CSR refers to the alignment of our business operations and values to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders — including investors, customers, employees, communities, and the environment — are embedded within our policies and actions.
Our Commitment
We pledge to:
- Continuously enhance our CSR strategy;
- Encourage our business partners to aim for comparable levels of responsibility;
- Operate in a socially responsible manner;
- Strive for ongoing improvement while complying with all relevant laws;
- Promote environmental awareness among our staff regarding the impact of their activities.
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this policy is to clarify what CSR means to us and outline how we intend to achieve it. This policy applies across the Procurement Service and informs our approach to all activities.
Through this policy, we aim to:
- Act responsibly;
- Set an example of best practice.
Business Conduct Standards
- We recognise that effective CSR includes all aspects of sustainable development and impacts individuals through our operations;
- We will identify which social issues are most relevant to each contract and at what stage in the procurement process they should be considered;
- We will conduct our business to avoid unfair practices;
- We believe building strong relationships between businesses and the communities they serve is crucial for success;
- We will consider environmental, social, and economic factors in consultation with our customers;
- Our contracts will clearly state the terms and the foundation of our relationships;
- We will review our policies and practices regularly to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to strengthen the local supply chain.
Corporate Governance
- We will disclose any personal or corporate conflicts of interest and seek advice before taking action;
- We are committed to operating ethically, professionally, and within the law;
- Full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations is a priority;
- We work to maintain stakeholder confidence through transparent and professional management and decision-making processes, underpinned by ongoing staff training and development;
- All parties we engage with will be treated fairly, openly, and respectfully;
- Competition will be based on quality, value, and integrity;
- We will actively seek feedback on our performance and strive for continuous improvement;
- Customer and vendor feedback will be welcomed, analysed, and acted upon where appropriate;
- An Action Plan will be maintained to support ongoing improvement.
Environment
- We aim to minimise our environmental impact through continuous improvement;
- We collaborate with suppliers to help them reduce their environmental footprint;
- We assess the environmental impact of the main goods we use throughout their lifecycle;
- We inform customers about key environmental considerations to help them make responsible purchasing decisions;
- All paper products used are sourced either from FSC-certified forests or recycled materials — no virgin paper is used across the company.
Human Rights
- We support and respect internationally recognised human rights;
- Suppliers are encouraged to uphold international human rights standards in their operations.
Equality and Diversity
- We strive to eliminate discrimination and promote equality across our supply chain;
- We ensure our customers and suppliers can collaborate confidently and respectfully;
- Our contracts are designed to meet the needs of a diverse customer base.
Sustainability
- A Sustainable Procurement Policy guides all procurement decisions;
- Staff are encouraged to factor sustainability into all purchasing choices;
- We seek to minimise the environmental impact associated with travel to and from our offices.
Community Impact
- We seek to understand and support the needs of local communities through targeted initiatives;
- We aim to build and nurture positive relationships within the local and wider community;
- We promote open communication with local communities for mutual benefit.
Ethics and Fair Trade
- We ensure transparency across our supply chains to track product origins;
- Staff receive training on environmental and social issues affecting supply chains;
- We require suppliers to adhere to workplace standards that align with our company’s values.
Biodiversity
- We encourage sustainable practices in the upkeep of our premises and grounds.
Working with Suppliers
- We work collaboratively with suppliers to achieve our CSR objectives in the supply of goods and services;
- Suppliers are encouraged to implement responsible practices for mutual benefit;
- Each new vendor undergoes a documented environmental and social assessment;
- We are committed to ensuring that labour conditions across our supply chain meet recognised standards;
- Where needed, we will apply procurement pressure to ensure socially responsible practices, including environmental stewardship and fair treatment of workers;
- Tender documents may include sustainability-related questions to reflect our priorities;
- We regularly engage with suppliers to promote environmentally friendly products, encourage waste reduction in packaging and transport, and support initiatives for product recycling, reuse, and recovery at the end of their lifecycle.
