Business Ethics

Reliable Contractors believes that it is important for the organisation and its employees tomaintain high ethical standards in order to preserve our reputation in the marketplace. Good ethics are important to ensure that the organisation meets not only its objectives in afair and equitable manner, but its wider social responsibilities externally. In addition, theorganisation is committed to ensuring high ethical standards within the workplace. The procedure that follows provides general guidance on ethics and refers to other policiesof the organisation where necessary. The procedure will be closely monitored and will bedeveloped as necessary to ensure that it meets the needs of the organisation, its employeesand its stakeholders. Procedure1. All employees are required to adhere to the organisation’s policy and procedure onbusiness ethics. Employees who breach the organisation’s policy on business ethics will besubject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. 2. Employees who are faced with a potential breach of the business ethics code or havedoubts about an ethical choice they are facing should, in the first instance, speak to their linemanager. 3. The organisation has a number of rules relating to conduct which employees are expectedto abide by. Details of these rules other policies relevant to this procedure are available inthe Staff Handbook. 4. The following areas are included in this procedure. However, this list is not exhaustive andwill be developed as required.1. Data protection/Access to employee data.2. Whistleblowing.3. The giving and receiving of gifts.4. Confidentiality.5. Relationships with competitors, suppliers, advertisers, etc.6. Equal opportunities, discrimination and harassment.7. The environment.

Business Ethics Policy

5. The Data Protection Act 2018 requires that eight data protection principles be followed.These data protection principles are set out in the organisation’s Data Protection/Access toEmployee Data policy and all employees are expected to familiarise themselves with itsrequirements. Employees should ensure that they understand how data protection impactson their particular role, in particular with regard to external suppliers and customers.Employees who have any questions on the organisation’s Data Protection/Access toEmployee Data policy should speak to their line manager in the first instance. 6. The organisation encourages a free and open culture in its dealings between its managers,employees and all people with whom it engages in business and legal relations. Theorganisation recognises that effective and honest communication is essential if malpracticeis to be effectively dealt with and the organisation’s success ensured. Employees should referto the organisation’s Whistleblowing policy and procedure which provides guidance toemployees who feel that they need to raise issues relating to the organisation with someonein confidence. 7. The organisation does not believe that the giving and receiving of gifts from suppliers andcustomers is appropriate. In certain circumstances gifts may constitute a bribe. An employeewho receives a gift from a customer or supplier, regardless of its value, must inform his orher manager who will decide whether the gift may be kept by the employee or whether itshould be returned. 8. A confidentiality clause forms part of all employees’ statement of particulars/contracts ofemployment. During the course of employment employees will have access to information ofa confidential and sensitive nature. Employees must not disclose to a third party anyorganisational confidential information, either during their employment or after theiremployment has ended. Confidential information includes information on the organisation’spresent or potential customers or suppliers and any information relating to theorganisation’s business, including marketing, corporate or financial plans. 9. The organisation recognises that work may result in friendships and closer relationshipsdeveloping. Relationships may develop not only with colleagues but suppliers andcustomers. It is natural for relationships to develop in a working environment. While theorganisation has every respect for the privacy of its employees, it asks that all employeesconsider the impact that personal relationships can have on the organisation.

Business Ethics Policy

10. The organisation is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity in the workplace. Itis the organisation’s policy to treat all job applicants and employees fairly and equally,regardless of their sex, trans-gender status, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, maritalstatus, civil partnership status, race, colour, nationality, national origins, ethnic origin ordisability. Employees are required to conduct themselves in a way that promotes equalopportunities at all times. Good practice will be promoted by senior management andemployees will be provided with relevant training. Employees who feel they have beendiscriminated against or suffered harassment should speak to a member of managementimmediately. Further information is available in the organisation’s Equal Opportunities policyand procedure. 11. Employees will not be permitted to undertake business activities or other work where theorganisation considers that this is incompatible with its interests and, in any event, unlessemployees have obtained prior written authorisation from senior management. 12. The organisation is committed to conserving the Earth’s resources and to do what it canto reduce any negative effects it has on the environment. Employees are required to use theorganisation’s equipment and materials wisely and reduce wastage where possible.Employees can play a positive role in helping the environment by recycling all non-confidential waste, using printers and photocopiers with care and switching off electricalequipment which is not in use. Operational employees can contribute to this aim by takingall necessary measures to minimise any disruption including noise pollution, emissions andenvironmental damage caused by their vehicles, themselves and their equipment.

Business Ethics Policy

Brian GreeneManaging Director1st January 2020