Our Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics Policy
This policy documents our commitment to the social responsibility of employees, customers, the communities our offices are based in and to the environment.
The company agrees with the principles set out in those codes and standards and the aim of this policy is to translate that support into a set of guidelines and standards that set a common approach for the company and provide practical guidance for our employees.
Employees who reasonably suspect that there has been a breach of this policy must report it to their manager. The company recognises that employees may be reluctant to report concerns for fear of retaliation and will take disciplinary action against any employee who threatens or engages in retaliation, or harassment, of any person who has reported or is considering reporting a concern in good faith.
We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers and third parties.
We respect the rights of individuals their customs and traditions and their right to freedom of association and the right to decide whether to join a trade union.
We aim to develop strong relationships with our suppliers, stakeholders and others with whom we have dealings, based on mutual trust, understanding and respect. In those dealings, we expect those with whom we do business to adhere to business principles consistent with our own. We will conduct our operations in accordance with the principles of fair competition and applicable regulations.
We will comply with the laws and regulations applicable wherever we do business.
We will obtain legal advice where felt necessary to comply with this commitment.
We will review and track our business risks including social and environmental risks.
We will not facilitate, support, tolerate or condone any form of money laundering.
No employee, individual or business working on our behalf must accept or give a bribe, facilitation payment or other improper payment for any reason in line with the requirements of the Bribery Act 2010.
We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers and the community.
Employees are expected to protect and not misuse company assets such as buildings, vehicles or equipment. Environmental impact from activities such as car travel, waste produced, or power usage is kept to a minimum by practical advice on checking car tyres, recycling paper and switching lights off.
We are committed to making continuous improvement in the management of our environmental impact. All employees are expected to adhere to the requirements of the local environmental management system and support the improvement in our environmental performance.
All employees are expected to behave respectfully and honestly in all their dealings with customers and the public in accordance with the principles set out in this Code. We will safeguard and protect the welfare of vulnerable people who meet our employees.
We purchase a wide range of goods and services required in the operation of our business and we also rely heavily on several key suppliers for the delivery of our core services. Our Modern Slavery statement is used to communicate our commitment to eradicating Modern Slavery and our expectation of other companies within our supply chain to do the same. Whilst we are committed to obtaining and retaining competitive goods and services, we will at the same time seek to ensure they are from sources that have not jeopardised human rights, safety or the environment. We expect our suppliers to adhere to business principles consistent with our own. We expect them to adopt and implement acceptable safety, environmental, product quality, labour, human rights, social and legal standards.
Our operations touch members of the community daily, whether as customers, neighbours, employees, businesses or residents. We are committed to fostering good relationships with the communities in which we work and building community partnerships that deliver positive change.
We are committed to health and safety. Staff are given information, instruction and training on risk assessment according to their job role. Our offices are maintained in good condition to ensure employees have a suitable environment to work comfortably and effectively.
We maintain an Equality Policy which sets out our commitment to treat equally and with fairness always its employees, customers, contractors and those who meet the company.
