Waterstons Ltd Corporate Social Responsibility policy

Our values:

• Trust, integrity and transparency in our relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and the community will be pursued at all times.
• We shall be open and honest in our communications.
• We recognise that we must align our business values and operations to meet the expectations of our employees, customers, suppliers and the community.
• We take all feedback seriously and will maintain open and trusting relationships to ensure that we fulfil the requirements outlined within this policy.

Our focus:

People

• The company will pursue a policy of empowerment and trust and encourage employee participation at all times.
• We will continue to value diversity and will take reasonable steps to ensure that employees are not subject to unfair discrimination as defined in our Equality & Diversity policy.
• Our contracts will clearly set out the agreed terms, conditions and the basis of our relationship with customers.
• We will register and resolve complaints in accordance with our quality procedures, with sensitivity and in the best interests of all parties.
• The company will be a responsible employer and endeavour to ensure a secure future by pursuing a high level of business performance and effectively managing risk.
• We will offer our employees clear and fair terms of employment and provide resources and support to enable their continued development and personal growth.
• Our systems of remuneration and reward will directly reflect the performance, growth and contribution of each individual.
• Our graduate recruitment procedures will ensure that all candidates receive feedback to assist with their own personal development regardless of whether or not they are offered employment.
• We will uphold good practices to ensure our people’s health and well-being at all times. 
  

Community

• The company is committed to retaining and developing talent within the North East to aid the economic growth of the region.
• We shall seek dialogue with local charitable organisations and good causes and where appropriate provide support in the form of IT services and/or financial donations.
• The company will allow our employees time and resources to help local community organisations and charitable activities in our region.
• We will operate in a way which safeguards against unfair business practices.
• We shall through good example encourage suppliers and contractors to adopt responsible business policies and practices.

Environment

• The company is committed to ensuring it minimises its impact on the environment.
• We accept that our social, economic and environmental responsibilities are integral to our business. We will demonstrate these responsibilities through our actions and reflect them in our company policies.
• The company is committed to improving our environmental performance through adherence to our environmental policy and continued education of our employees. 
• Through effective partnerships, we shall continue our initiatives on recycling, education and environmental improvement within the wider community.
• We will provide an open forum for our people to discuss environmental issues and implement those which will have a positive impact on the business and environment.
• We shall provide, and maintain, a clean, healthy and safe working environment for all employees.
• We are committed to achieving and maintaining ISO 14001 certification.

Conformance:

• The Board of Directors are responsible for the implementation of this policy and will make the necessary resources available to realise our corporate responsibilities.
• The responsibility for our conformance to this policy rests with all employees throughout the company.

Tuesday, 27th April 2010