Corporate Social Responsibility

Why It Matters To Us

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) covers all aspects of corporate governance. It’s about conducting our business in an ethical way, taking account of our impact economically, socially, environmentally and on human rights. It extends to social partnerships with local communities and other organizations and includes global responsibilities such as protecting the environment as well as our relationship with our staff and customers.

CSR is a form of strategic management that encourages us to scan the horizon and think laterally about how our relationships will contribute to our bottom line, over the long term, in a constantly changing world.

Why does CSR matter?

Because it is something in which we all have a stake. We recognize that our actions today can influence the lives of future generations. It’s about changing the way business is done.

A proactive approach to CSR provides competitive advantage both externally, in terms of our reputation and internally, through employee engagement.

Our CSR Framework

Understanding society - understanding the role of everyone in our society including government, businesses, trade unions,  non-governmental organizations and civil society.

Building capacity - building partnerships with other organizations to create strategic networks and alliances.

Questioning ‘business as usual’ - being open to new ideas, challenging others to adopt new ways of thinking and questioning entrenched attitudes. 

Stakeholder relations - identifying stakeholders, building relationships externally and internally, engaging in consultation and balancing demands.

Strategic view - taking a strategic view of the business environment.

Harnessing diversity - respecting diversity and adjusting our approach to different situations.

How We Implement Corporate Social Responsibility

• By ensuring that the services we provide continue to meet the quality standards specified by ISO9001
• Managing our processes, procedures and product developments in line with the principles of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Treating Customers Fairly initiative
• Ensuring that our communications with customers and employees remain transparent and clear
• Regularly assessing and identifying risk hazards and implementing control measures
• By ensuring that staff receive appropriate induction training that includes their responsibilities as Stakeholders, for Health and Safety
• Increased direct sales activity by building a strong team of direct sales people
• Increased sales of introduced business by growing our broker support team and building new relationships with intermediaries
• Continually increasing the provision of recycling facilities for the disposal of printer cartridges, paper waste and drinks cans
• Reducing our carbon footprint by installing more environmentally friendly heating systems and by ensuring that all electrical equipment is switched off at the end of every working day
• By rewarding staff whose ideas prove successful in reducing our use of resources