Social Policy
Guiding Principle
We endeavor to make a net positive impact on our local and global societies and communities.
Language
Many issues within this policy are contentious. Words used can mean different things to different individuals. The following clarifies our meaning with particular words.
Net Positive
We may, through unplanned or unavoidable actions, cause some social harm. While every effort is made to avoid such harm, social benefits we create should exceed these to create a net positive impact.
Local and Global
We acknowledge and embrace the global nature of modern society and seek to avoid selective application of our policy to either our locality or a distant one.
Societies and Communities
Groups of individuals form societies and communities. These groups and individuals are the focus of this policy. We include non-human groups in this.
Relationships to Other Entities
This policy frequently includes the relationships we hold with other companies, individuals or other entities. In these cases it should be taken as read that:
- We expect those entities we enter relationships with to meet our ethical standards.
- We endeavor to ensure all our information about another entity is current and correct.
- In the case that it is shown to be old information, we will respond to the new information as a priority.
- In the case where an urgent business decision is required, we may enter into a relationship prior to full investigation of all points of this policy. Such investigation would be finalised as a priority.
Policy Principles
Human Rights
We will never compromise the rights of another human being as laid out by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights while conducting business.
Animal Rights
We will never exploit another animal where there is ample evidence that many animal species are capable of feeling. The following list of practices (not exhaustive) will be avoided:
- animal testing of cosmetic or household products or ingredients
- intensive farming methods, for example, caged egg production
- blood sports, which involve the use of animals or birds to catch, fight or kill each other
- the fur trade
Business Exploiting or Harmful to Human Life
We will never engage in any relationship with an entity involved in any stage of the supply chain of the following types of product or service:
- Weapons
- Military
- Cigarettes
- Alcohol
- Pornography
- Gambling
Social Engagement
We are part of local, regional, national and global communities. Where our activities have an impact a community, we endeavor to ensure the impact is positive or limited if negative. We respond to the requests and interests of our communities.
Privacy & Data
Where we hold information relating to any related entity, that information is held safely and securely. Personal information is never sold. We comply to with the details and principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Transparency
We aim to exceed legal requirements for openness and transparency. All information should be available to any member of the community. Where information is deemed sensitive in the short run (up to 3 months), that information shall be released at the latest 3 months after it's discovery. In all other cases, information should be released as soon as possible. Information can include:
- Objectives, goals, strategies, policies
- Minutes of meetings
- Key decisions
Information excludes that covered by the privacy and data principle.
Marketing
We will not market or sell products to anyone below the age of 16.
Opinions
We endeavor to limit our public opinions to the following central issues. Where an issues falls outside this list or is not clearly related, we avoid a public opinion. In particular we avoid political, religious, sexual-orientation-related, age-related, gender-related opinions for the reason that such opinions are irrelevant to the core aims of the company.
- Sustainability
- Ethical Business
- Environmental Impact
- Community Engagement
