Corporate Social Responsibility Statement

Workplace

The Company provides equal opportunities both to job applicants and existing employees, recognising that our reputation depends on the wellbeing, effectiveness and skill base of our employees. The Company is committed to the equal treatment of all employees and promotes the prohibition of discrimination, in areas including equal pay, fair treatment and employment opportunities for a diverse workforce.

The Company offers flexible working arrangements where practicable to help employees achieve a good work/life balance.

The Company provides workplaces of a high standard for the benefit of our employees and customers/clients, with equally high standards of adherence to health and safety requirements.

Environment

With regard to the business’ impact upon the environment, we are committed, amongst other initiatives, to:

• efficient printing, including only printing when absolutely necessary, using recycled materials where possible and turning off printers when not in use;
• reducing the amount of waste produced by the business;
• ensuring that water/electricity is used responsibly by our staff;
• recycling materials as extensively as possible;
• using technology to lessen the need for travel;
• using public transport or electric vehicles wherever possible when travelling is unavoidable;
• appointing an Energy Champion to promote and encourage energy saving measures throughout the business and provide regular updates on progress.

Charitable/community work

Our organisation is keen to support and become involved in community initiatives and charitable work. We do this in the form of sponsorship, donations to national and local charities which may be suggested by our employees, and the funding of community projects. Every suggestion is given due consideration.

Education

We recognise the importance of education in our community and supporting individuals during this process is key to advancement. We actively encourage our employees to take up training courses, often funded by ourselves, and we offer a number of work experience placements in partnership with local schools.

Our employees

Involvement: We keep our employees fully informed of our policies and procedures and we encourage them to share their ideas with us on both internal processes affecting them, and the way our service is provided to customers/clients. We maintain an open and honest approach to all of our communications.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing an environment of equal opportunities for all members of our workforce. No account of any of the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010 shall be taken to a detrimental effect in any decision involving recruitment, promotion, provision of facilities etc. See our (Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Policy and our Equal Opportunities Policy) for more detail in this regard.

Business partnerships

We will strive to engage with local suppliers and businesses where possible to meet the business’ operational needs, in order to support businesses within our area and decrease our carbon footprint.In respect of our entire CSR initiative, we expect no lesser standards from our suppliers and business partners.

Ongoing commitment

We are fully committed to the principle of CSR and aim to ensure that no relevant policy decisions are made within the business, without first evaluating the potential CSR impact.