Group Policies

ETHICS POLICY STATEMENT 

Axis-Shield plc believes that high standards of business ethics are critical in today’s business world and therefore places high priority on compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements, and on the maintenance of high ethical standards, within each of the territories and jurisdictions in which it conducts its business. 

Axis-Shield plc, its Divisions and businesses (“The Group”) commits to conducting itself, and expects all employees to conduct themselves, in an honest, ethical manner in all dealings on its behalf and to behave professionally and with integrity and fairness. The Group applies these same standards to all business dealings with customers, suppliers and stakeholders. 

The Group’s policy is that businesses should compete enthusiastically and fairly in the marketplace and must comply with the relevant competition laws of each country in which it operates. No employee may, either directly or indirectly, offer, solicit, pay or accept a bribe, or other such payment that may be construed as such, in any form. Corporate hospitality may only be offered to or accepted from a third party if it is modest in value and in compliance with any applicable law. Company contributions to political parties, organisations or their representatives are prohibited. All Group employees must maintain the confidentiality of price sensitive and commercial information and not use such information for their personal gain. Reporting of business performance should be undertaken in such a way that reflects the true performance of the business and the risks and opportunities that the business may face. The Group recognises that it is important that all employees feel confident that they may freely and confidentially voice genuine concerns relating to possible business malpractice or breaches in ethical behaviour to the appropriate management level.  Employees are encouraged to make their disclosure(s) to their team leader/manager, or if this matter concerns the team leader/manager, then to the site HR individual.  However, if it is  believed inappropriate to make any disclosure to an employee of the Company, the employee may speak to the senior non-executive director, Bay Green whose contact details are as follows:  Mobile : +44 (0) 7984 558945.  E-mail :   bay@downscourt.com.  In such circumstances the Group will respect the confidential nature of any communication and ensure the protection of any individuals acting in good faith from harassment or victimisation.        

The Board of Directors of Axis-Shield plc is ultimately responsible for this Policy. The Group’s executive management are responsible for ensuring that the Policy is enacted through integration into the Group’s normal management systems; Divisional and business unit management are responsible for implementing and communicating this policy within their own Divisions and business units. Against a background of evolving business and legal requirements each unit is expected to adapt their activities where necessary to comply with applicable laws and regulations and be consistent with maintaining the Group’s high standards of ethics. 

This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis and is published on the Group’s web-site.