We continue to build a culture where our people are empowered to make the right decisions and know where to go to seek help or guidance.
The Code sets out the values and standards of behaviour expected from all those working for or on behalf of Avon Rubber and the current version is available on the Group’s website. The Code requires all representatives of the Group comply with the laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. We understand that implementing this Code across all the markets we do business in can be challenging given the potentially complex differences. We therefore assess and manage any risks and the processes behind these to ensure we maintain the highest ethical standards. The Code also contains guidance on avoiding conflicts of interest, confidentiality, adherence to export controls, our approach to gifts and hospitality, bribery and corruption and managing relationships with third parties. We encourage everyone to report any behaviour, which may be a breach of the Code, or is unethical or illegal through our confidential 'Speak Up' system.
We have implemented effective systems to uphold our zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. As part of our commitment to this, we have created a new Supplier Code of Conduct, that sets out our expectations and reflects our own Groupwide standards. To ensure we only work with third parties whose standards are consistent with our own, all agents and third parties who act on behalf of the Group are obliged by written agreement to comply with the standards set out in the Code. In addition, a programme of supplier audits exists to ensure suppliers adhere to our standards.
We are fully committed to respecting the human rights of all those working with or for us. We do not accept any form of child or forced labour and we will not do business with anyone who fails to uphold these standards. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are committed to acting with integrity in all business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective measures to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in the business or its supply chains. Our Modern Slavery Act statement is available on our website for further details.
We are committed to increasing the number of women in senior executive positions by developing our recruitment processes and retaining more women within the Company. A formal Board Diversity Policy is in place, a copy of which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our website.
We are committed to providing an environment where all employees have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Having carried out an Employee Opinion Survey, improving career progression opportunities was identified as an area in need of additional focus. Since this, the Group have worked closely with the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) in order to help examine the career pathways at Avon Rubber. This will help us to achieve our goal of improving career progression opportunities for everyone.
As part of addressing the recommendations from the UWE project, a women’s network has been launched with the aim of increasing the number of women in senior leadership and to ensure that all women at Avon Rubber thrive. The initiative has been launched as a Yammer community with a steering group consisting of women in management roles, who have been setting out the goals of the group and the corresponding activities.
We will continue our proactive approach, striving towards a supportive and positive work environment across all our sites. We will continue to train and roll out our ‘Respectful Workplace’ Policy to all employees. We are constantly looking at reviewing and updating our policies. Next year we will be reviewing our approach to diversity and updating our diversity policy accordingly.