Corporate and Social Responsibility
General
Whilst the Board is primarily accountable to its shareholders, it endeavours to maximise value for all stakeholders including employees, customers, strategic partners, insurers and the community at large. Consideration is given by the Board how actions will impact on health, safety and the environment. Management at all levels is committed to taking social responsibility and we endeavour to show due respect for human rights by operating to high standards of integrity and ethical propriety.
Employee Consultation
We value the involvement of our employees. It is our policy to inform employees, through meetings and the intranet of matters affecting them. Employees are consulted on a regular basis on a wide range of matters affecting their current and future interests.
Employee Development
The Board places great importance on the development, retention and promotion of staff. It operates a formal appraisal scheme whereby the employee and manager provide each other with performance feedback after commencement of employment and at regular intervals thereafter. At each of these meetings the employee’s personal development plan is reviewed, measurable objectives set for the coming period and training needs identified.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees, irrespective of sex, gender orientation, marital status, creed, colour, race, religious belief, ethnic origin or disability. The Board’s philosophy is that all discrimination on any of the above grounds is abhorrent and it will condone no discrimination whatsoever. The commitment covers recruitment, training, career development, performance appraisal and social interaction both in and outside the workplace. Management continues to monitor its application of this policy, its compliance with legislation and codes of best practice.
Disabled Employees
Full consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons is given where the requirements of the job can be adequately fulfilled by a handicapped or disabled person. Where existing employees become disabled it is the Board’s policy to provide continuing employment under normal terms and conditions and to provide training, career development and promotion to disabled employees wherever appropriate.
Ethical Conduct
We expect our staff to act accordingly to the highest standards of ethical behaviour covering such areas as fraud, conflict of interest and internet abuse. This is reinforced through written policies, the inclusion of an anti-harassment clause in contracts of employment, and the application of disciplinary procedures.
Health and Safety
The maintenance and improvement of working standards to safeguard the health and well being of staff is a continuing priority. This is achieved through a documented health and safety policy, risk assessments, staff training and the appointment of Fire Wardens and First Aiders. We require our company car drivers to comply with the laws on the use of mobile telephones whilst driving, and to abide by clear guidelines contained in the Car Policy Document.
Stakeholders and Suppliers
We believe that long term relationships founded on trust and mutual advantage, are vital to our continued success. To foster these relationships the Board promptly advises stakeholders and suppliers of queries and contested items. We always endeavour to resolve queries through dialogue and adopt a pragmatic approach to their resolution. We are in the process of adopting ISO standards to cover procedures such as dealing with our stakeholders and suppliers fairly. Regular audits of transactions are undertaken and the results of such investigations are discussed with the appropriate parties with a view to continuous improvement of our performance.
