ESG Policy – Environment, Social and Governance

Introduction
This policy shows our commitment and approach to sustainability which includes both responsible investment and management of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Detailed below are the principles we follow and the practices in place to ensure that we fulfil our commitments.

We include the following factors within the definition of ESG:

Environment
We are committed to minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainability throughout our business. Our baseline carbon footprint has been calculated using the Green House Gas Corporate Standard 2015 and utilised HM Government’s Gas Conversion Factors for Company reporting 2023.

We take account for our climate impact via measurement, reduction, removal and initiative implementation. We measure our scope 1,2 and 3 GHG emissions annually using a third party.  We have set a target for reducing our carbon emissions and will regularly review and report on our progress. We also work with our suppliers encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices.

Initiatives implemented to reduce our emissions include, but are not limited to, adopting renewable energy, waste management control, significant recycling of furniture (3R’s Initiative), wood, dry mixed materials and waste, collaboration with local communities encouraging circular economy, sourcing local suppliers, energy management and monitoring, energy efficiency lighting, telematics, energy efficiency devices adopted and upgrade of LEV systems. Further imperative initiatives will be implemented. 

Social
Health and Safety – we are committed to managing health and safety effectively to protect our employees and other people with whom we interact with. We recognise that we have not only a moral and legal duty but also that our employees are our greatest asset.

Health and Safety – Our Health and Safety Policy Statement sets out our commitment and the objectives we aspire to in managing health and safety. It is signed by the most senior person in our organisation to demonstrate that our commitment is led from the top.  

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – we are committed to providing and maintaining an inclusive environment, free from discrimination for employees, suppliers, customers and community members. We are an equal opportunities employer and operate a zero-tolerance stance to any form of discrimination with regards to race, age, sex, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or disabilities.

Human Rights – we are committed to acting ethically and responsibly and will ensure transparency within the organisation and with suppliers of goods and services to the organisation. These make up the supply chain within Foremost Furniture Ltd.

Working Conditions – A safe and hygienic working environment will be provided, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards. Adequate steps shall be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimising, so far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.

Open-door Policy – We pride ourselves in having an ‘open-door’ policy encouraging our employees to feel comfortable discussing any issues with their supervisors or managers. Employees are safe to share problems, which leads to better retention, productivity and employee wellbeing.

Child Labour – As a responsible organisation, we do not engage in any form of child labour. All measures to prevent child labour will be implemented. We do not employ any person under the age of eighteen and obtain all the necessary documentation to ensure that this is the case.

Freedom of Association – In accordance with Article 11 of the Human Rights Act, “Right to freedom of assembly and association” we acknowledge and respect the right to freedom of association with others. Although Foremost Furniture Ltd does not have any Collective Agreements currently in place that directly affect employee’s or worker’s terms and conditions of employment, we acknowledge that Individuals are free to join associations of their own choosing. We shall not interfere with individuals who wish to lawfully and peacefully associate, organise or bargain collectively.

GDPR – We are committed not only to the letter of the law, but also to the spirit of the law and place high importance on the correct, lawful, and fair handling of all personal data, respecting the legal rights, privacy and trust of all individuals with whom we deal with. 

Training and Development – The company recognises that its most important resource is its employees and is therefore committed to the training and development of its entire workforce with a view to them gaining the necessary skills to reach their full potential. This will assist the company to achieve its aims and objectives.

Each employee will be trained to carry out their role effectively and special attention will be given to the training of new employees and employees who have been transferred to or from other roles.

Knowledge and skills will be updated by further training as the needs of individuals are identified or a specific training requirement has become evident because of new technology or major changes within the business. Training will be conducted using both internal training facilities and external training providers.

Records of training will be maintained; the effectiveness of the training will be reviewed, and the benefits derived from training will be evaluated.

Occupational Health – The health and wellbeing of our employees is a core value of Foremost Furniture Ltd, and the provision of occupational health is a key aspect of the company policy. To this end, we employ the services of an external occupational health advisor.

We are required by law to protect the physical and mental health of our employees whilst carrying out our business activities. Our risk assessments will help us to decide what actions we need to take to do this. Should a significant risk be identified, employees affected will be advised of the measures that will be taken to safeguard their health. If this requires any additional training, health screening or medical advice then this will be implemented. 

Core Values – Core values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide all our company’s actions. The core values we recognise, but are not limited to are Integrity, customer service, high quality, market focus, innovation, partnership, teamwork, enthusiasm, reward driven, passion, sustainability and profitability.

Mental Health – We believe that our employees are our most valuable resources and that their wellbeing is vital to effective performance at work and the continued provision of high-quality services. To this end the company is committed to providing, maintaining and promoting a healthy and supportive work environment. 

Local Communities – We use local companies in the first instance and where appropriate, liaise with local farmers to provide them with our waste wood by product, support local charities and community groups through fundraising, sponsorship and donations.

Governance
We are committed to upholding ethical business practices. Our employees and stakeholders are expected to adhere to our high standards with regards to integrity, honesty and fairness.

Governance factors examine how we police ourselves, focusing on internal controls and practices to maintain compliance with regulations, industry best practices and corporate policies.

Examples include the following: company leadership and management, board composition, executive compensation policies, financial transparency, business integrity, risk management, fair competition, responsible marketing, ethical business practices, policies on corruption, bribery, conflicts of interest and whistleblowing.

We encourage a culture of transparency and accountability, and encourage employees and stakeholders to report any concerns, including ethical behaviour without fear of reprisal.

Policy Compliance and Review
The managing director has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations, reviewing and updating its contents to ensure that it remains effective and is responsible for investigating any potential breaches.

Additional documentation is available to view at https://foremost-furniture.co.uk/policies/ or upon request.