01
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
Context index 
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
UN Global Compact (UNGC)
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

01
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index
GRI 101 and 102: General disclosures
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017 
AR 2017
Organizational profile
GRI 102-1
Name of the organization
p1
p1
GRI 102-2
Activities, brands,  
products, and services
p8
p4-5
GRI 102-3
Location of headquarters
p124
GRI 102-4
Location of operations
p8
p4; p42-47; 
p186-189
GRI 102-5
Ownership and legal form
p106; p170
GRI 102-6
Markets served
p8
p132-135; 
p186-189
GRI 102-7
Scale of the organization
p8; p83-86
p118-121; 
p134-135; 
p141-142
GRI 102-8
Information on employees 
and other workers
p8; p61;  
p83-87
p28-29; p138
GRI 102-9
Supply chain
p72-75
p28
GRI 102-10
Significant changes to  
the organization and  
its supply chain
p40; p131
GRI 102-11
Precautionary Principle  
or approach
p68-71;  
p96-98
p26; p29;  
p48-50
7
6, 7, 13, 15
GRI 102-12
External initiatives
p9; p49-51; 
p53; p69; p71
1-10
17
GRI 102-13
Membership of associations
p49-51
17
Strategy
GRI 102-14
Statement from senior 
decision-maker
p2-3
Statement of 
commitment 
to the ten 
principles 
from chief 
executive
GRI 102-15
Key impacts, risks,  
and opportunities
p8-11; p83-87; 
p96-98
p26;  
p48-50
1-10
4, 8, 10
Ethics and integrity
GRI 102-16
Values, principles,  
standards, and norms  
of behavior
p9; p78; p80
p27
Company policies are posted on the 
sustainability section of our website 
(https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/our-policies.html).
GRI 102-17
Mechanisms for advice and 
concerns about ethics
p78; p83
p27
Governance
GRI 102-18
Governance structure
p76-77
p62-63; p67; 
p61-110
GRI 102-22
Composition of the  
highest governance body  
and its committees
p77
p64-68
GRI 102-23
Chair of the highest 
governance body
p66
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017

02
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017 
AR 2017
GRI 102-25
Conflicts of interest
p67
GRI 102-26
Role of highest governance 
body in setting purpose, 
values, and strategy
p77
p62-63;  
p86-87
GRI 102-29
Identifying and managing 
economic, environmental, 
and social impacts
p77
p86-87
GRI 102-32
Highest governance  
body’s role in  
sustainability reporting
p77
p86-87
The board’s reputation and 
responsibility committee reviews 
the annual Sustainability report.
Stakeholder engagement
GRI 102-40
List of stakeholder groups
p12-15; p48; 
p49-51
p20-21
GRI 102-41
Collective bargaining 
agreements
p53
Pearson employees are participants 
in trade unions across the group. 
Representation takes many forms. 
For example, in the UK we launched 
an Employee Engagement Forum 
providing employees and senior 
executives regular opportunities to 
discuss the strategic development 
of the company.
3
8
GRI 102-42
Identifying and selecting 
stakeholders
p12-15; p49-
51; p96-98
GRI 102-43
Approach to stakeholder 
engagement
p12-15; p49-
51; p96-98
GRI 102-44
Key topics and  
concerns raised
p12-15; p49-
51; p96-98
Reporting practices
GRI 102-45
Entities included in the 
consolidated financial 
statements
p118-121;  
p132
GRI 102-46
Defining report content  
and topic boundaries
p96-98
p24-26
GRI 102-47
List of material topics
p96-98
p24-26
GRI 102-48
Restatements of  
information
On p89, total waste to landfill for 
2015 and 2016 were restated due  
to a calculation error.
GRI 102-49
Changes in reporting
No changes.
GRI 102-50
Reporting period
p80
GRI 102-51
Date of most recent report
p80
GRI 102-52
Reporting cycle
p80
GRI 102-53
Contact point for questions 
regarding the report
p80
GRI 102-54
Claims of reporting in 
accordance with the  
GRI Standards
p80
This report has been prepared  
in accordance with the GRI 
Standards: Core option.
GRI 102-55
GRI content index
p99-107
GRI 102-56
External assurance
p80
See more about external assurance 
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017

03
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index
GRI 200: Economic disclosures
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017
AR 2017
GRI 201: Economic performance
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p1-3; p11;  
p83-89
p13-21
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p1-3; p11;  
p83-89
p13-21
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p1-3; p11;  
p83-89
p13-21
GRI 201-1
Direct economic value 
generated and distributed
p8-11
p2-5; p34-41; 
p118-121
1
1, 8, 10
GRI 201-2
Financial implications and 
other risks and opportunities 
due to climate change
p68-71;  
p72-74
p26; p29
7, 8, 9
6, 7, 13, 15
GRI 203: Indirect economic impacts
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p1-3; p11;  
p87-89
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p1-3; p11;  
p87-89
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p1-3; p11;  
p87-89
GRI 203-1
Infrastructure investments 
and services supported
p16-37;  
p38-51;  
p57; p65-67
4, 8, 10
GRI 203-2
Significant indirect  
economic impacts
p16-37;  
p38-51;  
p65-67
4, 8, 10
GRI 205: Anti-corruption
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p78
p27; p59
10
16
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p78
p27; p59
10
16
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p78
p27; p59
10
16
GRI 205-1
Operations assessed for  
risks related to corruption
p78
p27; p59
10
16
GRI 205-2
Communication and training 
about anti-corruption 
policies and procedures
p78; p83
p27; p59
10
16
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017

04
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
GRI 300: Environmental disclosures
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017
AR 2017
GRI 302: Energy
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p68-71
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p68-71
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the  
management approach
p68-71
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 302-1
Energy consumption  
within the organization
p68-71; p88
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 302-3
Energy intensity
p68-71; p88
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 302-4
Reduction of energy 
consumption
p68-71; p88
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 305: Emissions
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p68-71
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p68-71
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the  
management approach
p68-71
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 305-1
Direct (Scope 1)  
GHG emissions
p68-71;  
p88-89
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 305-2
Energy indirect (Scope 2)  
GHG emissions
p68-71;  
p88-89
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 305-3
Other indirect (Scope 3)  
GHG emissions
p68-71;  
p88-89
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 305-4
GHG emission intensity
p68-71;  
p88-89
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index

05
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017
AR 2017
GRI 305-5
Reduction of GHG emissions
p68-71;  
p88-89
p29
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 307: Environmental compliance
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p68-71
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p68-71
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the  
management approach
p68-71
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 307-1
Non-compliance with 
environmental laws and 
regulations
p89
See our 2017 Environment review  
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/sustainability/reporting-
policies/reports-benchmarks.html
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 308: Supplier environmental assessment
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p72-75
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p72-75
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the  
management approach
p72-75
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 308-1
New suppliers that  
were screened using 
environmental criteria
p72-75
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
GRI 308-2
Negative environmental 
impacts in the supply chain 
and actions taken
No significant issues were  
brought to our attention.
7, 8, 9
7, 13, 15
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index

06
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
GRI 400: Social disclosures
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017
AR 2017
GRI 401: Employment
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p12; p53;  
p61-65
p27-28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
8, 10
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p12; p53;  
p61-65
p27-28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
8, 10
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p12; p53;  
p61-65
p27-28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
8, 10
GRI 401-1
New employee hires and 
employee turnover
p84-85
6
8, 10
GRI 401-2
Benefits provided to full-time 
employees that are not 
provided to temporary or 
part-time employees
p62; p87
8, 10
GRI 403: Occupational health and safety
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p64-65
p27-28; p54
1, 2
8, 10
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p64-65
p27-28; p54
1, 2
8, 10
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p64-65
p27-28; p54
1, 2
8, 10
GRI 403-2
Types of injury and rates  
of injury, occupational 
diseases, lost days and 
absenteeism, and number  
of work-related fatalities
p64-65; p86
1, 2
8, 10
GRI 404: Training and education
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p61-63
p27-28
1
4, 8, 10
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p61-63
p27-28
1
4, 8, 10
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p61-63
p27-28
1
4, 8, 10
GRI 404-1
Average hours of training  
per year per employee
p86
4, 8, 10
GRI 404-2
Programs for upgrading 
employee skills and transition 
assistance programs
p61-63
4, 8, 10
GRI 404-3
Percentage of employees 
receiving regular 
performance and career 
development reviews
p87
4, 8, 10
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index

07
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017
AR 2017
GRI 405: Diversity and equal opportunity
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p63-64
1, 2, 6
8, 10
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p63-64
1, 2, 6
8, 10
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p63-64
1, 2, 6
8, 10
GRI 405-1
Diversity of governance 
bodies and employees
p61; p63-64; 
p83-87
p29
1, 2, 6
8, 10
GRI 405-2
Ratio of basic salary  
and remuneration of  
women to men
p63
p29
See Pearson’s UK gender pay report 
at: https://www.pearson.com/
corporate/news/media/news-
announcements/2018/03/pearson-
publishes-gender-pay-report.html
1, 2, 6
8, 10
GRI 407: Freedom of association and collective bargaining
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p53, p72
3
8
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p53, p72
3
8
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p53, p72
3
8
GRI 407-1
Operations and suppliers in 
which the right to freedom  
of association and collective 
bargaining may be at risk
p53, p72
3
8
GRI 408: Child labor
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p53, p72
5
8
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p53, p72
5
8
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p53, p72
5
8
GRI 408-1
Operations and suppliers at 
significant risk for incidents 
of child labor
p53, p72
5
8
GRI 409: Forced or compulsory labor
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p53, p72
4
8
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p53, p72
4
8
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p53, p72
4
8
GRI 409-1
Operations and suppliers at 
significant risk for incidents 
of forced or compulsory labor
p53, p72
4
8
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index

08
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017
AR 2017
GRI 412: Human rights assessment
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p53, p72-75
p28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
4, 8, 10
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p53, p72-75
p28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
4, 8, 10
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p53, p72-75
p28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
4, 8, 10
GRI 412-1
Operations that have been 
subject to human rights 
reviews or impact 
assessments
p53, p72-75
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
4, 8, 10
GRI 412-2
Employee training on  
human rights policies  
or procedures
p55; p56; p59; 
p78
We provided training on  
the code of conduct, data  
privacy, safeguarding, D&I,  
and anti-corruption.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
4, 8, 10
GRI 412-3
Significant investment 
agreements and contracts 
that include human rights 
clauses or that underwent 
human rights screening
p53, p72-75
p28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
4, 8, 10
GRI 413: Local communities
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p16-37; p65-
67
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p16-37; p65-
67
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p16-37; p65-
67
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 413-1
Operations with local 
community engagement, 
impact assessments, and 
development programs
p16-37; p65-
67
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 414: Supplier social assessment
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p53, p72-75
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p53, p72-75
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p53, p72-75
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 414-1
New suppliers that were 
screened using social criteria
p53, p72-75
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 4, 8, 10
GRI 415: Public policy
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p14; p79
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p14; p79
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p14; p79
GRI 415-1
Political contributions
p14; p79
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index

09
Pearson Sustainability report 2017
Indicator
Description
Reference
Additional notes
Omissions
UNGC
SDGs
SR 2017
AR 2017
GRI 416: Customer health and safety
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p53; p55; p56; 
p60
1, 2
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p53; p55; p56; 
p60
1, 2
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p53; p55; p56; 
p60
1, 2
GRI 416-1
Assessment of the health and 
safety impacts of product 
and service categories
p53; p55; p56; 
p60
1, 2
GRI 417: Marketing and labeling
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p60
1, 2
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p60
1, 2
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p60
1, 2
GRI 417-1
Requirements for product 
and service information  
and labeling
p60
1, 2
GRI 417-2
Incidents of non-compliance 
concerning product  
and service information  
and labeling
p60
1, 2
GRI 418: Customer privacy
GRI 103-1
Explanation of the material 
topic and its Boundaries
p55
p58
1, 2
GRI 103-2
The management approach 
and its components
p55
p58
1, 2
GRI 103-3
Evaluation of the 
management approach
p55
p58
1, 2
SR 2016 = Sustainability report 2017  
AR 2016 = Annual report and accounts 2017
GRI/UNGC/SDGs content index