1.1 Introduction

Waterscan is the UK’s leading water management consultancy. The success of our business and of the communities within which we operate requires a commitment to the sustainable management of our activities. We have therefore developed a policy that affects and enhances all areas of our business. We wish to adopt and commit to the principles and practices set out below.

1.2 Standards of Business Conduct

We recognise that good CSR embraces all aspects of sustainable development and the way we affect people through our business operations and thus we shall operate in a way that safeguards against unfair business practices. We believe that a responsible approach to developing relationships between companies and the communities they serve, global or local, is a vital part of delivering business success which means that when carrying out our business, in consultation with our customers, we will aim to determine the environmental, social and economic issues, while our contracts will clearly set out the agreed terms, conditions and the basis for our relationship. We will continually review our policies and business practices to encourage engagement with a range of organisations and to promote the development of the regional supply chain.

1.3 Staff / People

We are committed to the well being and continual development of our people and to training our workforce, where employees are appreciated, valued and given regular feedback so that each employee has a clear understanding of their role and how they contribute to the business. We operate a meritocracy, where all employees are recognised and rewarded on the basis of their performance, effort, contribution and achievements. We expect our employees to act with integrity towards one another and exercise a high
standard of business practice and workmanship. We aim to support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights. We support diversity, fairness and equal opportunities and aim to involve and consult regularly with employees as to the direction of the business.

1.4 Customers

We aim to build long term relationships with all our customers and other stakeholders by understanding their objectives as they evolve over time and meeting their needs. We aim to give fair value, consistent quality and reliability. We aim to have the highest professional and ethical standards and will be honest, open and transparent in all our dealings with customers. Our range of contracts will take account of the needs of a diverse customer base.

1.5 Suppliers

We aim to create and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and contractors. We aim to choose suppliers that share our ethos in relation to employment practices, quality and environmental controls. This will be communicated to all suppliers and potential suppliers.

1.6 Health & Safety

We aim to achieve and maintain the highest standards of health and safety and provide a safe and healthy working environment for all our activities. We have a current and effective written health and safety policy that is regularly reviewed and updated.

1.7 Environment

We have implemented an environmental policy appropriate to our business. We are aware of our environmental impact as a business and have taken and continue to take appropriate steps to mitigate that impact, including setting environmental objectives and targets, implementing procedures and providing training so employees and contractors understand their environmental responsibilities and can seek to improve our environmental performance.

1.8 The Community

We recognise and understand the significance of the local community within which we operate. We aim to enhance our contribution to the community by being sensitive to the needs of local people and groups and promoting ethical and socially responsible trading. We actively support and donate to charities/non-profit organisations of importance to our staff, and within our community, where possible.