Responsible business

Being a responsible business is an important part of how we work. 

We use our skills and resources to make a positive difference for our clients, our people and the wider community. This includes fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace, supporting local communities and taking practical steps to cut waste. From volunteering and pro bono work to mentoring and fundraising, responsibility is part of our everyday approach.

Responsible procurement

We look for suppliers who meet our high standards for expertise and service, and who also share our values around sustainability, inclusion, and ethical business. Our procurement process considers a range of factors, including:

• Information security: We require suppliers to demonstrate robust measures to keep both physical and digital information secure and confidential.
• Legal compliance: Suppliers must comply with all relevant legislation, including modern slavery and anti-corruption laws.
• Inclusion and diversity: We favour suppliers who operate inclusively and can evidence their approach, such as participation in the Social Mobility Foundation Employer Index or the Disability Confident scheme. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are happy to support our partners in developing their own inclusive practices.
• Fair pay: We prioritise suppliers who are signatories to national fair wage schemes, such as the Real Living Wage, to help promote social mobility and fair working conditions.
• Sustainability: We assess whether suppliers have a clear approach to sustainability, such as a carbon or biodiversity management plan, or a commitment to the circular economy. We look for opportunities to collaborate on reducing environmental impact.

We take several steps to ensure sustainable procurement, including appropriate and reasonable provisions in our contracts to capture our expectations around sustainability, inclusion, and ethical conduct. We regularly review our supplier relationships to ensure they remain aligned with our values and goals.