A) Policy
As a responsible provider of professional services we believe that the long-term future of Croner is best served by respecting the interests of all our stakeholders: employees, partners, clients, suppliers and the wider community. We look actively for opportunities to contribute to the wellbeing of the local community and society as a whole. Our Corporate Social Responsibility policy sets out the principles we follow and the programmes we have developed to focus on the areas where we have significant impact or influence.
B) Principles
1) Basic Standards of Conduct
We will conduct our business with openness and integrity. We will not make promises above those which we reasonably foresee we can deliver. We will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, inducements or other improper advantages for business or financial gain and no employee may offer, seek, give or receive any gift or payment which is, or could be, construed as such. Our Anti-Bribery policy provides more information on our stance in this regard.
2) Respect
The business, and its employees, will work within a robust environment of mutual trust and respect. This includes, but is not limited to, respect for colleagues, contractors, suppliers and clients.
3) Honesty & Accountability
We will communicate our policies, objectives and performance openly and honestly to our employees and to others with an interest in our activities, including clients and suppliers. We will encourage them to communicate with us and will seek their views.
4) Sustainable Progress
We are committed to improving our performance. We will take into account technical developments, changing scientific evidence, costs and client concerns and expectations in the development and implementation of all new social and environmental policies and procedures.
5) Demonstrable Compliance
As a minimum, we will meet or exceed all relevant legislation. Where no legislation exists we will seek to develop and implement our own appropriate standards.
6) Investment in Employees
Our employees are our greatest asset. We strive to be a responsible employer by creating an environment that gives employees the desire and ability to flourish. We place great importance on professional and personal development and we are eager to provide employees with the tools to succeed. We are a meritocracy and are keen to promote from within.
C) Programmes
1) Environment
We will take all reasonable steps to manage our operations so as to minimise our environmental impact and to promote good environmental practice. We will set and follow high standards in energy efficiency and safety. We will continue to promote responsible and sustainable methods of energy efficiency; and review regularly our business practices and performance to identify how we can improve our energy efficiency, minimise packaging and reduce water usage, waste disposal and air emissions.
2) Relationships
We will conduct our business relationships with integrity and courtesy. We are committed to offering our clients the highest possible standards of service. In so doing we are pleased to support the Financial Conduct Authority initiative ‘Treating Customers Fairly’ (TCF). We recognise that both we and our clients have everything to gain if we look after your best interests and treat you fairly in all aspects of our dealings with you. Our aim is to build long-term relationships with our clients and our suppliers.
3) Communities
We will build relationships with our clients, suppliers and the local community and consider our impact on the local community. We support local charities such as LOROS, which provides hospice care in Leicestershire and Rutland. We were proud to support LOROS as an organisation during our submission for the 2018 Times 100 Best Companies Survey, where money was donated by Croner for every survey completed by an employee. For more information visit www.loros.co.uk.
4) Employees
We promote equality and consider the interests of our employees including their welfare, mental health and health & safety. Our ultimate aim is the happiness of our employees through their worthwhile and satisfying employment in a successful business. To support our employees we have invested in an Employee Assistance Programme. The programme supports our employees with dealing with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health and well-being. The support includes assessment, short-term counselling and referral services for employees and their immediate family. We also have an active Social Committee run by our employees for our employees. The group regularly organises: evening social events, yoga classes in our offices, boot camp and 6 a-side football. All events and exercise classes are funded by Croner, which also offers all employees a free breakfast every Monday.
5) Assisting Local Employment
We are committed to recruiting locally and investing in our workforce. One example is the granting of authorisation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to offer solicitor training contracts for the first time – providing invaluable opportunities for our employees to upskill while working for the organisation. We also regularly offer internships and placements to local young people, who may still be in education, and looking to gain valuable work experience. Several individuals who have completed internships or placements within our organisation have been offered permanent employment. In addition to this we offer graduates the opportunity to become Employment Law/ HR Advisors and join our Advisory Teams. At Croner, everyone is paid for the role they have in the team and for their performance in that role. No other factors affect employee remuneration. Croner is an Equal Pay employer - men and women performing equal work receive equal pay.