Responsible Partnerships

 

Purpose

This policy outlines our company's commitment to ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainability when engaging with clients. It provides a framework for evaluating and managing relationships with clients whose business activities may have environmental, social, or governance (ESG) implications. Our goal is to ensure that our business operations align with our core values and contribute positively to the global community.

 

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and business partners involved in client acquisition, management, and service delivery. It encompasses all potential and existing clients across all sectors and geographic locations.

 

Policy Statement

We are committed to conducting our business with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and social responsibility. As part of this commitment, we will prioritise working with clients who demonstrate a similar dedication to sustainability and ethical practices. We will actively avoid engagements with clients whose activities conflict with our values or contribute to social or environmental harm.

 

Client Evaluation Criteria

Before entering into or continuing a business relationship, we will assess potential and existing clients against the following criteria:

1. Environmental Impact:

   • Clients must demonstrate a commitment to minimising their environmental footprint through sustainable practices, including reducing carbon emissions, waste management, and resource conservation.

   • We will avoid partnerships with companies involved in significant environmental degradation, such as deforestation, pollution, or unsustainable resource extraction.

2. Human Rights and Labor Practices:

   • Clients must adhere to ethical labor practices, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights.

   • We will not engage with companies involved in human rights violations, child labor, forced labor, or any form of exploitation.

3. Corporate Governance and Ethics:

   • Clients must operate with transparency and accountability, upholding strong corporate governance practices.

   • We will avoid relationships with companies involved in corruption, fraud, or other unethical business practices.

4. Social Impact:

   • Clients should contribute positively to the communities in which they operate, including supporting local economies, engaging in philanthropy, and fostering social inclusion.

   • We will assess the broader social impact of our clients' activities, particularly regarding marginalised or vulnerable populations.

 

Client Engagement and Monitoring

• Due Diligence: A thorough due diligence process will be conducted for all potential clients, including an assessment of their ESG practices and any potential risks associated with their business activities.

• Ongoing Monitoring: We will regularly monitor the activities of our clients to ensure continued alignment with our values. Any significant changes in a client’s operations that conflict with our policy will trigger a re-evaluation of the relationship.

• Decision-Making: Our leadership team will be involved in decisions regarding high-risk clients. Any decision to engage with or discontinue a relationship with a sensitive client will be made in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including our sustainability and ethics committees.

 

Client Communication

We will communicate our expectations and commitments clearly to all clients. We encourage open dialogue and collaboration with clients to help them improve their ESG practices. When necessary, we will provide guidance and support to clients in their efforts to align with our standards.

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Training and Awareness

All employees will receive training on this policy and the importance of social responsibility and sustainability in client relationships. We will also provide ongoing education on emerging issues related to ESG and ethical business practices.

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Accountability and Reporting

We are committed to transparency in our implementation of this policy. We will report on our progress and challenges in our annual sustainability report, including case studies of client relationships and any actions taken in response to violations of this policy.

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Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective. We will seek feedback from employees, clients, and other stakeholders to continuously improve our approach to managing sensitive client relationships.

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Conclusion

Our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability is central to our business strategy and client relationships. By adhering to this policy, we aim to foster partnerships that are not only profitable but also contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.