarmers 3,322
followers
We set up the @WaitroseFarmers Instagram account

100%
to help our customers get closer to our farmers. We
are immensely proud of the hard-working people who 260
produce and nurture our meat, fish, dairy, fruit and veg, posts on our
of the Italian continental meat we sell is rearing animals with kindness and compassion and growing @WaitroseFarmers
produced to higher welfare standards. food with respect for nature. Read more here Instagram account.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 16
Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries continued

Progress Crustaceans
In 2023, we released a public-facing policy to explain how
Challenges
Native breeds we protect crustacean welfare and have been working with Insufficient action by fisheries management authorities in
This year, Waitrose took a step further from exclusively NGO Crustacean Compassion to enhance the welfare the north-east Atlantic is preventing the mackerel, herring
stocking British beef by pledging to stock beef that of the crustaceans we sell at Waitrose. This includes and blue whiting we source from this ocean from achieving
originates from up to 20 UK native breeds. We are still ending eyestalk ablation in our prawn supply chains from MSC certification. As a founding member of the North
working with the same farmers we always have, but this 1 January 2024. We will continue to work closely with the Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy group, Waitrose strongly advocates
move gives them more freedom to rear animals that are farmers and fishing crews in our supply chain to implement that countries which fish these species should: ensure the
best suited to their natural environments and farms, while our new policy. Our welfare standards have continued collective catch of each stock does not exceed scientific
also using fewer inputs. to improve this year, with Waitrose coming second out advice on sustainable levels; prioritise resolving the issue of
Native breeds are biologically better equipped to deal of all UK retailers in Crustacean Compassion’s latest how to share the catch; establish a formal dispute resolution
with the British climate, soils and grass. By promoting performance ratings for supermarkets. mechanism to address future issues; and agree a long term,
natural grass and forage diets, we believe this greater science-based management plan for each stock.
diversification will create many nutritional benefits for the Bass, bream and halibut
animals and make a positive impact on the sustainability This year, we are working on the completion of the
of local nature. development of bespoke aquaculture species-specific
policies for bass, bream and halibut and are revising our
Looking Forward
Fish and shellfish certification ‘feet on the farm’ assessments (known as Responsible Waitrose is aiming to further lead the market in animal
This year, we achieved MSC certification for all our Efficient Production indexes) to verify compliance with welfare by acting to ensure that key animal-derived
anchovies and, with all tuna on our counters now certified, our policies for bass and bream. These policies cover ingredients (meat, milk, eggs and farmed fish) in all
93.6% of Waitrose own-brand fish and shellfish is fully everything from animal welfare and health to biodiversity the products we sell meet a baseline level for welfare.
certified. We also support and sit on the steering group and environmental impact, and our assessments help our Our ambition is to work with suppliers to raise the
of a number of ongoing fisheries improvement projects farming partners identify and implement opportunities for bar for the brands we stock. As part of this, we have
as part of our journey to achieving certification for the continuous improvement. committed to a target for all branded products we sell
remaining proportion of the fish we sell. Read more here. For the latest performance data, see the appendix. to use cage-free eggs and pork raised without sow stalls
as a minimum by 2030.
In salmon farming, lumpfish and wrasse are species
of cleaner fish used to remove unwanted parasites found
naturally in the sea, helping to reduce reliance on medicinal
treatments. We have completed an independent scientific
assessment of the UK wild wrasse fisheries management
and, together with the Scottish salmon-farming companies
within and outside our supply chains, we are helping
move the sector towards third-party certification over
the coming years and aiming to safeguard the stock and
ecosystem for the future.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 17
C A S E S T U DY

Animal welfare for

continental meat
In another example of its industry-leading approach to animal welfare,
Waitrose announced this year that all its own-brand Italian continental meat
is now produced to higher animal welfare standards.

“
The certification of Italian continental meat means that
shoppers can enjoy Waitrose Parma ham, mortadella and
prosciutto knowing the Italian animals it came from have
lived free from confinement, with more room to roam and
socialise and with deep straw bedding to root around in. We are encouraged by the steps Waitrose
Traditionally, animal welfare standards for continental is taking to improve the welfare of pigs in
meat have lagged behind those of British meats. However, its continental meat supply. It highlights the
a long-term partnership between Waitrose and its supplier, importance of working closely with producers,
the Compleat Food Group, the first Italian meat producer
giving them the confidence and support
to win Compassion in World Farming’s Good Pig Award
back in 2016, has demonstrated its ongoing commitment by to invest in cage-free systems, to ensure
rolling out the higher standards across all Italian producers. a successful transition across the business.”
Waitrose is already confinement-free in UK farming and,
Louise Valducci
in support of its Cage Free Award from Compassion in
Head of Food Business (Europe), Compassion in World Farming
World Farming, it has a target to achieve the same for all its
continental meats by 2025, including prohibiting sow stalls
and farrowing crates. It is now well over 50% of the way
to reaching that goal.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 18
Raw Material Sourcing
Performance Highlights

Fairtrade commitment
£2.4m

© Eyder Montaño/CLAC 2023

As part of our commitment to helping producers invest
Working collaboratively, we strive to source our key raw materials in their farms and communities, Waitrose is working with In 2023, Waitrose delivered
£2,366,142 in Fairtrade Premium
more sustainably while respecting and supporting the people, SONFA, a Sri Lankan organisation that protects nature
by farming organically, to launch the UK’s first own-brand
to farmers and workers in our
cocoa, tea, coffee, wine, coconut,
animals and nature involved in their production. Fairtrade coconut oil. Read more about Fairtrade here sugar, and banana supply chains,
among others.

Cashmere certification
49
Awards

Working closely with one of our key suppliers, 100% of

the pure cashmere used in our own-brand womenswear tonnes of cashmere
clothing and knitted accessories is now certified to the certified to the
Environmental Finance Bond Sustainable Fibre
Sustainable Fibre Alliance Cashmere Standard. This is a major
Awards 2023 Winner, Green Bond Alliance Cashmere
initiative of the year, Responsible
milestone on our journey to making all our own-brand pure Standard.
Commodities Facility cashmere more sustainable by 2025. Read more here

Responsible Commodities Facility

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm
The Responsible Commodities Facility, set up by Sustainable
8,541
Oil (RSPO) Shared Responsibility hectares of native
Scorecard Highest-scoring UK Investment Management, in which we were one of the inaugural vegetation protected
company in 2023, John Lewis investors, incentivises Brazilian farmers to produce soy without in the first year of
Partnership deforestation or conversion of natural land. This year, the second the Responsible
phase of funding attracted $47 million of investment to support Commodities Facility.
122 farms during the 2023/24 crop cycle. Read more here

Policy development
We have published two important policies this year that
set out the more sustainable and responsible ways in which
2
we expect to do business for specific raw materials. new policies
published this
The cotton policy has been supported by deeper
year on feather
engagement to help suppliers meet our expectations. and down, and
Deeper engagement with our suppliers of man-made man-made
cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) is planned for 2024/25. cellulosic fibres.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 19
Raw Materials continued

Progress deforestation and animal welfare. Read about our work

using leather which starts life in our higher welfare UK
global supply chains. The only way to make further
progress on this is to work collaboratively with other
Standards certification farms that supply Waitrose beef for our John Lewis own- businesses, identifying solutions and advocating for change
John Lewis is now certified to the Global Recycled brand sofas on page 25. to provide access to a supply of deforestation- and
Standard, Responsible Down Standard and Responsible conversion-free palm materials.
Wool Standard (RWS). This is a positive step on the Cocoa
journey we are taking in collaboration with our suppliers Waitrose has become Rainforest Alliance certified,
to achieve full chain-of-custody certification for Textile
Exchange and other standards for raw materials.
ensuring that by paying farmers a premium for their crop
it can offer customers cocoa products that bring direct
Looking Forward
economic and environmental benefits to producers and As part of our ambition to source cocoa from sustainable
Cotton their communities. Working closely with committed sources, we are proud to announce that in 2024 we will
After a year of targeted engagement with our Partners, suppliers and our commercial teams, 71.5% of the cocoa join Tony’s Chocolonely’s Open Chain sourcing model to
suppliers and NGOs, and further work to embed our we sourced in 2023 was either Fairtrade or Rainforest help transform the cocoa industry. The Fairtrade-certified
cotton policy, we have improved our performance Alliance certified. cocoa found in nine of our own-brand chocolate bars is
so that 80.0% of the cotton we bought came from sourced from cooperatives across Ghana and Ivory Coast
more sustainable or recycled sources (up from 61.1% Animal and fish feed policy that have strong relationships with Tony’s, working to
in 2022/23). We have been working to refresh and consolidate eradicate child labour in their supply chains. The cocoa will
our policies for the responsible sourcing of animal be fully segregated and traceable, as well as deforestation-
Feather and down and fish feed, covering soya, palm oil, fishmeal and oil, free.
We formalised our policy this year, taking input from and other feed ingredients. We have been collaborating The forthcoming EU Deforestation Regulation will help
animal welfare group FourPaws and industry bodies, with the Retail Soya Group and the UK Soy Manifesto us achieve our commitment to zero deforestation in our
including DOWNPASS and Textile Exchange. In addition, to strive to accelerate the implementation of a market sourcing of food raw materials which pass through the EU
we engaged all our suppliers of filled products, such as mechanism that can assure the credentials of soy entering market. We have been engaging with the UK Government
duvets and pillows, to ensure action plans are in place that the UK. Read more about our work on raw materials via pre-competitive industry groups and working with
support compliance with our policy. sourcing here. NGOs such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to call for the
For the latest performance data, see the appendix. rapid implementation of secondary legislation in the UK.
Man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF) This will help to drive a truly market-wide solution that will
We published our MMCF policy in January and established enable both the delivery of our targets and a large scale
a baseline of suppliers using MMCFs. This will allow us
to work with them to ascertain the fibre producers they
Challenges positive impact.

source from as part of our commitment to source from We are working on improving our data and systems
more sustainable or recycled sources by 2028. for timber due diligence to enable us to report more
accurately in future.7 As well as managing timber more
Leather effectively, we are setting targets to source other raw
By joining the Leather Working Group’s (LWG) task materials without deforestation and conversion. Achieving
forces reviewing traceability and chain of custody claims our ambition of 100% deforestation- and conversion-free
and standard this year, we are working with the industry soy in our supply chain by 2025 will, however, be very
to tackle the challenge of leather traceability. We are also challenging without a market-level change in the UK.
helping to create the enabling environment needed to Availability of RSPO Segregated palm derivatives and
achieve both our and LWG’s strategic commitments on fractions is a similarly systemic industry challenge across
© Eyder Montaño/CLAC 2023

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 20
C A S E S T U DY

More sustainable certification

for own-brand cashmere
After working closely with key supplier Artwell, John Lewis is one of the first
retailers to announce that all own-brand pure cashmere womenswear is
Sustainable Fibre Alliance certified.

“
This further demonstrates that we prioritise high welfare standards for animals,
whilst striving to safeguard livelihoods and minimise our cashmere products’ impact
on nature.

The Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) works with the entire Alongside the certification, John Lewis has introduced
supply chain – from herders to retailers – to promote QR codes on labels across its cashmere range. Customers
responsibly produced cashmere.
This means that by securing SFA-certified cashmere,
can scan the code to discover material details and
recommended care instructions, helping to increase the
John Lewis has been a leading
John Lewis is leading the way among retailers with its
own-brand womenswear cashmere range, safeguarding the
lifespan of the item and reduce its environmental footprint.
This work forms part of the commitments set out
member of SFA having joined
livelihoods of herders as well as ensuring the welfare of
animals throughout the supply chain.
in Our Plan for Nature, pledging to source 100% of
pure cashmere and other key raw materials from more
at an important phase of our
In practice, the result for John Lewis customers is that
they can be sure this cashmere clothing adheres to best
sustainable or recycled sources by 2025.
early development. John Lewis
practice for responsible production, including mandating
good goat welfare, looking after biodiversity, using land
has enabled SFA to reach
responsibly, promoting decent work, enhancing fibre
quality and operating an effective management system.
suppliers in areas which may
not have been accessible
without their support.”
Una Jones
CEO & Founder of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA)

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 21
“
Our passion across Waitrose - from farmers
to suppliers and our store Partners – is to build
a sustainable food system our customers can
trust. We want to support our farmers to work
with nature and to regenerate the land for the
benefit of all.”
James Bailey
Executive Director, Waitrose

Environment
Introduction Supply Chains
Supply Chains Environment
Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 22
Circularity & Waste
Performance Highlights

Operational food waste

We are committed to halving food waste
-27.5%
We must design our business and products with circularity in in our own operations and supply chains reduction in our
operational food waste.
mind in order to eradicate waste and pollution and support and helping customers do the same. As
part of a trial to reduce operational food
nature responsibly. waste, 75 Waitrose shops have this year sent
surplus that could not be diverted for human
consumption to be processed into animal and
pet food. Read more here
Awards

UK Packaging Awards 2023 Packaging

Development Team of the Year –
Waitrose We are committed to making all our own-
brand product packaging recyclable, reusable
or home compostable. We have also changed
many of our products to reduce and avoid
single-use packaging, including trialling
the removal of metal foil capsules on our
own-brand wine and plastic packaging from
93.1% 96.9%
of John Lewis of Waitrose
bed linens. Read more here
product packaging is recyclable,
reusable or home compostable.

Fashion rental 550,000

site visits.
This year, we added more new brands to our

5,300
fashion rental service and introduced our first
rental maternity-wear range. Our new virtual
try-on option has received a positive response customer accounts.
from customers and makes our rental

2,000
service even more convenient and accessible.
Read more here
rentals booked for our
fashion rental service.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 23
 Circularity & Waste continued

Progress with circularity in mind, meeting our three principles

of material choices, durability and recyclability. These
Challenges Looking Forward
Fashion rental principles have been established in collaboration WRAP In 2019, Waitrose and John Lewis committed to As an advisory member of the British Fashion Council’s
This year, we added 12 new designer brands to the John and The University of Exeter Centre for Circular Economy. delivering 100% widely recyclable, reusable or home new Circular Fashion Innovation Network and Lead of
Lewis fashion rental offer, including established brands Read more here. compostable own-brand primary product packaging the Circular Business Models’ priority workstream, we look
such as Jigsaw, and new designers, including Queens of by 2023, two years ahead of the industry-wide forward to collaborating with other fashion brands over the
Archive and Amanda Uprichard. In addition, our exclusive Food waste UK Plastics Pact commitment. While both businesses coming year.
virtual try-on service is a first for the UK fashion rental In November, we pledged our support to The Coronation have made excellent progress, we have not yet hit 100% In December, as part of efforts to provide customers
market. Since it launched, users are spending longer on our Food Project – a new initiative working to tackle food and will extend our targets for both John Lewis and with accessible and sustainable pre-loved options, we
rental website, trying on an average of 70 different outfits. waste across the UK. One in five people in the UK Waitrose to 2025, in line with the rest of the sector. launched a pop-up at our Peter Jones store with designer
Read more here are not sure where their next meal will come from. The primary challenge for John Lewis lies in removing pre-loved fashion and accessories retailer Sign of the
The Coronation Food Project will rescue surplus food polystyrene and polyfoam, which requires collaboration Times. We will look to scale a pre-loved proposition
Circular design and redistribute it to thousands of charities across from stakeholders throughout all retailers’ supply chains. across additional categories once we have reviewed
We developed our first circular design collection across the UK. Waitrose is working with selected suppliers, The primary challenge for Waitrose is a lack of recycling customer appetite.
home and fashion this year and are getting ready to FareShare and the Felix Project to support this vital work. infrastructure for complex multi-layer materials, where Next year we will be working to establish takeback
launch it in spring 2024. Five products have been designed Read more here. there are no viable alternatives for the protection of food. solutions for three remaining product categories in order to
For the latest performance data, see the appendix. We’ve worked hard to make as much of our achieve our 2025 target. The three remaining categories are
packaging as possible recyclable, but we know this in itself challenging due to the complexity of the products and the
isn’t enough. At Waitrose, therefore, we will set a target logistics involved in getting them back from customers, as
© Mark MacKenzie
for packaging reduction (and/or adoption of circular well as ensuring that the reuse and recycling routes of these
packaging models) and report this in our Ethics & products meet our standards.
Sustainability Report 2024/25. We are testing QR codes on product care labels with
We look forward to working with WRAP and our the aim of introducing digital product passports on our
industry to support and push for similar ambition beyond products in future. An initial trial involved placing the codes
our own business. on 200,000 cashmere items, providing customers with
additional product care information not featured on the
garment label.
Waitrose joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and
Sustainable Food Trust’s global Big Food Redesign Challenge
and will be stocking its shelves with some of the innovative
products that are being created with nature in mind.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 24
 “
C A S E S T U DY

Farm to furniture
In June 2023, we announced that 100% of the leather used for our John Lewis
own-brand sofas and chairs would come from the higher welfare UK farms that All the leather we use for
supply Waitrose beef. We have also introduced new chopping boards made from John Lewis own-brand sofas
timber that would otherwise have gone to waste.
and chairs starts life in the
John Lewis began a successful Sheep to Sleep circular produce from the UK. Leather and home furnishings,
UK from Waitrose farms
design initiative in 2021, filling its mattresses with
otherwise wasted wool sourced from Waitrose
however, proved to be a possible ethical blind spot –
85% of adults acknowledged owning leather goods but
we know and trust. Leather
farms. The innovative leather sofa initiative, Farm to
Furniture, builds on that success, bringing our two
80% of those were unsure whether the material came
from British farms. In fact, only 5% of people surveyed
is a durable and high-quality
distinct businesses together to reduce the Partnership’s
environmental impact while creating beautifully designed,
considered where the materials used to make their
furniture came from.
material that is built to
long-lasting and high-quality products that support
British producers.
Following on from Farm to Furniture, we launched
a range of chopping boards made using ash felled at the
last, providing John Lewis
Four times in a row, Waitrose’s farming supply chain
has been presented with the Best Retailer Award by
Duchy and Leckford estates. This new waste-to-resource
initiative features a limited edition chopping board
customers real value for
Compassion in World Farming. So customers can be
reassured that the leather covering John Lewis sofas
produced from ash felled at Duchy and Leckford estates
due to ash dieback, a disease that has the potential to
their money.”
comes from British Waitrose farms that respect animals affect half of UK ash trees over the coming years. We
and nature. worked with UK-based suppliers to create 700 unique Sean Kennedy
In an associated poll, 73% of shoppers said the welfare chopping boards and prevent the timber from this Head of UK Sales, Crest Leather.
of animals produced for meat was important to them, necessary felling going to waste.
with 89% also stressing the importance of sourcing

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 25
 Awards

Biodiversity
Soil Association BOOM
Protecting and restoring nature was Awards 2023 Winner,
Best of Organic
a personal passion of our founder. It’s Supermarkets, Waitrose

now a profound commitment for the

entire John Lewis Partnership, outlined
in Our Plan for Nature.

© Joseph Gray / WWF-UK

Performance Highlights

Nature-based farming
>40% Sustainable water
£315,000
© WWF

This year, we implemented a new species-monitoring scheme

management
Over 40% of land at our Leckford committed by the Waitrose
at our Leckford Estate to monitor trends and fluctuations Estate is managed primarily to In 2023, we extended our Foundation to support
in the estate’s biodiversity. For the first time, we recorded enhance the landscape and natural
work on sustainable water livelihoods and protect nature
a pair of rare stone-curlew making Leckford their home and habitats, including our water meadows in South Africa.
and river valley classified as a Site of management to South Africa.
breeding successfully, reinforcing the value of our approach to This builds upon projects we
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
nature-based farming. Read more here fund in Medway, Kent, and
southern Spain to ensure
WWF Landscape Recovery
98 suppliers minimise their
impact on water scarcity and
Working alongside WWF, our Landscape bird species recorded at water quality. Read more here
Recovery pilot in North Norfolk will create and restore Leckford in the past year.
wildlife-rich habitats that benefit the climate, nature
and people. As part of the pilot, we’ll research whether
UK seaweed can replace conventional fertiliser, drive
forward reintroduction of beavers and assess how salt >50%
marshes mitigate pollution. Read more here Over 50% are either Red or
Amber-listed under UK Birds
of Conservation Concern.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 26
 Biodiversity continued

Progress WWF partnership in India

We are working with WWF to address water scarcity
Challenges A key aspect of this programme includes the removal
of water-thirsty alien invasive tree species, allowing the
North Norfolk nature recovery with WWF and quality in India’s Noyyal and Bhavani river basins, Our ambition to set science-based targets for nature will reestablishment of native species which better manage soil
Our partnership with WWF is at the heart of the important areas for John Lewis cotton production. This help ensure that our work to protect and restore nature and water flow through the catchment. Where possible,
Partnership’s efforts to protect and restore nature. year, we completed surveys in the Marlimund catchment scales up, aligns with science and involves our supply chains. the by-products will also be used for income-generating
Working together in North Norfolk, we aim to enable to document native and invasive vegetation, aiming to The wide range of products we sell and the length of circular business models, such as wood chip, clothes
the long-term recovery of the landscape, testing how to begin restoration later in 2024. In addition, 15 local some supply chains makes visibility a challenge. To address hangers and compost.
combine regenerative agriculture, nature restoration and farmers from the Mantarai Pallam watershed visited this, we and other retailers take a risk-based approach to In addition, we have now submitted planning
carbon sequestration in one of the UK’s most intensively Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for sessions on organic our sourcing regions when we cannot fully trace products applications for new homes in Bromley and West Ealing,
farmed regions. farming practices. and materials back to their original field or mine. incorporating natural elements and design principles. We
The project involves collaborating with local Despite this, we’re progressing and have now identified will apply the learnings from these submissions to develop
stakeholders, volunteers and experts, including Norfolk Farming for nature at our Leckford Estate and prioritised biodiversity hotspots in our supply chain. applications for future Build to Rent sites.
Rivers Trust, RSPB, Norfolk Council, the Local Nature Our Leckford Estate aims to lead by example, investigating Having completed the first two steps of the process,
Recovery Partnership, the National Trust and Holkham and advocating an approach to farming that works in we are working on step three, which will include setting
Estate to create and restore wildlife-rich habitats across partnership with nature. This year, a small colony of Duke a science-based freshwater target.
land, freshwater and marine environments. of Burgundy butterflies was observed on one of the estate’s Following that, we intend to set similar targets for land,
Together, we will track specific outcomes and the chalk downland banks, the first time the species has been biodiversity and oceans – we already have a science-based
effect of each intervention, supporting our work to set seen at Leckford since 1991. target for climate – a key enabler will be the anticipated
a science-based target for nature. Read more here Southern damselfly, a rare species listed as endangered publication of further guidance from the Science Based
on the British Odonata Red List, was recorded for Targets Network.
the first time in the river valley at Leckford. This key
find demonstrates a population increase and upstream
distribution spread along the River Test. Read more here Looking Forward
Support from the Waitrose Foundation will enable us
to further expand our programmes with WWF to
lead a Water Source Area (WSA) partnership for the
next two years in South Africa’s Western Cape. As the
Boland/Grootwinterhoek WSA supplies 97% of the
region’s surface water, it is of major social, economic
and environmental importance. This area is critical to
the country’s agricultural sector and supports over
180,000 people with direct employment, including
35,000 Waitrose Foundation fruit farm workers

© Joseph Gray / WWF-UK

in our supply chains.
Our transformative partnership will invest over
£300,000 to coordinate stakeholders’ efforts across
government, farms, water associations and local
businesses, encouraging greater collaboration to achieve
holistic, impactful and scalable change over the long term
© Kath Hernon towards a secure future for the region’s water.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 27
 “
C A S E S T U DY

Nature-based farming
benefits rare birds Nature-friendly farming is vital
for conserving stone curlews.
The rare stone-curlew visits the UK in spring and summer, but by nesting
in well-grazed grassland and arable fields it is vulnerable to farm operations. Thanks to partnerships
Thanks to careful management involving leaving fallow areas in-field, our between farms like
Leckford farming team was thrilled to see the estate’s first stone-curlew chicks Leckford, dedicated RSPB
fledge this year. conservation staff and teams
of volunteers, breeding
Protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act and
Amber listed in UK Birds of Conservation Concern,
To protect these ground-nesting birds, we purposely
leave several hectares of land in the middle of some cereal
numbers in the UK have
the stone-curlew is a rare sight in the UK, visiting in the
warmer months to breed.
fields as uncropped fallow. This bare ground offers nest
sites, and the naturally regenerated vegetation provides
recovered to around 400
The mottled brown bird with long yellow legs and access to small invertebrates for feeding chicks. pairs, helping to ensure this
distinctive large yellow eyes that help it forage in twilight Stone-curlews have been recorded at Leckford since
has experienced a steep population decline: in the 1980s, 2013, but we have never observed successful breeding – elusive and charismatic bird
there were only around 100 pairs remaining. until this year.
Fortunately, concerted conservation efforts, such as With continued careful management by the farming can co-exist sustainably
those at Leckford, have seen stone-curlew numbers begin
to rise again, with the current UK population estimated
team and additional monitoring established by the estate’s
Biodiversity Officer and local RSPB volunteers, we know
alongside food production.”
at around 400 pairs. that a pair of stone curlews raised two chicks in one of our
Heather Dixon
Supported by the estate’s Countryside Stewardship fallow plots.
Conservation Officer, RSPB
agreement, we are creating nesting habitats for a wide As adult birds tend to be faithful to their breeding site,
variety of farmland birds. While many nest in hedgerows we will maintain and manage that fallow plot to the same
and grass margins, some, like the stone curlew, favour high standard in the hope that the pair return and breed
nesting in fields. again next year.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 28
Climate Action
Performance Highlights

Science-based targets
This year, we became the first retailer in the world to
Climate change is one of the leading causes of nature loss, have science-based climate targets for forest, land and
and that is why our climate targets are an integral part of our agricultural emissions validated, and we are developing our

-18.4%
approach to climate transition planning to demonstrate
commitment to nature. We are acting to reduce our contribution how we intend to meet our science-based targets.
Read more here
to climate change and help customers transition to more reduction in our business'
operational greenhouse
sustainable lifestyles. gas emissions.

Awards
Scope 3 emissions
Over the past two years, we have been working on
by 2035
We will be net zero
Energy Management Awards 2023 measuring our scope 3 emissions,8 recording 7.39 million in our operations and
Winner, Energy Management Team 2023, tCO2e in 2020/21. It is a significant undertaking, and UK farms.
John Lewis Partnership we are continuing to refine our approach. But now, for
the first time, we have meaningful data that will help
us understand and reduce the climate impact of our
by 2050
We will be net zero
supply chains. Read more here
across our entire
BRC Climate Action Roadmap supply chain.
Showcase 2023
Winner, Driving Towards Net Zero
Property, John Lewis Partnership Net zero farms
We are pioneering innovative approaches to reducing our
Logistics UK emissions and sharing knowledge with our suppliers. At
Winner, Decarbonisation Champion our Leckford Estate farm, we installed a biomethane plant

500
of the Year, John Lewis Partnership to generate fuel from agricultural waste while significantly
reducing harmful methane emissions. Read more here

Manure produced by the 500

cattle kept at the farm is harvested
and processed on site, producing
biomethane that not only fuels
machinery but also significantly
reduces the estate’s carbon footprint. © Mark MacKenzie

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 29
Climate Action continued

Progress Total Scope 3 Emissions 2020/21 Baseline

Challenges Looking Forward
0.8%
Science-based targets Expanding our climate targets to include scope 3 this year Over the next year, we will continue implementing
This year, we became the first retailer in the world to required us to measure emissions far beyond the boundaries changes to our physical estate and fleet that cut our
have science-based targets validated by the SBTi for all of our business. We must, for example, understand the direct carbon emissions, including powering more of our
20.2%
greenhouse gas emissions originating from forests, land 1.3% production impact of the products we sell, from growing or lorries with renewable biomethane. We’ll also be trialling
and agriculture. We have pledged to cut emissions from 38.2% mining to factory processes and importing. fully electric articulated trucks, installing equipment to
our own operations, which will be net zero by 2035, and We also need to consider the impact of our products power our trailer fridges electrically while they are on
7.39m
our whole supply chain, which will be net zero by 2050. after we sell them, such as whether they can be recycled the road and implementing ‘shore power’ sockets at our
1.0% tCO2e
This means taking actions such as increasing the adoption or how customers use electrical products in their homes. Aylesford Distribution Centre.
of renewable energy in our supply chains, helping our Verifying all the different types of data needed to calculate Following on from successful installations as part
suppliers reduce their climate footprints and supporting these climate footprints is a vast but essential challenge. of 12 building upgrades during this year, we will continue
38.5%
our customers to live more sustainably. We are working with external experts and industry to roll out the replacement of gas boilers with heat
We now better understand the impact of our business bodies such as WRAP to continually improve methodologies pumps in our buildings. We aim to identify the right
beyond our stores and vehicles and can begin to make and standards for scope 3 data collection. However, we solution for each of our buildings that will deliver the
informed choices based on the impact of the products we Category 1: Purchased Goods & Services Category 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 13 & 14: Capital know our planet cannot wait for perfect data, so we are biggest overall reduction in our impact.
FLAG Emissions Goods, Fuel and Energy Related, Waste,
sell. We are developing our approach to climate transition Business Travel, Employee Commuting, focused on addressing the most impactful areas we can to We will be working more closely with our suppliers
Leased Assets & Franchises
planning, building more detail about how we plan to achieve mitigate our impact on nature. to reduce emissions, too, particularly in collaboration
our climate targets. We will continue to develop this plan Category 1: Purchased Goods & Services
Energy & Industrial (non-FLAG) Emissions
Category 11: Use of Sold Product
Emissions
A number of external pressures have resulted in with the UK farmers that supply Waitrose. And we will
over the coming years. Read more here a significant spike in the market cost of renewable electricity continue to improve our total footprint data by beginning
Category 4 & 9: Upstream & Downstream
Transport & Distribution Emissions
Category 12: End-of-life Treatment of
Sold Products
this year. As a result, we have both significantly increased to incorporate emissions from our suppliers; this year,
Transport the overall amount we spend for renewable electricity and we started collecting supplier emissions data through the
More than 70% of our heavy trucks now run on biomethane, accepted that we will, for 2023/24, purchase only 91.9% Manufacture 2030 platform, and we will be increasing
and we continue to grow our electric vehicle fleet. In two renewable electricity. This impacts our carbon footprint for our use of this tool next year to better understand the
of our four Regional Distribution Centres, we power the the year, however we still remain on track to achieve our SBT. impact of our key suppliers.
trailers electrically while they are on site so that we can run Waitrose supports the goals stated in the National
the fridges on our trailers with electricity rather than diesel. Scope 3 Energy & Industrial (non-FLAG) Scope 3 FLAG9 Food Strategy and it’s clear that as a nation we need to
Emissions Progress Emissions Progress
We are also testing our first all-electric large home delivery eat more plants and less meat: for our health, for nature,
van from our Waitrose fulfilment centre. and to tackle climate change. To support that, we will
Baseline significantly increase the amount of fruits, vegetables and
% change compared to 2020/21 baseline emission

% change compared to 2020/21 baseline emission

Baseline
Scope 3 emissions -10.9% -3.4% plant-based foods we sell (by 10% volume by 2030). We
-10.0%
This year we are publishing for the first time our scope 3 also believe passionately that the meat we eat needs
-24.0%
emissions baseline, as well as two years of reduction to be better: high quality, the highest animal welfare
-30.3%
progress. Our scope 3 emissions baseline is 7.39 million standards, regeneratively farmed, and as low carbon as
-42.0%
tCO2e, with purchased goods and services making up the possible. Waitrose is the industry-leading supermarket
largest percentage of emissions. We are currently on track for better higher welfare meat and so as we increase the
with our scope 3 targets due to a combination of category amount of plants we sell, we will also sell more of our
sales mix and product composition changes, increasing better higher welfare meat: more customers, buying less
renewable energy use in our supply chain, and more and buying better.
sustainable raw material sourcing.
For the latest performance data, see the appendix. 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 7 Years Target Year
2030
2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 7 Years Target Year
2030

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 30
 © Mark MacKenzie

C A S E S T U DY

Fuelled by the farm

This year, Waitrose became the first UK retailer to power tractors with green
gas at its Leckford Estate farm, the only major retailer-owned farm in the UK.

“
The initiative is part of the Partnership’s wider Our Plan for Nature and net
zero ambitions.

In 2021, we announced that we would use our compressed natural gas. The solid material that’s left
Leckford Estate farm to experiment with a variety of behind is high in nutrients and is used as crop fertiliser.
environment-friendly agricultural techniques that could This reduces our need to purchase fertilisers, which
facilitate radical change for nature. Our team at Leckford themselves have a high carbon footprint. This partnership and investment
has made significant progress on this commitment by The process is circular, moving from grazing cows in the
creating a pioneering facility that generates sustainable field producing manure, to capturing the methane gas from into cutting-edge farming
fuel for the estate’s tractors. this, and spreading the remainder back on the field. The
Manure produced by the 500 cattle kept at the farm monitoring system for the facility, which was designed and practices like our bespoke
is harvested and processed on site, producing biomethane built by Cornwall-based clean energy experts Bennamann
that not only fuels machinery but also significantly reduces in conjunction with New Holland tractors, is also powered biomethane facility have enabled the
the estate’s carbon footprint. by solar panels on farm buildings.
The covered lagoon – which is the size of two and It is a significant step towards reaching net zero development of our next-generation
a half Olympic swimming pools – is the largest of its type across our operations by 2035 and in demonstrating
in the UK. It holds energy-rich fluid which separates from our commitment to nature. From 2024, we will be sharing retrofit methane capture ecosystem.
farmyard manure and emits gases, including methane. learnings with our suppliers so this benefit can be felt
As these gases are emitted, they are collected, and at a much wider scale than in our own operations. JLP’s support has been instrumental
biomethane is isolated and used to power tractors as
in the development of our new
retrofit slurry cover and methane
capture technology.”
Michael Simpson
Chief Executive Officer, Bennamann

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 31
Communities & Health
Introduction Supply Chains
Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health
Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 32
 Awards

Social Impact
Purpose Awards Winner, Best
We champion the role the Partnership can play Fundraising Campaign (Brand-led),
Building Happier Futures
in enhancing the happiness and wellbeing of the
communities where we operate.

Performance Highlights

Local communities £1.8m £3.4m 1,873 Building Happier Futures £1m

donated to good causes through donated to the King Charles III hours of generated for our Building
We want to enable as much of Our Building Happier Futures commitment aims to raise
our Community Matters Charitable Fund from Waitrose volunteering Happier Futures programme.
the inspiring work taking place in programme. Duchy Original sales in 2023/24.10 recorded awareness of, support, and provide opportunities to
our communities as we can. Our by Partners. people with experience of care. We recognise that early
Community Matters programme, in intervention can prevent young people joining the care
which Partners select local good causes system so, this year, we expanded the programme to
for us to support, is just one way we The John Spedan Lewis Foundation awarded £103,269 support the work of Home-Start. Read more here
to six charities supporting natural history, wildlife
achieve that. Read more here
conservation and horticulture.

Disaster relief
Hunger and poverty £100,000
We continue our long-standing relationship with the British Red Cross, who work donated to support community
We have continued our work to fight food hard to respond with compassion and neutrality to disasters around the world. resilience and disaster relief.
poverty and food waste through our ongoing Through our membership of the Disaster Relief Alliance, we help to support
collaboration with FareShare and a targeted a rapid humanitarian response to global events. The British Red Cross Disaster
annual contribution to the outstanding work of
the Trussell Trust. In addition, every Waitrose
7.8m Relief Alliance is an active community of businesses which invest in the future of
humanitarian action. Between January 2023 and February 2024, British Red Cross
store is now connected to the Olio surplus meals equivalent donated through disbursed £2,225,000 and supported 469,272 people to prepare for, respond to
food distribution network. FareShare and the Trussell Trust. and recover from crisis, including people affected by floods in Libya, pictured here. © Turkish Red Crescent

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 33
Social Impact continued

Progress Cares? Scotland with their data management challenges.

We also promoted the Coronation’s Big Help Out
Hunger and poverty summer of volunteering and supported office-based
As well as donating surplus food to charitable organisations Partners to self-serve and find local opportunities
through our partnership with FareShare, we’ve now with which to volunteer. Our Building Happier Futures
integrated the free sharing app Olio into our FareShare fundraising weekend was our first chance to get Partners
Go operation. Now, when FareShare is unable to collect and charity volunteers working together in our shops
surplus food from Waitrose shops, Olio Food Waste raising money through our Giving Trees.
Heroes can redistribute it and prevent waste. To date,
Olio has redistributed 504,729 meals.
In addition, we have made a unique donation of
£540,000 to the Trussell Trust network of food banks that
Challenges
is specifically targeted at supporting the mental health of Research tells us that feeling connected to a community
its hard-working staff and volunteers. For a second year with high levels of social support is frequently an indicator
running, we are also providing financial inclusion support, of people who report experiencing a happier life. As part
funding Citizens Advice resource in foodbanks so that of our purpose, Working in Partnership for a happier world,
people seeking help from food banks can also get all the it is important that we can demonstrate how our social
financial support they’re entitled to. impact programmes make these positive connections. We
will therefore look to apply this lens to our measurement of
Building Happier Futures our social impact activities next year and beyond.
We celebrated one year of our Building Happier Futures
programme in October, publishing an impact report
that documents the programme’s full achievements.
Understanding the importance of early years support,
Looking Forward
we have expanded our programme to include the families We have been working to consolidate our existing trusts and
supported by Home-Start. We’ve also continued to work foundations into a single John Lewis Partnership Foundation
with charities Who Cares? Scotland, which provides and this will continue next year. The new Foundation
equality, respect and love for care-experienced young launched in February 2024, consisting of committees
people, and Action for Children, which protects and covering employability, nature and Building Happier Futures
supports children and young people to have safe and (care experience). We believe the result will be a leaner,
happy childhoods. Read more here simpler process that reduces duplication and maximises the
impact of grants.
Volunteering Bringing together various organisations, each with its
This year, we raised awareness of new volunteering own stakeholders, ways of working, interests and heritage,
opportunities and ways for Partners to volunteer. is inherently challenging and time consuming. However, with
Individuals and teams helped local and national charities, careful planning, collaboration and a shared vision, we believe
and our inaugural team Volunteer Hackathon took we can work through these challenges to create a stronger
place in February, helping Trussell Trust and Who charity that makes an even more positive impact on nature
and communities in the UK and around the world.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 34
 “
C A S E S T U DY

Community Matters
in Edinburgh We have a deep-rooted
connection with John Lewis
A deeply woven 10-year relationship between the John Lewis Partnership in
Edinburgh and the Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) has ensured consistent Partnership, with shared
funding and resources for the charity, enabling it to plan and execute long-term values and commitment to
projects that benefit the local community.
the communities we serve.
Our connection with GCP began in 2013 with a simple have made regular donations of items, money and time
This is a partnership of
request for a raffle prize. Since then, through their
Community Liaison Coordinator, John Lewis Edinburgh and
over the last decade. But mindful of the current funding
environment for charities and the impact of the higher cost
support and friendship, and,
Waitrose Morningside have built a deeper understanding
of the charity’s mission and needs, resulting in the whole
of living on local people, we have also made some more
specific contributions to the project that have drawn on
through the sharing of skills,
Partnership, including its trusts and foundations, working
together to create a more meaningful long-term impact.
the expertise of our businesses and foundations.
For example, in 2023, the John Lewis Foundation
knowledge and resources,
GCP is a community of over 500 people working
together to support positive change in one another’s
funded an Assistant Woodwork Manager for the second
year, and through the Golden Jubilee Trust, a Team
we will continue to develop
lives. Its mission is to create an inclusive, person-centred
environment where people feel empowered to develop
Manager from John Lewis Edinburgh was awarded
a 16-week secondment working as the charity’s Textile
new ways of delivering
skills, build positive relationships and enjoy an ongoing
sense of belonging.
Development Manager. These roles help GCP to offer
more training and support to young people interested in
powerful long-term impact
GCP provide a welcoming, safe place for people who
are often marginalised by society. Through their engaging
learning traditional production methods while also gaining
valuable employability skills.
for the future.”
member and volunteer services, they focus on health By using our talents and resources, we’ve helped
and wellbeing, creativity, core skills, experiences and the charity achieve many of its goals. But this anniversary Helene van der Ploeg
opportunities. Everything they do is supported by their does not mark the end of our collaboration. In 2023, CEO, Grassmarket Community Project
dynamic social enterprises and inspiring partnerships. GCP appointed a new CEO and we are looking
The Partnership, as well as our Partners and customers forward to working with the charity on its renewed
at both John Lewis Edinburgh and Waitrose Morningside, strategy and ambitions.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 35
 Health, Nutrition
Performance Highlights

Healthy communities
5,059

© Home-Start UK
& Wellbeing Working with Home-Start UK, our Healthy Happy Home
community initiative provides e-learning and resources on
healthy eating, sleep and finance to upskill thousands of
learners registered
on Healthy Happy
Home in the first 12
volunteers who are contributing to the positive mental months since launch –
Our health programme encourages healthier, happier people, and physical health of families nationwide. Read more here 33% above target.

but also a healthier, happier planet, since we know that the

two are intrinsically linked.
© Home-Start UK

Awards
Healthy diets
Healthy eating is good for people and good for nature, and
61%
Third Sector Business Charity of Waitrose
Awards Winner, Project of the Year:
we are determined to make it as accessible as possible for own-brand food sales
John Lewis Partnership and our customers to shift to a more plant-based diet with less meet our Good Health
Home-Start for Healthy added sugar, salt and saturated fat. Half of the products product standards.
Happy Home included in our everyday lower prices campaign meet our
Good Health criteria, and we now have over 2,000 Good
Health foods and drinks available. Read more here

Healthy lifestyles
We are using our trusted voice to inspire our customers
50%
of recipes in Waitrose
and Partners to make healthy lifestyle choices. We Weekend newspaper are
promote positive options through features in Waitrose meat free.
publications and Partner communications that cover topics
such as nutrition, plant-based eating and menopause.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 36
 Health, Nutrition & Wellbeing continued

Progress Peas Please

2023 was the final year of the Food Foundation Peas
Challenges Looking Forward
Healthier products through reformulation Please pledge that we made in 2018. The pledge has seen While we believe our Good Health criteria and labelling In partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation,
We are committed to our reformulation programme to us working to help customers increase their vegetable show our strong leadership in terms of clearly defining we have developed food and nutrition e-learning that
reduce calories, fat, sugar and salt without compromising consumption by adding more vegetables to the main meal what it means to eat healthily, we recognise that a will be made available to all Partners. The Association for
on quality or taste. We are on track to meet the products we sell and the recipes we publish. As a result consistent, industry-wide definition is needed to help Nutrition-certified course includes modules covering what
government salt and calorie targets goals by December of our pledge, we have increased the amount of veg customers more easily prepare foods that are better for a healthy balanced diet is, nutrition through different life
2024. Respectively, 91% and 93% of Waitrose product provided through meal solutions from 12,000 to 19,500 them. We are keen to work across the sector, and with stages, nutrition labelling and more.
lines currently meet these targets. Read more here. tonnes – a total that is equivalent to a quarter of a billion government and NGOs, to address this and to face into Also next year, we are improving the low- and
veg portions. Read more here the accompanying data challenges. no-alcohol offering in our Waitrose stores.11 This year, our
With growing consciousness of the content of supermarket introduced areas dedicated to low-alcohol
Lower prices, better health processed foods and the role they play in diet, we are and alcohol-free drinks in 258 stores. The supermarket is
We invested £100 million in 2023 to lower prices on aware that many customers are seeking greater clarity committed to increasing the space given to these products
over 300 everyday products. Many of those products are about what is in their food. Consumers are looking for by over 50% and to making the dedicated areas bolder
part of the Essential Waitrose range, which now includes trusted sources of information, and we believe that so that they are more obvious and enticing to customers.
more than 350 lines that meet our Good Health criteria, Waitrose has a good tradition of clear labelling. However, In the UK, no age group is meeting the recommended
making it Waitrose’s healthiest range. Using these products, we are also aware that this issue impacts the whole of the daily intake of fibre, an important nutrient that supports
we developed a number of £2 per portion meal recipes, food industry, particularly as we strive to increase sales digestive health and is associated with lower risk of
demonstrating to customers that they can create healthy, of meat-free protein for the benefit of nature, so we are cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Taking
good value meals. open to working with our peers to find transparent and a ‘food first’ approach, Waitrose is committed to increasing
responsible ways of improving clarity for customers. the fibre content of key categories by 25% by 2030, selling
Healthy Happy Home more fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit, beans, pulses
This year, Home-Start compiled a report showing the and nuts, and by adding fibre-rich ingredients to products.
impact of our Healthy Happy Home programme in its
first 12 months. Learners reported the courses increased
their confidence levels in the relevant areas from 30% to
85% on average, and we estimate that the learning will
help volunteers to positively impact over 10,000 families
over time.
Following on from this highly successful first year, we
have been working with Home-Start to design a fourth
course. As with the previous three courses, this will be
needs-led, developed in response to extensive research.
We surveyed more than 200 Home-Start volunteers and
held a workshop and focus groups to inform our new
course covering inclusive play – an essential element of
children’s social, emotional and cognitive development
that shapes long-term health.
For the latest performance data, see the appendix.

© Home-Start

H BOOST
Sfiisfiafisouficfifioffipfififiioticfiinulin,fiafitypfifioffifififififi
a food source for the ‘good’ bacteria in the gut.
with folate and provides a source of vitamin C
ort psychological and immune functions. »
Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 37
C A S E S T U DY

30 plant points challenge

To mark this year’s Healthy Eating Week, we created a range of awareness-raising
activities aimed at engaging Partners and customers alike.
As part of this initiative, we organised a 30 plant points challenge open to all
Partners across the Partnership.

Healthy Eating Week is an annual campaign organised 30 different plants per week is good for a person’s health
by the British Nutrition Foundation that encourages and wellbeing.

“
people to eat and drink more healthily and get more The fun challenge saw Partners record the number
active. We are proud to be a regular supporter of of plant points they scored throughout the week. Across
the event. the entire Partnership, our Wellbeing Champions shared
The campaign is primarily aimed at schools and recipes and inspiration, created displays in Partner Dining
workplaces and, this year, the John Lewis Partnership Rooms, and organised raffles and quizzes that gave
had more employee sign-ups than any other organisation. Partners the chance to win healthy prizes.
We were also the only participating national retailer. In total, 2,868 plant points were recorded, with
We engaged our Partners with the Foundation’s 59% of Partners who took part achieving the 30 plant
Healthy Eating Week-themed content, such as factsheets points target.
and recipe inspiration, and inspired customers through
activities such as a feature in our magazine, Waitrose
The success of this initiative, with activities designed
to engage both customers and Partners, has motivated us
In 2023, the team at Waitrose
Food, that provided tips and advice on how to eat 30
plants a week.
to look for similar opportunities in future that encourage
everyone to be healthy for nature for a happier world.
brilliantly brought to life the principles
The article, and our Partner plant points challenge,
were based on research that may suggest eating at least
and resources of Healthy Eating Week
with a suite of activities to inform,
engage and support their full team. Their
commitment and creativity made this one
of the standout events of the entire week.”
Elaine Hindal
Chief Executive, British Nutrition Foundation

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 38
Appendix
Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 39
Our SDG index Zero Hunger
– Reducing food waste: our work with
Reduced Inequalities
– Waitrose Foundation - supporting sustainable
Life Below Water
– Our MSC achievements - investment in responsible
The Coronation Food Project and FareShare livelihoods of workers who grow, pick and pack fishing practice P. 16
The United Nations Sustainable to tackle food waste across the UK P. 24 our products (Senegal, Gambia, Kenya and – Working with NGO Crustacean Compassion
– Hunger and poverty: our collaboration South Africa) P. 13 to protect welfare P. 17
Development Goals (SDGs) were created with FareShare, the Trussell Trust and Olio – Building Happier Futures P. 33 and P. 34 – Fish and shellfish certification - fisheries
in 2015 to establish a path towards a P. 33 and P. 34 improvement projects P. 17
– Our work with the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy
more sustainable and better future for all. Sustainable Cities & Communities group on science-based management plan for
Good Health and Wellbeing – Farm to Furniture P. 25
The 17 goals are an interconnected call to – Healthy Communities - Healthy Happy Home – Sustainable water management in South Africa,
sustainable fishing of mackerel, herring and blue
whiting stock P. 17
action, recognising that activity against one initiative P. 36 and P. 37 in Medway and southern Spain P. 26
– Supporting healthy diets P. 36 – Build to rent P. 27
target affects the outcomes of others and – Promoting healthy lifestyle through features – Community Matters programme P. 33 Life on Land
– Higher animal welfare standards P. 16
that progress must be made across many in Waitrose publications and Partner
communications P. 36 – Native Breeds P. 17
areas to achieve real change. – Our Good Health criteria products P. 36 and P. 37
Responsible Consumption and – Case study: Animal welfare standards for
– Our reformulation programme designed to reduce Production continental meat P. 18
In recognition of the role we have to play calories, fat, sugar and salt in our products P. 37 – Our MSC achievements - investment in responsible – Responsible Commodities Facility P. 19
fishing practices P. 16 – More sustainable certification for own- brand
in meeting these goals, we continue to align – Our work with the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy cashmere P. 21
our report to them this year. We recognise Affordable and Clean Energy group on science-based management plan for – Landscape recovery pilot in North Norfolk P. 26
– Net-zero farms: our biomethane plant sustainable fishing of mackerel, herring and blue
– Nature-based farming at Leckford P. 26
that a number of our activities will align to at our Leckford Estate P. 29 whiting stock P. 17
– Farming for nature at our Leckford Estate P. 27
– Transport - use of biomethane and growth – Sustainable raw materials sourcing (cashmere) P. 19
multiple SDGs, due to the interconnected of our electric vehicle fleet P. 30 – Sustainable raw materials sourcing (down
– Science Based Target for Nature P. 27
– John Spedan Lewis Foundation P. 33
nature of the goals. On this page, you – Installation of electric power sockets
at our Aylesford distribution centre P. 30
certification/ cotton/cocoa) P. 20
– Ethically sourced cocoa - through Tony’s
will find links to activities mentioned – Heat pumps in our buildings P. 30 Chocolonely’s open chain sourcing model P. 20
Partnerships for the Goals
– Operational food waste P. 23
throughout the report alongside the most – Our investment into cutting-edge farming
practices: sustainable fuel facility at our Leckford – Fashion rental P. 23 and P. 24
– Working with SONFA, a Sri Lankan organisation
that protects nature by farming organically P. 19
relevant SDG. Estate farm P. 31 – The Retail Soy Group P. 20
– The UK Soy Manifesto P. 20
Climate Action
Decent Work and Economic – Landscape recovery pilot in North Norfolk P. 26 – Work with the University of Exeter Centre
for Circular Economy and WRAP P. 24
Growth – Science-based climate targets for forest,
– Waitrose Foundation P. 13 land and agricultural emissions P. 29 – WWF partnerships in India and
North Norfolk P. 27
– Worker rights education P. 13 – Net zero science-based targets for greenhouse
gas emissions P. 30 – The British Red Cross Disaster Relief Alliance P. 33
– Better Jobs programme P. 13
– Partnership with the British
– Ethical compliance programme P. 14 Nutrition Foundation P. 37 and P. 38
– Human rights impact assessment on high-risks
supply chain P. 14
– Better Jobs programme in China P. 14
– Films highlighting migrant workers’ rights P. 15
– More sustainable certification for own-brand
cashmere P. 21
– Waitrose Foundation support to Water
Source Area partnership in South Africa P. 27

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 40
Ethics & sustainability data Raw Materials Target 2023/24 2022/23 2021/22
Key raw materials12 in our own-brand products will be from more sustainable or recycled sources: by 2025 for cotton, timber, cashmere, soya, palm, cocoa, feather & down.13
This year, KPMG LLP has issued an independent 100% of the cotton used in own- 80.0%* 61.1%♢ 59.8%♢
limited assurance opinion over the selected data brand products will be from more
sustainable or recycled sources14

highlighted in the table below with an asterisk 100% of the timber used in own-
brand products will be from more
Reporting basis changing15 Group Total (Better & Best16): 13%
Best: 11%
Group Total: 15%
Best: 8%

(*) using the assurance standards ISAE (UK) sustainable or recycled sources Better: 2%
Good: 2%
Better: 7%
Good: 4%

3000 and ISAE 3410. The assurance opinion 100% of the cashmere used in own- 63%
In Progress/Unverified17: 85%
Not yet reported
In Progress/Unverified: 81%
Not yet reported

can be found in the appendix of the Ethics brand products will be from more
sustainable or recycled sources

& Sustainability Report 2023/24 and the Basis 100% of the soya used in Waitrose
own-brand products will be verified
Deforestation- and conversion-free Total: 38.9% Deforestation- and conversion-free Total: 11.1%♢ Deforestation- and conversion-free Total: 11.2%♢

of Reporting can be found on deforestation and conversion-free Certified18 Total: 100%

– Physically certified: 17.9%
Certified Total: 100%
– Physically certified: 7.9%
Certified Total: 100%
– Physically certified: 18.0%

www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/csr/ – Organic certified: 8.6%

– RTRS Regional Credits19: 37.5%
– Organic certified: 9.4%
– RTRS Regional Credits: 58.4%
– Organic certified: 11.6%
– RTRS Cerrado Credits: 18.2%
– RTRS Credits (Other): 11.8%
reporting/reports-policies-standards.html.
– RTRS Credits (Other): 23.9% – RTRS Credits (Other): 52.2%
– Area Mass-Balance: 0% – Area Mass Balance: 0.4%
– Low Risk Origin (USSAP): 24.1%
100% of the palm oil and palm Total: 100% Total: 100% Total: 100%
Selected data that KPMG LLP has previously kernel oil-based ingredients and
derivatives used in all own-brand
– RSPO SG20 (Segregated): 77.8%
– RSPO MB21 (Mass Balance): 21.8%
– RSPO SG (Segregated): 71.7%
– RSPO MB (Mass Balance): 28.3%
– RSPO SG (Segregated): 72.1%
– RSPO MB (Mass Balance): 25.3%
issued an independent limited assurance opinion products to be RSPO-Segregated
certified
– RSPO IS (Independent Smallholder)-Credit: 0.0%
– RSPO Identity Preserved 0.4%
– RSPO IS (Independent Smallholder)-Credit: 0.0% – RSPO IS (Independent Smallholder)-Credits: 2.6%

over, however was not part of this year's Food products Total: 100%
Food products Total: 100%
– RSPO SG: 91.3%
Food products Total: 100%
– RSPO SG: 88.1%

engagement is marked with a diamond (♢). – RSPO SG: 95.6%

– RSPO MB: 3.9%
– RSPO MB: 8.7%
– RSPO IS-Credits: 0.0%
– RSPO MB: 11.8%
– RSPO IS-Credits: 0.1%
– RSPO IS-Credits: 0.0%
– RSPO Identity Preserved 0.5%
100% of the cocoa used in own- Total certified to third-party standards: 71.5% Total certified to third-party standards: 53.2% Total certified to third-party standards: 71.4%
brand products will be from certified – Fairtrade MB: 46.4% – Fairtrade MB: 35.3% – Fairtrade MB: 29.5%
sustainable sources – Fairtrade SG: 1.1% – Fairtrade SG: 0.5% – Rainforest Alliance MB: 35.1%
Agriculture, Aquaculture 2023/24 2022/23 2021/22 – Rainforest Alliance MB: 23.9% – Rainforest Alliance MB: 17.3% – Rainforest Alliance SG: 0.1%
& Fisheries Target – Rainforest Alliance SG: 0.1%
– Uncertified: 28.5%
– Rainforest Alliance SG: 0.1%
– Uncertified: 46.8%
– Cocoa Horizons MB: 6.7%
– Uncertified: 28.6%
100% of our own-brand fish and shellfish will 93.6% 90.3% 90.3%
100% of feather and down used in 92.9% 69.6% Not reported
come from third-party-verified responsible
own-brand products to be from
sources by December 2025
certified responsible sources

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 41
Circularity & Waste Target22 2023 2022 2021 Health, Nutrition 2023/24 2022/23 2021/22
85% of all operational waste across the Partnership 73.9%* 72.6%♢ 73.4%♢
& Wellbeing Target
will be recyclable by 202823 Increase sales of healthy food and drinks sold to 65%, 61% 58% Not reported
as a proportion of total volume of own-brand sales
All own-brand primary product packaging across John Lewis: 93.1%* John Lewis: 87.3%♢ John Lewis: –
our two brands will be widely recyclable, reusable Waitrose: 96.9%* Waitrose: 88.5%♢ Proportion of protein sales that are plant based29 12% 12% Not reported
Waitrose: 92.6%♢
or home compostable by 202524

John Lewis: all product categories will have Seven out of ten categories25 Seven out of ten categories Four out of ten categories
a buy back or take back solution by 2025 Meet Public Health England’s salt- and calorie- Salt 92% Salt 90% Salt 87%
reduction targets by 2024. Calorie 90% Calorie 93% Calorie 91%

Waitrose: by 2030, reduce operational food waste -27.5%*i -22.5%♢ -20.8%♢

by 50% against a 2018 baseline (6,969 tonnes)

Waitrose: halve food waste in our supply chains – -5.1%26 –

by 2030

Climate Action Target27 2023/24 2022/23 2021/22

Net zero emissions across our own operations -18.4%*ii -18.0% -8.0%
by 2035 (scope 1 & 2)
Scope 1 (tCO2e) Combustion of gas and fuel 103,299* 118,898 134,293
for transport purposes and refrigeration

Scope 2 (tCO2e) Electricity purchased, heat and steam generated for own use

Location-based 106,707* 105,227 115,103

Market-based 16,402* 1,390 809

All electricity procured by the Partnership to be 91.9%28 100% 100%
100% renewable certified by 2028
An absolute energy reduction within the Partnership’s -24.5% -17.1% -11.2%
physical estate of 25% by 2028 from a 2018 baseline
All Waitrose core store refrigeration to be 70.3% HFC free 69% HFC free 62% HFC free
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) free by 2028
i
Performance figures in the table show the reduction in Waitrose operational food waste for the calendar year, compared to a 2018 baseline of
Waitrose to stay under a 7% refrigerant gas 5.2% 3.9% 4.0% 6,969 tonnes. Performance for the financial year ended January 2024 is 4,977 tonnes, which compared to the baseline is -28.6%*.
leakage rate
ii 
Performance figures in the table show the absolute market-based reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions (Energy & Industrial scopes
All heavy trucks to be converted to biomethane fuel 72.5% 61% 43%
1 & 2 only), compared to a 2020/21 baseline of 146,762 tCO2e. Performance for the financial year ended January 2024 is 119,701 tCO2e,
by 2028
which compared to the baseline is -18.4%*. This figure does not include any Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions as per our Energy
We will end the use of fossil fuels across the Partnership’s transport fleet by 2030 & Industrial SBTi. We will report against our Scope 1 FLAG science-based target that covers our Leckford Farm following the finalisation of the
Diesel displaced by alternative fuels (%) 44.4%* 37.2%♢ 28.4%♢
GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance.
♢
iii
 erformance figures in this table show the move to alternative fuels measured as a reduction in litres of fossil fuels, compared to a 2018
P
Reduction in litres of fossil fuels (%) -42.7%* iii -32.8% -18.7%
baseline of 34,855,311 litres. Performance for the calendar year 2023 is 19,961,175* litres, which compared to the baseline is -42.7%*.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 42
Endnotes

1. Copyright © Kantar Media TGI 2024 (Data release ‘March’ 2024). 10. Donations to the King Charles III Charitable Fund from Waitrose 18. Physically certified soya: soya certified to a permitted sustainability 21. MB: the mass balance supply chain model administratively monitors
Duchy Original sales in 2023/24 have been included for the first standard using a mass balance or segregated supply chain model and accounts for the volumes of RSPO-certified palm oil, palm
2. IBID. time this year's report and total funds generated, due to improved for chain of custody assurance.. These include Proterra, Europe/ kernel oil and derivatives throughout the entire supply chain. Its
data availability and we will include these donations in future Danube Soya, Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), ISCC+ accounting system permits mixing of certified and uncertified
3. This is reporting our absolute market-based reduction in global
reporting. with add-on criteria. Organically certified soya: soya certified to materials but only allows the equivalent volume of certified
greenhouse gas emissions (Energy & Industrial scopes 1 & 2 only),
a permitted organic standard compliant with the EU Organic materials to be sold as RSPO Mass-Balance certified. This enables
compared to a 2020/21 baseline of 142,762 tCO2e. All carbon 11. Kantar research found that 47% of UK adults switch between Regulation. RTRS Credits: purchased on the Round Table on trade in certified palm oil in long and highly complex supply chains,
reporting is now against the revised baseline of 2020/21 JLP trading alcoholic and low- or non-alcoholic drinks at the same occasion Responsible Soy (RTRS), Cargill SSS and trading platform from soya supporting responsible growers and building accountability along
year following the validation of our science-based targets. This and that 40% of adults say they want to moderate their drinking. farmers certified to the RTRS standard, or other credit owners, the supply chain.
figure does not include any Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG)
where one tonne of soya produced is equal to one credit able to
emissions as per our Energy & Industrial SBTi. We will report 12. The Partnership’s current key raw materials in scope of this target 22. Performance figures in this table are based on calendar year.
be sold to downstream businesses. Farmers who sell credits cannot
against our Scope 1 FLAG science-based target that covers our for 2025 are timber, cotton, soya, palm oil, cocoa, cashmere and
also sell their soya into the soya supply chain as being certified.
Leckford Farm following the finalisation of the GHG Protocol Land feather & down. In addition, leather, polyester and man-made 23. Performance figure for the 2023/24 financial year is 73.9%*, which
RTRS Regional Credits: bought specifically from RTRS certified
Sector and Removals Guidance. cellulosics are now in scope for 2028. is the same figure as reported for the calendar year.
farmers located in the Brazilian Cerrado biome or in the Argentine
4. Key categories include bread, breakfast cereals, savoury snacking, 13. Soya, palm oil and cocoa performance figures in the table are based Gran Chaco region, where there is a high risk of deforestation and 24. Data reported currently does not include reusable and home
ready meals and meal solutions. on the calendar year. clearance of native vegetation. Area Mass-Balance: certified soya compostable packaging.
where there is financial traceability of the sustainability premium
5. Tier 2 is any supplier site into Tier 1 that has been selected by 14. In the 2023/24 financial year 3,824* tonnes of cotton is Better paid for soya back through the supply chain to producers in a 25. Current categories (Home Furnishings, Large Electricals, Small
Waitrose & Partners to produce a product or carry out a process, Cotton, resulting in 76.5%* of cotton being Better Cotton. specific region, but who may not have produced any of the physical Electricals, Menswear, Womenswear, Childrenswear and Beauty).
or identified as a critical supply chain link. soya that has been purchased. This differs from regional credits
15. We are moving to a new system for carrying out risk assessments only in the requirement for accounting and assurance of materials 26. Food waste as a percentage of units sold by Waitrose from our
6. Tier 1 is defined as: sites manufacturing a finished product or on timber. The new platform will enable us to report on timber strategic suppliers who account for over 50% of the food we sell.
flows along the supply chain to ensure that premiums are correctly
where the majority of assembly and packaging of the product risks at a product rather than supply chain level, and we also Following further analysis of the data submitted by these strategic
allocated between certified farmers and customers purchasing
bearing the John Lewis or Waitrose label occurs. plan to expand assessment to include full coverage of own-brand suppliers, and due to policy adjustments and validation of our
certified soya.
products. In the short term, however, our reporting will not be science-based targets we have revised the baseline which now uses
7. We are moving to a new system for carrying out risk assessments comparable with last year, and not every timber or paper product 2021 data (3.53%).
19. The John Lewis Partnership bought 3,000 credits from farms
on timber. The new platform will enable us to report on timber will be represented in our figures until it has been through the in the Gran Charco and 11,479 credits from farmers in the
risks at a product rather than supply chain level, and we also assessment process. After this initial period, we are confident that 27. Performance figures in the table are based on the financial year.
Cerrado Region.
plan to expand assessment to include full coverage of own-brand our timber risk reporting will be more robust than ever and we will The exception to this is ‘All heavy trucks to be converted to
products. In the short term, however, our reporting will not be recommence reporting in 2024/25. 20. SG: the Segregation supply chain model assures that RSPO- biomethane fuel by 2028’, and 'We will end the use of fossil fuels
comparable with last year, and not every timber or paper product certified palm oil, palm kernel oil and derivatives delivered to across the Partnership’s transport fleet by 2030' which is based on
will be represented in our figures until it has been through the 16. Best, Better and Good categories are defined in our John Lewis the end user come only from RSPO-certified sources. It permits the calendar year.
assessment process. After this initial period, we are confident that Partnership Timber & Paper policy. Only Better and Best categories the mixing of RSPO-certified palm oil from a variety of sources in
our timber risk reporting will be more robust than ever and we will contribute to our target for more sustainable and recycled sources the supply chain but prohibits mixing with uncertified sources. This 28. 91.9% of electricity consumption across our physical estate
recommence reporting in 2024/25. by 2025. ensures that the palm materials used in products originate from is backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO)
certified growers. certified renewable energy sources.
8. Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions (not included in scope 17. In Progress: a risk assessment has been conducted on these
2) that occur in the value chain of the Partnership including both timber sources but there are outstanding non-conformances being 29. Categories in scope of WWF basket metric.
upstream and downstream emissions. addressed. Unverified: the timber source supply chain is awaiting
final risk assessment (this excludes products in scope of the United
9. FLAG: Greenhouse gas emissions from forests, land and agriculture. Kingdom Timber Regulation).

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 43
Assurance Report Inherent limitations
The nature of non-financial information; the absence of a
Independence, professional standards and
quality management
Information, including a comparison to the prior periods’
amounts having due regard to changes in business volume and
significant body of established practice on which to draw; and We comply with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in the business portfolio; and
Independent Limited Assurance Report of KPMG LLP to the methods and precision used to determine non-financial England and Wales (“ICAEW”) Code of Ethics, which includes – r eading the narrative within the Report with regard to the
John Lewis plc information, allow for different, but acceptable evaluation and independence, and other requirements founded on fundamental Reporting Criteria, and for consistency with our findings.
KPMG LLP (“KPMG” or “we”) were engaged by John Lewis plc measurement techniques and can result in materially different principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and
(“John Lewis Partnership”) to provide limited assurance over measurements, affecting comparability between entities and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour, that are at The work performed in a limited assurance engagement varies in
the Selected Information described below for 52 weeks ended over time. The Reporting Criteria has been developed to assist least as demanding as the applicable provisions of the IESBA nature and timing from, and is less in extent than for, a reasonable
27 January 2024. John Lewis Partnership in John Lewis Partnership’s purpose in Code of Ethics. The firm applies International Standard on assurance engagement. Consequently, the level of assurance
producing the Reports. As a result, the Selected Information may Quality Management 1 Quality Management for Firms that Perform obtained in a limited assurance engagement is substantially
Our conclusion not be suitable for another purpose. Audits or Reviews of Financial Statements, or Other Assurance or lower than the assurance that would have been obtained had a
Based on the work we have performed and the evidence we Related Services Engagements which requires the firm to design, reasonable assurance engagement been performed.
have obtained, nothing has come to our attention that causes us Directors’ responsibilities implement and operate a system of quality management
to believe that the Selected Information has not been properly The Directors of John Lewis Partnership are responsible for: including policies or procedures regarding compliance with ethical This report’s intended use
prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the –d  esigning, operating and maintaining internal controls requirements, professional standards and applicable legal and Our report has been prepared for John Lewis Partnership
Reporting Criteria. relevant to the preparation and presentation of the Selected regulatory requirements. solely in accordance with the terms of our engagement. We
Information that is free from material misstatement, whether have consented to the publication of our report in the Ethics
This conclusion is to be read in the context of the remainder of due to fraud or error; Summary of work performed and Sustainability Report 2023/2024 for the purpose of John
this report, in particular the inherent limitations explained below – s electing and/or developing objective Reporting Criteria; A limited assurance engagement involves planning and Lewis Partnership showing that it has obtained an independent
and this report’s intended use. –m  easuring and reporting the Selected Information in performing procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence assurance report in connection with the Selected Information.
accordance with the Reporting Criteria; and to obtain a meaningful level of assurance over the Selected
Selected Information – t he contents and statements contained within the Report and Information as a basis for our limited assurance conclusion. Our report was designed to meet the agreed requirements of John
The scope of our work includes only the information included the Reporting Criteria. Planning the engagement involves assessing whether the Lewis Partnership determined by John Lewis Partnership's needs at
within the Directors’ report – Climate performance - metrics and Reporting Criteria are suitable for the purposes of our limited the time. Our report should not therefore be regarded as suitable
targets section on pages 21 to 22 of the John Lewis Partnership Our responsibilities assurance engagement. The procedures selected depend on our to be used or relied on by any party wishing to acquire rights
Annual Report and Accounts, and the Key Performance Our responsibility is to plan and perform our work to obtain judgement, on our understanding of the Selected Information against us other than John Lewis Partnership for any purpose or
Indicators and Ethics & Sustainability data sections of Ethics and limited assurance about whether the Selected Information and other engagement circumstances, and our consideration of in any context. Any party other than John Lewis Partnership who
Sustainability Report 2023/2024 (“the Reports”) for the 52 has been properly prepared, in all material respects, in areas where material misstatements are likely to arise. obtains access to our report or a copy and chooses to rely on our
weeks ended 27 January 2024 marked with the symbol [*] (“the accordance with the Reporting Criteria and to report to report (or any part of it) will do so at its own risk. To the fullest
Selected Information”) and also listed in Appendix 1. The Selected John Lewis Partnership in the form of an independent limited The procedures performed included: extent permitted by law, KPMG LLP will accept no responsibility or
Information is for the 52 weeks ended 27 January 2024, except assurance conclusion based on the work performed and the – conducting interviews with John Lewis Partnership’s liability in respect of our report to any other party.
for certain metrics as listed in Appendix 1. evidence obtained. management to obtain an understanding of the key processes,
systems and controls in place over the preparation of the Jonathan Mills
We have not performed any work, and do not express any Assurance standards applied Selected Information; for and on behalf of KPMG LLP
conclusion, over any other information that may be included in We conducted our work in accordance with International – examining a selection of the internal process documentation Chartered Accountants
the Report or displayed elsewhere on John Lewis Partnership’s Standard on Assurance Engagements (UK) 3000 Assurance which explains the processes, systems and controls in place 15 Canada Square
website for the current year or for previous periods unless Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial over the preparation of the Selected Information; London
otherwise indicated. Information (“ISAE (UK) 3000”) issued by the Financial – agreeing a selection of the underlying data which supports the E14 5GL
Reporting Council and, in respect of the greenhouse gas Selected Information to corresponding source documentation; 8 May 2024
Reporting Criteria emissions information included within the Selected Information, – reperforming a selection of the carbon conversion factor
The Reporting Criteria we used to form our judgements in accordance with International Standard on Assurance calculations, other unit conversion factor calculations and The maintenance and integrity of John Lewis Partnership’s website
are John Lewis Partnership’s Basis of Reporting 2023/24 as Engagements 3410 Assurance Engagements on Greenhouse Gas manual calculations performed over the Selected Information; is the responsibility of the Directors of John Lewis Partnership;
set out at www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/csr/reporting/ Statements (“ISAE 3410”), issued by the International Auditing – agreeing the relevant prior period and baseline data to the work carried out by us does not involve consideration of
reports-policies-standards.html (“the Reporting Criteria”). and Assurance Standards Board. Those standards require that previously reported data where these were used in the these matters and, accordingly, we accept no responsibility for
The Selected Information needs to be read together with the we obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence on which to base calculation of the Selected Information, including re-performing any changes that may have occurred to the reported Selected
Reporting Criteria. our conclusion. the calculation; Information, Reporting Criteria or Report presented on John Lewis
– performing analytical procedures over the aggregated Selected Partnership’s website since the date of our report.

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 44
Appendix 1

The Underlying Selected Data that

constitutes the Selected Information KPI description Reporting Period Amount Unit
are listed below. The information in this
Appendix needs to be read together
with the limited assurance report and Percentage of cotton in own-brand products that is from sustainable or 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 80.0 %
the Basis of Reporting. recycled sources

Percentage of cotton that is Better Cotton certified 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 76.5 %

Tonnage of cotton that is Better Cotton certified 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 3,824 tonnes

Scope 1 emissions 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 103,299 tCO2e

Scope 2 emissions (market-based) 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 16,402 tCO2e

Scope 2 emissions (location-based) 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 106,707 tCO2e

Scope 3 emissions 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 14,876 tCO2e

Absolute market-based reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in percentage 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 -18.4 %
(scope 1 & 2 energy and industrial) in a Financial Year assured to the 52 weeks
ended 27th January 2024 from the 2020 Baseline

Transition to Fleet Alternative Fuels – Litres of fossil fuel consumed across the 01/01/23 to 31/12/23 19,961,175 Litres
partnership in current year

Transition to Fleet Alternative Fuels – Percentage of diesel displaced by low or 01/01/23 to 31/12/23 44.4 %
zero carbon fuels

Transition to Fleet Alternative Fuels – Review of calculation of current year 01/01/23 to 31/12/23 -42.7 %
transition metric vs. the 2018 baseline for accuracy

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 45
Appendix 1
KPI description Reporting Period Amount Unit

Percentage of product packaging that is recyclable, reusable or home 01/01/23 to 31/12/23 96.9 %
compostable for Waitrose

Percentage of product packaging that is recyclable, reusable or home 01/01/23 to 31/12/23 93.1 %
compostable for John Lewis

Percentage of operational waste that is recycled 25/12/22 to 23/12/23 73.9 %

Percentage of operational waste that is recycled 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 73.9 %

Percentage reduction in Waitrose operational food waste in a Financial Year 25/12/22 to 23/12/23 -27.5 %
assured to the 52 weeks ended 23rd December 2023 from the 2018 baseline

Percentage reduction in Waitrose operational food waste in a Financial Year 29/01/23 to 27/01/24 -28.6 %
assured to the 52 weeks ended 27 January 2024 from the 2018 baseline

Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 46
 W W W. J O H N L E W I S P A R T N E R S H I P. C O . U K

John Lewis Partnership plc

171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN

Incorporated and registered in England and Wales

under Company No. 233462
Introduction Supply Chains Environment Communities & Health Appendix Ethics & Sustainability Report 2023/24 47